Testimonials

Read What Her Students

HAVE TO SAY

Neil Anderson

2023-05-17

Samm's coaching has caused an immediate benefit to my game. She took the time to really understand how I'm playing then identified the main things I needed to do to improve, explained them clearly to me, and gave me simple to follow instructions to fix my flaws.

karen rowan

2023-05-01

Samm is an excellent teacher! Two hours flew by. She took us through the basics and what a difference! She is incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful and patient. I would highly recommned her and hope to take another class with her again in the future.

j l

2023-04-17

I took advantage of the opportunity to have Samm do a Professional Stroke Analysis of my pool stroke. I've been working on fundamentals for several years by watching videos, reading, and trying to make corrections on my own. Samm's suggestions were exactly what I was hoping for to make some additional corrections to what I've been able to fix on my own. Her explanations were clear and thoughtful, and I appreciated her commitment to helping me improve. The very reasonable fee was probably the best money I've spent trying to improve my stroke. Samm gets an A+ from me as an instructor.

Running Pd

2023-04-17

Had a great time learning from Samm, she was very quick to identify my quirks and getting me started on correcting myself. I'll definitely be going back for more improvements.

Joe White

2023-04-07

Great intro lesson for a beginner in my case. Very thorough, lots of take home materials, photos, videos, and drills. Will get another lesson once I get through this stack of things to improve.

Matthew Wulfert

2023-04-01

The stroke analysis I received is monumental in fixing my bad habits. I have been playing pool for 23 years and over time developed an awful stroke. I sent in my videos and got a response in less than 48 hours! We set up a zoom call ( which was nice because I didn't have to leave my couch) and went over all of the things that were wrong and how to fix it. I worked on these basic fundamental for about 30-40 hours just before our state tournament. We'll I took 3rd place in BCA gold division and our team took 2nd in the elite. I was able to accomplish this with a little cash, some time, and great instruction from Samm! Don't wait to get better. Don't be too proud to take a chance. Get out there and get the stroke analysis by Samm Diep now!

Joe Caplis

2023-03-28

Samm is phenomenal in every way. Her experience / deep knowledge of the game combined with her natural teaching skill are a lethal combination. I was shocked what we were able to accomplish in just a short amount of time. Thanks Samm!

Michael Marcum

2023-03-26

I could not be more pleased with the training I received from Samm. Her stroke analysis was very professionally done, replete with suggestions of how to fix the problems. After some practice I plan a return visit to continue my progress. All this as well as a very positive an accepting demeanor!

Sherry Wei

2023-03-16

It was such a great experience working with Samm! My husband and I took a 2-hour session together. We are on very different levels but both of us have noticed some significant improvements in just such a short time period. Samm is very patient and professional at helping us build up good habit and consistency step by step from the smallest details. I would recommend the sessions to anyone who would like to get better even just as a hobby!

Terence Lavigne

2023-03-07

Purchased a stroke analysis from Samm. Her response was quick and she worked with my schedule to arrange a timely appointment for the zoom call. Her analysis was very detailed and accurate. She showed me a couple hitches in my stroke I would have never caught on my own, but having them explained to me, I now see them plain as day. Her recommendation letter for drills and practice points was prompt and easy to follow. And throughout she was engaged, friendly and encouraging. Having a national level champ help out with my game? Such a great value. Highly recommend going through with this if you think you're out of stroke.

In order for me to leave an accurate appraisal of my experience with Samm, there should be a lot more stars than just 5. I have had some previous experience with pool teachers before but with just one lesson, I was well beyond what I had learned previously and that is because Samm seems to be extremely intuitive and “knows” what would work best for me. Samm is extremely patient, never misses anything, meaning from correcting my eye position to stance, arm movement – all of it!!! And what an improvement I have already seen. She will also take stills and videos to help her students and then breaks down each part of either how you could improve or how well you did something. I really look forward to continuing getting taught by someone who I consider “the best”. You’d be lucky if she accepted you as a student!

Peter B.

Denver, CO

December 2022

Samm, just wanted to say thanks again for the lesson. It has been paying off. I went undefeated Monday night in my 9 ball league and last night in 8 ball. My team mates and the guy helping to run the league commented to me that I was playing much better. I’ll be back later for some additional instruction.

