A Mind for Pool: How to Master the Mental Game [Paperback]

Capelle's new book covers all the non-physical elements of playing pool. That does include the mental game, as most people think of it. That is, the psychology of competitive playing and overcoming nerves, learning to focus, and handling bad breaks. But there's a whole lot more in Capelle's definition. Want to know how to handicap a game, negotiate a game, and how to evaluate spots? It's covered. From his first book we learned that Capelle values completeness and just as Play Your Best Pool was jam packed with great information so, too, is A Mind For Pool. The difference is that the first book concentrated on the physical side and this one gives you a handy reference to everything about the mental side of the game. The end result is that you'll get much more out of your game - more fun and more success - after reading this book. This is a book for all levels, from beginner to experienced player. Great graphics, too. Put it on your shelf (after reading it, of course) right next to Play Your Best Pool. -- Tom Shaw - Pool & Billiard Magazine, April, 1999

If you admired the thoroughness of Phil Capelle's "Play Your Best Pool", and it is one of the better self-published efforts the game has seen, wait until you get a look at his new "A Mind For Pool". It's close to 400 very well written pages on just about every conceivable aspect of the mental side of pool - and not a single diagram in sight. In fact, I find this book to be quite a writing accomplishment. It's elusive enough to discuss balls-on-table situations clearly with a minimum of words. When it comes to pool's cerebral aspects, however, those thoughts are quite a bit harder to nail down. Yet Capelle goes on correctly interpreting attitudes, good and bad, and perceptions and misperceptions - you can hardly quarrel with a single thing he says. -- George Fels - Billiards Digest, May 1999

There is something in this book for every player, whether beginner or expert, and you don't have to read the whole thing to find the parts that apply to you. The table of contents is highly organized and a cursory examination will easily direct you to the proper pages. It will be difficult for any pool enthusiast to thumb through this book without coughing up the very reasonable ... required to take it home. -- Bob Henning - National Billiard News, 1999

To realize your full potential at pool you’ve got to master the mental game. A Mind For Pool gives you a complete course on the thinking side of pool. From the very first day that you pick up a cue your attitude towards things like practice, change, slumps and instruction all play an important part in your success as a pool player. The better you play, the more important the mental game becomes. In fact, when excellent players compete, the winner is most often the one who has learned to best handle the pressure, sharking, unruly crowd behavior and many other potentially game ruining factors. A Mind For Pool reveals the erroneous thoughts that can undermine your developments as well as your ability to compete successfully. In every instance the book then goes on to show you a more constructive way to view the situation. In the process you will learn how to concentrate on your game, minimize the impact of bad luck, win tournaments and much, much more. A Mind For Pool gives you 120 bite sized lessons on all facets of the mental game, each one a self contained unit. Each lesson is summarized by Capelle’s Laws for Pool. You’ll also find quotes from history's greatest thinkers that serve to reinforce each lesson. A series of 80 checklists enable you to easily evaluate all parts of your mental game. Icons point out tips, insights, warnings and pool facts.

"All sports are about being able to control the mind which enables a talented player to become a champion at any level. This book combined with Play Your Best Pool covers everything any player would need to know to easily understand and enjoy the game. I highly recommend it to aspiring players who want to try to improve." - Allison Fisher, Three-Time World Champion

Phil Capelle is a nationally recognized expert on playing pool. He has spent the last 30 years playing, studying and teaching pool and he is one of a select group of instructors to be certified by the Billiard Congress of America. Mr. Capelle has won numerous tournaments including a major Southern California 8-ball championship. His column appears monthly in Pool & Billiard Magazine where the readers chose him as the top billiard instructional writer.