While it can't be denied that there is some luck involved in playing a good game of pool, it's mostly about skill, with a dose of science and logic thrown in the mix. Sure, there'll be that time when you hit a shot that not only shocks you, but shocks your fellow players. You'll wonder how the heck you managed to get those two object balls into that one little pocket. If it wasn't intentional, it had to be luck. That's definitely possible, but most players that know their skill level will make those kinds of shots on purpose and not by a fluke. Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of expertise?

Both pros and amateurs alike will tell you that they've experienced the phenomenon of missing what seems to be an easy shot right after a great shot that leaves people wide-eyed and full of admiration. Your adrenaline starts to pump, the ego flares, and boom — your next shot is a total failure. Is this a question of being lucky or unlucky?

It's not about luck at all; it's about understanding the psychology of the skill. Experts will tell you that the best way to make a second great shot after the first is to take a small pause between shots to regain your composure, even take a sip of water or walk around the table. If you try to match that first shot with all that pumping adrenaline, you're liable to lose your concentration and you might miss the next shot altogether.

This book will be a tool to help you gain your skill, but when it comes to practice, that's up to you. It's not a bad idea to recruit a friend so that the two of you can learn together. Playing with another “newbie” may help both of you gain the confidence you need to play more comfortably in front of other, perhaps more experienced, players.