FROM my long association with the game, and as a proprietor of several billiards saloons, it has been my lot to see numerous newcomers to the game pick up a cue, go to the table, and shape up for a stroke in any old way. Sometimes a friend who was playing with him would endeavour to set the new player on the right road, but more than often the one explaining was in urgent need of lessons himself."
The above is from Billiards in Easy Stages, by Willie Smith, published by Pitmans at the very reasonable price of 1s. 6d. This figure represents about the cost of an hour's play, and is a good investment.
Elementary stroke play and technique are well explained. Cue tipping receives the detailed instructions it really deserves, and the chapter on care of tables at the end of the book contains much good advice.
Seven photographs illustrate the stance, cue-grip and the use of the rest. Strokes to practise are shown in 25 clear diagrams and include two shots with valuable advice on playing against the nap of a woollen cloth.
Snooker players might read the chapter "Concerning Potting" with profit.
Altogether, it is a capital little book, and we commend it to our readers with every confidence.