During January Term, Prof. Eric Barnes (Philosophy, Mount Holyoke College) teaches one or more sections of a course on pocket billiards (i.e., pool) through the Smith College Interterm Program.  The course meets five times for two hours each during January.  The classes are held at Packard's on Masonic Street in the center of Northampton during the afternoon.  Enrollment is limited to twelve students per course.  Students with any level of experience are welcome.
 

Below is the course description from Smith's interterm course catalog.

         Pool cuts across boundaries of race and class in our culture, perhaps more than any other game, but it remains primarily a man’s game.  Women and men compete separately at tournaments, although men have no natural advantage.  If you are a woman and you walk into any bar, people often assume that you don’t shoot pool well.  But you can defy this stereotype.
         “Billiards for Fun and Profit” will teach students of all levels the rules and skills of pocket billiards.  Students will learn the rules of 8-ball, 9-ball, cutthroat, and straight-pool.  New players will begin by learning the fundamentals, while experienced players will begin with strategic issues like shot selection.  (No drinking or smoking during class.)
 
 

Instructor:  Eric Barnes
 

Day 1:  Basics of Pool
     About the equipment
     Basic aiming
     Proper stance, grip, bridge
     Simple drills  (clear six balls, straight off rail)
     Basic strategy

Day 2:  8-Ball                                 Homework:  Learn tournament 8-ball rules  (p. 65 - 69)
     Bottle Drill                                                            Read pages 27 - 30
     Basic 8-ball strategy
     Real 8-ball vs. barroom 8-ball
     Shot selection
     Understanding leaves

Day 3:  9-Ball                                 Homework:  Learn tournament 9-ball rules  (p. 69 - 72)
     Using stop, draw, and follow                                  Read pages 31 - 34 (top)
     9-Ball strategy
     Three ball run drill
     Making simple runs is the key to becoming a competent player
     Cue ball control drill (with sheets of paper)

Day 4:  Other Games                      Homework:  Learn Cutthroat & 14.1 Continuous rules  (p.72-6 & 100-2)
     Cutthroat strategy                                                    Read pages 34 - 38 (bottom)
     Progressive cutting drill
     Side English
     Leave Drills w/English
     Barroom 8-ball strategy (and etiquette hints)
     Bank shots
     Shots that you can’t miss, or can’t make  (frozen balls)

Day 5:  8-Ball tournament   (with prizes)                Homework:  Read pages 38 - 43
     Double-elimination format
     Review of important 8-ball strategy tips