In many past articles, I’ve focused the fundamental mechanics of playing solid pool. Much of the information I have given has been in the shape of principles as they relate to alignment, aiming, stroke and mental effectiveness. Hopefully some of the ideas, tips and “secrets” I have given you have provided benefit to your game. The fact that we are all a little different in form and ability, and the fact that there are players who have success with many different styles proves that there is no ONE way of playing pool right. However, tried and true fundamentals hold up over time and under pressure...

Another video installment of PoolBum's personal library of John Schmidt private pool lessons. In this video, John explains and demonstrates several different shots and how he would play them. Get an inside view of how a champion makes shot selection decisions.

With so many cue tips on the market today and new ones being introduced as "the ultimate tip" to use, it's no wonder these questions pop up so many times.

These products are available through various retailers that list them at Amazon. Amazon has proved itself to be a reliable and secure way to make online purchases. I use them often and have never been disappointed.

World Champion boxer and now lawmaker Manny Pacquiao plays some pool and shoots an impressive trick shot. It took him two tries but who would be brave enough to criticize him for it. Word on the street is that he's a decent player. Maybe now that he may not be in training so much his pool game will come up. Unless his schedule in the legislature is as full as when he trained for a fight. In any case, this video is for all my Filipino friends... I know how proud you are of the Pacman. And with good reason.

In this video installment of John Schmidt giving a private lesson, he explains how ball-in-hand can be used to make a rack a lot easier to get out. This is very similar to bumping a ball and turning it into a great break ball in 14.1 straight pool. The shot was not very difficult and the net result was that a fairly challenging rack became a simple out...

The March PoolSynergy is a wrap. The general topic is Pool and the Mainstream. Many of the best and most commited owner/operators of pool websites are contributors to PoolSynergy. You can find a complete list of all of the March posts at this month's host, Alison Fischer's site NYCGrind. You can check out PoolBum's submission HERE. 

By Max Eberle

In pool, as in life, it is the little things you do over and over that create the reality you experience, and it is your thoughts which control your actions. You do have the freedom to choose your thoughts at all times. You must be very clear about...