Good Straight Pool Books?

HaroldWilson

HaroldWilson

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I am trying to learn straight pool for the challenge and also because I would like a satisfying game I can practice alone and set targets for myself.

I am currently looking at the best book to learn from, something with technique and also good insights and possibly a few stories. Anyway, this is one book I am thinking about buying 'Play Your Best Straight Pool' by Philip B. Capelle

Has anyone read it or can suggest others?

Cheers
 
Ray Martin's 99 shots book is really a great book for a pure approach. a baseline to get you into the right mode of dealing with the rack and maneuvering. The Capelle book is great for just nudging you in the right direction regarding strategy etc. You should be good to go.

Good luck,

Lesh
 
The Straight Pool Bible is excellent. Cranfield and Moy

Play Better Straight Pool. Steve Mizerak
 
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Lesh said:
Ray Martin's 99 shots book is really a great book for a pure approach. a baseline to get you into the right mode of dealing with the rack and maneuvering. The Capelle book is great for just nudging you in the right direction regarding strategy etc. You should be good to go.

Good luck,

Lesh
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thanks just bought the Ray Martin Book on Ebay and will get the Capelle book once I have finished it. Cheers :-)
 
i remember someone in the forum had posted a video of a high run with his own comentary. I could not find it, if someone has it, that would be nice!
 
HaroldWilson said:
I am trying to learn straight pool for the challenge and also because I would like a satisfying game I can practice alone and set targets for myself.

I am currently looking at the best book to learn from, something with technique and also good insights and possibly a few stories. Anyway, this is one book I am thinking about buying 'Play Your Best Straight Pool' by Philip B. Capelle

Has anyone read it or can suggest others?

Cheers
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Accu stats had a series a while back during a 14.1 invitational where any match that had a 100+ ball run, was then set to a commentary with that player and Danny DiLiberto. I have the John Schmidt (169 ball run) and Thorsten (147 ball run) dvd and they are EXCEPTIONAL in the instruction, mindset and insight contained within.

I would recommend those with any of the books above...especially

https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Pool-Bible-Instruction-Cranfield/dp/158574025X

By one of the best in history, Syracuse own Babe Cranfield.
 
HaroldWilson said:
I am trying to learn straight pool for the challenge and also because I would like a satisfying game I can practice alone and set targets for myself.

I am currently looking at the best book to learn from, something with technique and also good insights and possibly a few stories. Anyway, this is one book I am thinking about buying 'Play Your Best Straight Pool' by Philip B. Capelle

Has anyone read it or can suggest others?

Cheers
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In the past 2 years, I have really dug into 14.1. I find it to be the most rewarding game of pool because you are credited with everything you accomplish during the game (unlike rotation or 8-ball where one ball determines the winner). All books mentioned in previous posts are excellent reads to better understand the game. However I have found that watching matches on YouTube have provided me with the knowledge that no book can provide. Watching how the pros handle various layouts and game situations is the type of education that can really accelerate your game. Cue ball management is a completely different animal in this game. Good fundamentals is a must. Learning to come up with a game plan of attack is so different than rotation games because the game is not dictating what ball must be shot next. It sounds simple, but many good rotation players get lost in 14.1.

The biggest problem with straight pool is not many people play it, or want to take the time to understand it. But it seems that more professionals are migrating to it. I will be attending the American 14.1 Championship in Virginia next month and the current roster of players is strong.

Enjoy the learning experience.
 
Got the Capelle book for Christmas last year and love it! I like the way the book is organized, and I can't think of anything he didn't discuss. I noticed an improvement in my 14.1 game immediately. Highly recommend it.
 
HaroldWilson said:
I am trying to learn straight pool for the challenge and also because I would like a satisfying game I can practice alone and set targets for myself.

I am currently looking at the best book to learn from, something with technique and also good insights and possibly a few stories. Anyway, this is one book I am thinking about buying 'Play Your Best Straight Pool' by Philip B. Capelle

Has anyone read it or can suggest others?

Cheers
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Let me strongly second nataddrho's recommendation above.

Fels' Mastering Pool has sections dealing with several games besides Strait Pool.

Though all the books and other info are valuable, I advise you to use the Fels
instruction first. He starts at step one for a beginner, and takes you to the point
where you should be able to run several racks. All in a clear, easy to understand manner.

Dale
 
Cardigan Kid said:
Accu stats had a series a while back during a 14.1 invitational where any match that had a 100+ ball run, was then set to a commentary with that player and Danny DiLiberto. I have the John Schmidt (169 ball run) and Thorsten (147 ball run) dvd and they are EXCEPTIONAL in the instruction, mindset and insight contained within.
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Do you happen to know where we can find them?

Thankks
 
Capelle's "Break Shot Patterns" is a good resource for someone learning how to finish out racks.

John Schmidt recently put up a 366 ball run on YouTube with commentary that is chockload of good advice.

Finally, search through the 14.1 forum for tips. It used to be more active in the past, but good information is still there.
 
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Island Drive said:
Position Play for High Runs....
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This book from Johnny Holiday published back in 1975 subtitled "Secrets of a Professional" is an interesting read and would be a prize in your 14.1 library for sure.

He had a follow up book two years later published in 1977 called Encyclopedia of Pocket Billiards - The Science of High Runs and falls into that excellent category as well.

Both are somewhat tougher to find but may be worthy pursuits and great companions for your library.

The two Phil Capelle books are absolutely must have and deserve places 1 and 2 on your list. You will use each as workbooks I willing to wager :-)

Best of rolls in 14.1 to you......

K.


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