In 1965 I was introduced to Bensinger’s Billiards, at Clark and Diversey in Chicago by my father, Merhl Smith who was a fine billiard player in his own right. Bensingers was the quintessential billiard room of the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, all the way from brass spittoons, to the black porters and servers that would take your coat, get your personal cue, and bring the ivory balls to your table with a pitcher of ice water, what service!....more.

3 Cushion Lessons

I offer lessons based on half day or full days in Florida. I am available for appointment in either Orlando, FL at Corner Pocket Billiards or Ultimate Billiards in Ft Pierce, FL. Both locations are equipped with top level equipment and are well run establishments. More....

Sometimes 3 Cushions is Not the Best Choice!

“YES, THE GREAT” game's name is indeed three-cushion billiards, but that doesn't mean that three-cushion shots are always the right shots. The objec tive of these position lessons is to simplify things, but there are many, many ways to accomplish that which don't correspond to merely reducing the number of cushions you use. I con stantly see average players choose such shots, across the width of the table, in stead of correct four- or five-rail shots along the length. And often enough, the longer shots will afford greater op portunities to position object balls in high-percentage scoring zones (in the corners being the most favorable, with your second choice being along the side rails)....more

The long awaited and soon to be released book of advanced 3 Cushion Billiard play "The Concise Book of Position Play" will begin shipping in March 2010. The book, over 200 pages of great approaches to both common and complicated shots. The book is targeted to the intermediate to advanced player is a must have to learn position of all 3 balls. This control will elevate any players average and create the opportunity to score more than once. For more info on how to order The Concise Book of Position Play, please contact Bill Smith directly. Bill can be contacted here

• Shot of the Month
• The 3 Slate System
• 6 O'Clock System
• Short Angle Shots
• The Elevator Shot
• Go Thin to Win
• Frozen Balls to Hot Shots
• Something from Nothing
• Not Always 3 Cushions