Just got 99 Critical Shots of Pool

recanizegame

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I must say, this book is one of the best I have seen. It isn't like most that

only shows you one principal of shooting a shot it will offer 2 to 3 more

diagrams of playing the shot off the long rail to short rail showing contacts

for reverse and running english. It will take a simple cut shot and just

massively disect the shot. I have a hard time improving because of the small

town I live in and playing alone 90 percent of the time, but I have no doubt

by mastering this book I have a clear cut definition for position play, and a

killer stroke. This book really excites me and I can't wait to open it time and

time again after work. The shots are so practical its amazing, he really laid it

out in this book. I know it is basic to most, but to me it really puts a feel into

the game I need. I only play 8 footers and bar boxes and can run out if the

balls are open most of the time and can string racks together from time to

time no more than 3 on a barbox, if this puts anything into perspective for

people unknown to this book. I just plain sucked at position play and just fired balls in.
 
It is a great Book! Read it many times and still refer to it from time to time. Decent straight pool section and it taught me hands down how to nail a spot shot almost every time.
 
Agreed

My husband and I both have long felt that this was one of the best pool books we owned. Unfortunately we loaned it out and never got it back. :(
 
Tom In Cincy said:
IMO this book should be 'required reading' for any pool player wanting to become better than average.


I totally agree. The book isn't full of a bunch of abstract theories or long drawn out explanations. It gives you the diagram and a paragraph about what can be expected from this shot. I simply love that approach. Another helpful feature is how he notes in the explanation to other shots in the book that relate to each other and it allows you to really master that aspect of the shot.
 
Super book. I still refer to it when I come across a shot that makes me wonder if I played it correctly.
 
That book was my first book about pool, Its a great book and yes everyone should read it!!

Mr. Martin who does read here often and posts some is a great man, I had the pleasure of speaking to him. I also own his cue from many years ago, it hits so good I dont know if it was him or the cue.;) Just kidding but it is a great Gus Szam, that Gus made specifically for Ray. 2 great ledgends.

There is a video somewhere online of him doing a straight pool class where he runs about 100 and talks the whole time about whats he is doing, the video quailty isnt so good, but its still a great video.
 
99

I read it quite some time ago and really liked it as well. It had several shots that I now use quite often. I was jut thinking the other day I should re-read it...I think I will.
 
Fatboy said:
That book was my first book about pool, Its a great book and yes everyone should read it!!

Mr. Martin who does read here often and posts some is a great man, I had the pleasure of speaking to him. I also own his cue from many years ago, it hits so good I dont know if it was him or the cue.;) Just kidding but it is a great Gus Szam, that Gus made specifically for Ray. 2 great ledgends.

There is a video somewhere online of him doing a straight pool class where he runs about 100 and talks the whole time about whats he is doing, the video quailty isnt so good, but its still a great video.

Google is our friend. http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-8294808311951707336&ei=X71jSYOsIIOorwKv76n3Cw&q=ray+martin+pool&hl=en
 
i think I will re-read it as well. Ray Martin lives around here, he is always coming out to check out the big tournaments around. Last weekend he played in a monthly tournament at Hammer Heads.

I think still gives discounts to APA members for lessons.
 
I have actually been thinking about getting this book for a while now. I think I will be ordering this book in the very near future! Thanks for all the comments!
 
By far one of the best books out there. This is the first book i ever bought about pool and still have it today. Highly recommended.
 
I found that book over 20 years ago, I learned about the throw shot and I am amazed how many good players have no idea how a throw shot works.:confused:
 
It's a great book. I bought it when it first came out. If one learns how to make those 99 shots, he/she will very rarely get in trouble. I might get another copy, as I gave away or sold 90% of my pool stuff when I thought I'd never play again. But it was fun buying new stuff.

What poolroom does Ray Martin hang out now? I'd like to get him to sign a new copy. Johnnyt
 
This book and Mastering Pool by George Fels, who also posts here, were the books that first really started to improve my game. For me, they were equally illuminating.
 
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