Banking with the Beard: Secrets of a Master Banker

I am going to have to check out a hard copy of this book, because I found the Kindle copy really hard to follow. I was so irritated that I didn't even enjoy the anecdotes. I know this author is well thought of, so I suspect this format just did me in. Caveat emptor.I now have the hard copy version. I can understand the diagrams much more clearly now. Text and graphics make sense together. As near as I can tell, Freddie integrated all the forces and vectors into a system that works. He drives a stake through the heart of ghost ball systemsI have to say again-- these diagrams make absolute sense to me! Look for me in Las Vegas in a few years and that will be the proof of the pudding!

The author fancies himself like Mark Twain; he is not. The book is 2/3 anecdotes that I personally found unfunny and boring. Had he stuck to writing about how to improve your banking game, I would have given him 3 or 4 stars. If you are Fargo rated under 525, this book will help you a lot. If you are Fargo rated 600 or above, there are maybe a half dozen tips that will make the book worth buying; you will just need to skip a bunch of his humor and stories to get to the good stuff. If you know of a better book on banking and diamond systems, please write a reply to this review and mention the title.

This is a very good book on banking pool balls. Not my strongest pool skill. Book is really for the advanced banker (not me). After reading a small section several times and thinking about it; it starts to make sense. Then I go to the pool hall and practice. After practicing the same shot maybe 10 times i start seeing the shot and the several different ways to make the same shot. Add side english and hit the object ball fuller or use no side english and hit the object ball thinner. Freddy shares detailed charts explaining this with several more variables. The reason you will want to learn this is two fold: (1) You learn multiple ways how to make the same bank (2) You learn how to get better position on your next ball by deciding which of the multiple ways to use. Last Freddy shares many interesting pool stories about some of the all time pool greats.

You may have to adjust a bit to get the results shown in the diagrams, but after working my way through this book, I am now much more confident with shooting banks. 'Banking With The Beard' has taught me the art of combining the elements of aim, english, and speed to make banks. Reading and applying the information in this book has improved my stroke as well. Thank you! Rest in peace Freddy.

This book may not be for everyone as you have to practice and follow this book to a "T" but if you do I guarantee you will improve your banking skills ten fold. You can apply all this knowledge to your 8 ball, 9 ball, straight pool, 1 pocket or of course bank pool game. This book is worth every penny for the serious player and is the only book out of its kind.

Great info/illustrations. I think this book has helped me understand the "science" of bankshots. I believe I make more bankshots than before, and think this has allowed me to win more matches. This method requires a bit of mental math when setting up for shots, but after time it becomes very quick and easy. I'd recommend this book for anyone that gets very frustrated by bank shots or just wants to learn more about the inner workings of the game of pool.

Sure it still requires hours of practice but at least you know that what you are practicing is correct and will help your game. Well put together and easy to understand. Not easy to execute all the banks, but easy to understand the skill set that one must master.

Finally, someone broke the code of silence!Have a table handy to practice on, Main hint is this quote." As the king of France was told when trying to find an easy wayto learn a complex subject "There is no royal road to learning."You'll need to practice, practice, practice ... why not it's a fun game.

Best book on banking to date. Clearly presented.