Book review - Lessons In 9 Ball

8

8ballEinstein

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Back in March I was visiting this forum when our own Blackjack (David Sapolis) put out a trivia question concerning Jennifer Chen. I immediately replied with the correct answer. For this I won a copy of Sir Blackjack's book, Lessons In 9 Ball. It took some time but I finally finished reading it (not that it was long-winded; I was terribly busy). So now, here I am, ready to report to our favorite forum, what I thought about this book.

First off, what are my qualifications as a book reviewer?

I've been around the game for 28 years. I shoot at a "B+" level, but hey, I was an "A" player when I was younger. I play in many regional tournaments throughout California, though I rarely place very high. I've gone on the road a few times, not as the main player but as the guy who provides transportation and moral support for some sharpshooter.

On the downside, I don't read many books on pool instruction. I can only think of 4 that I've read, cover to cover. Heck, I even know Jack Koehler and Phil Cappelle personally and I haven't read their books completely, yet.

With all that in mind, here we go. (This will be broken up in a couple of posts. But be patient. My typing is rather slow)
 
8ballEinstein said:
Back in March I was visiting this forum when our own Blackjack (David Sapolis) put out a trivia question concerning Jennifer Chen. I immediately replied with the correct answer. For this I won a copy of Sir Blackjack's book, Lessons In 9 Ball. It took some time but I finally finished reading it (not that it was long-winded; I was terribly busy). So now, here I am, ready to report to our favorite forum, what I thought about this book.

First off, what are my qualifications as a book reviewer?

I've been around the game for 28 years. I shoot at a "B+" level, but hey, I was an "A" player when I was younger. I play in many regional tournaments throughout California, though I rarely place very high. I've gone on the road a few times, not as the main player but as the guy who provides transportation and moral support for some sharpshooter.

On the downside, I don't read many books on pool instruction. I can only think of 4 that I've read, cover to cover. Heck, I even know Jack Koehler and Phil Cappelle personally and I haven't read their books completely, yet.

With all that in mind, here we go. (This will be broken up in a couple of posts. But be patient. My typing is rather slow)
Click to expand...

ok, It's been 13 minutes... are you done yet...
 
Lessons In 9 Ball by David Sapolis

After a brief dedication and introduction, Sir Blackjack starts out with the most important shot in the game, the break. There was a lot of good advise here but I was stunned to see that he recommends moving only your shooting arm while breaking - even though he mentions how Francisco Bustamante and Johnny Archer get real good results from their breaking styles. Even the person he dedicates the book to, Tony Ellin, put much more than just his shooting arm into the break; more like his whole mass. But David's point is well taken, don't sacrifice accuracy for power.

The next 3 sub sections I really liked and haven't seen in any other book (keeping in mind that I don't read many books) -
10 Bad Habits
10 Good Habits and
Achieving Dead Stroke

The Training Cycles section had a practice and competition schedule I thought was pretty heady. As part of your monthly regimen, how 'bout 15 days of practice, two days competing in a local touney and two more days at a regional event. The rest of the month is devoted to planning and evaluation. This isn't for guys (or gals) just looking to fool around!!
 
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Lessons In 9 Ball by David Sapolis

After a few pages of the mental aspects of the game, David has a chapter called Gone Fishin' where he says that he doesn't believe in gambling (though he used to). Then he goes on to explain how to do it good! He lists several characters you're likely to see in an "action" room. Of course I was familiar with most of them but I had a hard time identifying myself from that list. I think I'm part "Railbird" and part "Crybaby" (just kidding...kinda).

If you're looking for some challenging drills, this book has some of the best I've ever seen. The discussion on safeties was to my liking, but to make the book more complete, I would've like to have seen something on the kick shot.

There were a few shots that were diagrammed incorrectly. By now, I'm sure Blackjack is aware of them and they would be obvious to the seasoned reader. The only other criticism I have is that there were no page numbers that someone could use for reference.

So would I recommend this book to those of you looking to absorb some good pool knowledge? You bet'cha. It would likely be most beneficial to those at or near the "A" level of play (and who aren't just fooling around). Well worth the read.

David provided me with the following info-
The book is available in e-book download ($12.50, hardcover ($34.99) and spiral bound ($29.99) at the following link -

http://stores.lulu.com/blkjackds12
 
8ballEinstein said:
I realize you're at the edge of your seat, but when I said I was slow, I wasn't kidding!
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LOL, I am mesmerized... actually I am think of learning from him. I like his style.

Dwight
 
BigDogatLarge said:
LOL, I am mesmerized... actually I am think of learning from him. I like his style.

Dwight
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I don't know Blackjack at all but from what I've heard, and now read, I think he may well be an excellent teacher. We may ask you to do a review of his teaching methods!
 
8ballEinstein said:
I don't know Blackjack at all but from what I've heard, and now read, I think he may well be an excellent teacher. We may ask you to do a review of his teaching methods!
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I am working on a project for him and while he is in town I plan on getting his two hour lesson and then I will go down to his neck of the woods for more of the same. I will let you all know how it goes.

Dwight
 
I should also mention that with all the experience I have being around the game as described in my opening post, I learned a lot from this book. My interest was peaked several times since I had read things I never read before. Most things made sense to me and others needed to be tried out. Hope this helps out.

(Whew, that was a lot of work!!!)
 
