Instructors in the New England (Boston) area?

[LHP5]

Hey guys,

So I know this type of thread has been posted before, but who do you all recommend in the New England (primarily Boston) area? PBIA has a few listed and I’m finally trying to get lessons.

People around me have mentioned Roy Pastor and he seems to be a good guy when I talked to him. I’m around that middle Fargo 550 but I really don’t have a rating established (robustness of 36). I took about 6-7 years off and want to get back to it. I was an APA 7 and 8 and want to actually now improve. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[nataddrho]

Joe Tucker is a world class pool instructor. He lives near Providence, an hour and a half from Boston.
Mazin Shooni is in Malden if three cushion is your thing. He is an excellent resource and sought after.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... People around me have mentioned Roy Pastor and he seems to be a good guy when I talked to him. ...

Roy Pastor is a Master level PBIA instructor. He has trained many of the top US junior players. He has also trained many instructors, specializing in video instruction. He received the Jerry Briesath Instructor of the Year award a couple of years ago.

 

[wilichichi]

Roy Pastor is a great guy and great instructor.

 

[Rethunk]

Roy Pastor is definitely someone to meet. He and I played in the same snooker league back in my pre-parenthood days. Roy's home room was and may still be The Billiards Cafe in Ayer. There's parking behind the Cafe (which is on the second floor of the building), and a commuter rail station a very short walk away. Be sure to check the weekend schedule because the Cafe has regular events, sometimes including private parties.

Mazin Shooni gives good, efficient lessons. Even if you haven't played 3-cushion, take a 3-cushion lesson from him. I was in his room this past week, but Mazin was away on tour. His room has a 12' snooker table, four or five carom tables, and a goodly number of pool tables. A classic pool hall.

Ron Tocci, Sr. in New Hampshire may no longer give lessons, but if he shows up in a pool hall and happens to see you playing, he might make some comments. His sons Paul and Ron Jr. are both pool players. The last I knew, Paul got serious about playing in regional tournaments again. Paul and possibly Ron Jr. may still be playing in the weekly leagues at Maxamillians in Tyngsboro.