Acknowledgments

Roland DUFETTELLE, who was my first billiards teacher. His enthusiasm, kindness and modesty gave me the basics of the game, but also the will to improve and the passion for great billiards.

Jean MARTY, who showed me another concept of the game. With his passion and his magical, yet incredibly simple way of thinking, he made me realize that billiards is an easy game which can only be mastered once you have clearly understood it.

Francis CONNESSON, whose billiards philosophy led me to the highest levels of balkline games and to the magical world of close-packed balls.

I also want to thank Denis CAUL-FUTY, for translating these books into English.