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8ballEinstein said:
I should also mention that with all the experience I have being around the game as described in my opening post, I learned a lot from this book. My interest was peaked several times since I had read things I never read before. Most things made sense to me and others needed to be tried out. Hope this helps out.
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Thanks, I look forward to learning more about the game. What part of the world do you live in and can you visit Blackjack and get some instruction?

Dwight
 
BigDogatLarge said:
Thanks, I look forward to learning more about the game. What part of the world do you live in and can you visit Blackjack and get some instruction?

Dwight
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I'm in California. As far as visting Blackjack, that would be pretty hard. Apparently I missed him when he lived in El Paso. I was passing through just after he moved out of town.

As for getting any instruction from him or anyone else, it would be like teaching an old dog new tricks. All that's left for me is to be put out to stud.:D
 
8ballEinstein said:
I'm in California. As far as visting Blackjack, that would be pretty hard. Apparently I missed him when he lived in El Paso. I was passing through just after he moved out of town.

As for getting any instruction from him or anyone else, it would be like teaching an old dog new tricks. All that's left for me is to be put out to stud.:D
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LOL, That sounds like fun... being put out to stud, I mean.

I am 57 and have custom fitted contact lenses and my eye hand coordination is still very good. I can play well, but the consistency isn't there. I think I need to learn a few new tricks to bring my game to where it is when I am playing well. I have played most of my life as a banger. In the last 4 years I have been bitten by the bug and I am ahead of the curve for the time spent. I want to move to the next level. I think a good instructor will make that happen. I have been looking at all the ones out there and I think Blackjack fits me the best. I just want to be the best I can be, for me. It is about the balls and table, not who holds the other stick. IMO


Dwight
 
What is the ISBN for your book? Can I order it from your publisher?

I work at Barnes and Noble and I try to get at least one copy of all new pool books in my store.
 
8ballEinstein said:
After a brief dedication and introduction, Sir Blackjack starts out with the most important shot in the game, the break. There was a lot of good advise here but I was stunned to see that he recommends moving only your shooting arm while breaking - even though he mentions how Francisco Bustamante and Johnny Archer get real good results from their breaking styles. Even the person he dedicates the book to, Tony Ellin, put much more than just his shooting arm into the break; more like his whole mass. But David's point is well taken, don't sacrifice accuracy for power.
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I don`t think that iz the best breaking advise either. Not if U want 2 power break. Accuracy iz king, but U need power 2.

If U wached Blackjack's video, he don`t have a good power break N he plays near or below UR level Ernie, so take the advice in perspective :o :wink:

Brian
 
I bought the download-version.

First I had some problems with downloading it, but thanks to some quick replies from BlackJack it worked out fine.

I haven't read the whole book, but parts from it, and I am really satisfied with the book.

I just wish I had not bought the download-version, but one in print...
 
APA7 said:
I don`t think that iz the best breaking advise either. Not if U want 2 power break. Accuracy iz king, but U need power 2.

If U wached Blackjack's video, he don`t have a good power break N he plays near or below UR level Ernie, so take the advice in perspective :o :wink:

Brian
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I actually don't have any quarrel with this advise since I did the same thing 20 years ago. But then I "evolved" into throwing my body into the break, all the while trying to keep control of snowy.

I'm sure David's point is that many beginning and intermediate players start out imitating Francisco Bustamante as soon as they can, without regard to accuracy.
 
Brian...What is the purpose of your moronic post here? Blackjack David Sapolis is an excellent instructor, and has many years of experience as a player, that add to his ability to teach well. There are a TON of top players out there who cannot teach a lick. David's advice of using just the normal swing, to break with, is spot on. It's the weight of the cue and the timing of the swing, that creates the perfect break. The cuetip is in contact with the CB for 1/1000th of a second. After it leaves the tip, NOTHING that anybody does (body movement, etc) can affect the outcome. If you're moving your body prior to striking the CB, you better have absolutely perfect timing... because all that will do (for 99% of players) is make it more difficult to contact the CB accurately. Your comments that Blackjack isn't a top pro have absolutely ZERO bearing on his ability as a qualifed instructor.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

APA7 said:
I don`t think that iz the best breaking advise either. Not if U want 2 power break. Accuracy iz king, but U need power 2.

If U wached Blackjack's video, he don`t have a good power break N he plays near or below UR level Ernie, so take the advice in perspective :o :wink:

Brian
Click to expand...
 
Scott Lee said:
Brian...What is the purpose of your moronic post here? Blackjack David Sapolis is an excellent instructor, and has many years of experience as a player, that add to his ability to teach well. There are a TON of top players out there who cannot teach a lick. David's advice of using just the normal swing, to break with, is spot on. It's the weight of the cue and the timing of the swing, that creates the perfect break. The cuetip is in contact with the CB for 1/1000th of a second. After it leaves the tip, NOTHING that anybody does (body movement, etc) can affect the outcome. If you're moving your body prior to striking the CB, you better have absolutely perfect timing... because all that will do (for 99% of players) is make it more difficult to contact the CB accurately. Your comments that Blackjack isn't a top pro have absolutely ZERO bearing on his ability as a qualifed instructor.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
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Whoa, Scott! I don't think Brian was questioning Blackjacks' teaching ability. He was commenting on one facet many would find controversial. As you know, 99% of us put a lot of complex motions into our breaks. For many, it is detrimental to their game, no doubt about it.

My take upon reading this part of the book was that many readers will see this as misguided, initially. Blackjack goes on to defend this style of breaking with many good reasons. My post was not meant as a knock on Blackjacks work in this area.
 
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