Picture this: you're at the table, cue in hand, staring down a shot that could win the game. But instead of sinking it smoothly, you miscue or leave the cue ball in a lousy spot. We've all been there—whether you're a weekend warrior at the bar or dreaming of tournament glory. That's where Ray 'Cool Cat' Martin's legendary book steps in, distilling decades of championship wisdom into one indispensable guide.
Pool isn't just about straight shots; it's the hooks, jumps, and frozen kisses that separate amateurs from aces. Without the right techniques, you end up guessing, compensating with power instead of precision. Ray Martin, a Billiards Congress of America Hall of Famer with multiple world 14.1 titles, knows this intimately. Co-written with ad genius Rosser Reeves back in 1976, this book cuts through the guesswork with crystal-clear instruction.
Dive into over 200 illustrations that show exact stance, stroke, and spin for every scenario. Learn the Seven Ball Stop Shot to control position perfectly, master the Hook Shot to curve around blockers, or nail the Frozen Kiss Shot for surgical accuracy. Each of the 99 shots gets its own dedicated section, explaining approach, common pitfalls, and pro tweaks. It's like having Ray whispering in your ear during practice.
Practice these, and you'll notice tighter clusters cleared faster, fewer scratches, and opponents scratching their heads. Your confidence grows with every session—friends will ask for tips, and you'll handle pressure like a champ. It's not theory; it's battle-tested from Ray's three-plus world titles.
Grab it for home table sessions to drill fundamentals alone. Bring it to league nights for quick references between frames. Even casual players love flipping through for that one shot saving their skin. At around 400 pages of dense value, it's a reference you'll revisit for years, whether teaching kids the ropes or sharpening your edge at 40+.
Why keep flubbing shots when the blueprint to mastery is right here? Add The 99 Critical Shots in Pool to your shelf and start playing winner's pool today.
