Pool Synergy is an idea proposed by John Biddle. It consists of articles for pool players by various authors and bloggers. My contribution to this month's series is

Life Lesson
 

The Table of Contents for all articles in the series can be found by clicking on the icon shown below

Hi, I am Joe Waldron. This site contains articles that were written as I have studied and learned to improve my skills at pocket billiards. I am a psychologist (retired) and a retired university professor. I have studied the pool playing literature, attended a pool school, played in leagues and have taken up a serious study of learning to play pocket billiards well. The articles published here are the results of my studies over several years. Some of these articles were published in Cues and News, a defunct Youngstown, Ohio newspaper for pool players. Some articles are completely new for this web site. All have been revised for presentation here. Currently, I am an APA 6 handicap. I have won a 9-Ball tournament and have played on a league team that went to Las Vegas (we did not win). On occasion I can string together two or three racks of 8-Ball and or 9-Ball. This means I can play well enough to enter tournaments but usually do not win. Playing pool is like playing a violin: Most people can play, exceptional players have special talent.

There is no simple easy to follow set of instructions that you can use to become a good pool player. There are many issues and I have attempted to organize my studies in a sequential presentation that suggests things that need to be mastered before proceeding to the next area. Some things can be worked on simultaneously and it is suggested that you read as much as possible working on particular areas as needed. The Miscellaneous section can be reviewed at any time and contains ideas I have found useful for any player at any stage of development.

 Some of the topics covered here originated in books, scientific journal articles, magazines, and on one or another internet forum. All materials are acknowledged as needed. Internet references (links) were all verified at of the time of publication. Things change and some of these links may no longer function. If the link does not work try searching the topic or person cited. The referenced person may have moved their base of operation to another location.

Articles listed here can be read on-line or saved to your computer for free. The complete set of MS Word files that can be printed are available on a CD for $15.00. See the link in the Store for purchase details. The CD  is available at no charge to recognized non-profit organizations for use as needed.

All of this work is copyrighted but may be freely used if appropriate attribution is given. The preferred citation is:

Waldron, Joe. (2009). Article Title. http://www.sunburstselect.com/PBReview/index.htm.

There are many different ideas presented here and as some wag once said, "When you take from one person it is theft, when you take from everyone, it is research." There is a considerable amount of research here and I have attempted to acknowledge all of the sources without violating anyone's copyright. For those with little experience in copyright privileges please note that the way some thing is expressed can not be infringed upon. Ideas cannot be copyrighted. Some of the ideas presented here are new some are old.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I do respond to all serious queries and suggestions intended to correct or add to the thoughts presented. Your personal experience with the methods and ideas presented will allow me to correct mistakes and clarify as needed. Unless you note otherwise I will assume that your name can be used in any brief quotation.

As articles are completed and posted the topic is converted into a link that will take you to that page. If you click on a topic and no page is shown the article has not been completed. The outline or Table of Contents shown in the "Articles" link above is worked on as I have the time to revise and complete the article for publication here. Other instructional materials are included in this section.