Bryan B.

Colorado Springs, CO
October 2012

She is not only a superior, skilled and, more especially, a dedicated teacher of the various games of pocket billiards, but she is an exceptionally good person as well. More than anybody can expect of an educator.

And just who am I to praise her so? Well, I am an 80 year old geezer who had only been playing for about two years before I met up with Samm and took some lessons from her. She has taught me to make shots and play more skillfully than I ever dreamed of. Assuming you are younger than me, you should be able to do just that much better with Samm as your pool instructor!

Bob C.

Denver, CO
August 2010

I saw Samm shooting at an M-8 Tournament in Minnesota. And about a year later I decided to take some Lessons.

Samm had nothing bad to say about my fundamentals, after some small corrections my game has been improving a lot. Samm is the best teacher since I have been out of school. Samm loves the game of pool and knows her stuff. She is a GREAT asset as a teacher. Take a lesson from Samm you won’t be dissapointed. Thank you for your time and friendship. Look forward to seeing you again!!!!!

Kenny B.

Ham Lake, MN
June 2010

I met Samm several years ago at a pool clinic she was doing, and I became a fan immediately. Not only is her personality warm and welcoming, her knowledge of the game, and her ability to shoot and instruct pool, is a gift. I was so impessed with Samm that our club (Grays On Trays) hired her to run a charity 9-Ball pool tournament in February of 2008. Samm did such a great job, it was unanimous that Samm run the 2009 tournament as well.

Tom W.

Denver, CO
November 2009

Deb A.

Aurora, CO
October 2009

After taking only two lessons from Samm I can see incredible increase in my skill level. She is a talented teacher who has fine tuned my skills to make me a more confident player in every aspect of the game.

Jeff A.

Boulder, CO
October 2009

I learned to shoot pool many years ago in the “seedy” “Old School” East Coast Pools halls. I had’nt picked up a “stick” in 6 years and was very humbled by my terrible, in my eyes game. I took a lesson from Samm and she was on top of the little things, patient and fun with a Great Eye. You will not be dissapointed and your game will improve. She is EXCELLENT!!!!!

Lincoln P.

Aurora, CO
October 2009

I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with Samm. Not only is she a great teacher, she is a very genuine and sweet person. I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned in her clinics and apply them to my game, both physically and mentally, and have seen notable improvement. Thank you for your friendship and knowledge!

Aimee P.

Aurora, CO
October 2009

I started playing pool 40+ years ago with no instruction and I developed a lot of bad habits. Since joining a pool league and getting serious I have read a lot (20+ books) and talked to a lot of people about my game. I have managed to clean up quite a few things on my own. I’ve used a video camera etc. For a long time I had been frustrated with a problem in my stroke that I did not know how to address. Not everything is in the books. My friends had no suggestions. I was at a stand still. I knew I was missing something and that affected my confidence too. It was time for some professional help. Samm didn’t have a lot to say about my fundamentals. They are pretty solid. She did suggest two small things to try differently to address my primary complaint. These suggestions were right on the money. Of course it destroyed my game initially. It takes some practice to make changes work for you. In my case, I started to get a lot more action and I kind of lost control of my cue ball positioning for a while. Now, with some practice things have improved. It’s still a little strange doing things differently from 40 years of (bad) habits. My game is doing better though. I am winning a bit more often. My confidence has come back since I have an explanation for my problem too. I’m not choking on as many shots. Several people have commented on how my stroke looks much more fluid too. All this lets me enjoy playing more. It was certainly time well spent.

Craig W.

Melbourne, FL
October 2009

Samm is a great instructor! She is very patient and works with your current skills (and flaws) to improve your game and confidence!

Jennifer B.

Aurora, CO
October 2009

I have played pool for many years, many of those years on organized leagues. My Wife surprised me with a Christmas present of some lesson sessions from Samm a couple of years ago (something I would have NEVER done on my own), and not only did all aspects of my game improve, but learning from Sammy was a delightful experience. The lessons started out with the basics ( Boy, did I need help on those basics…), and progressed rapidly into more advanced areas that have helped me every time I pick up a stick. Samm is a Teacher, complete with the experience, organized lesson plans, and the natural people person skills that all good teachers posess. I could give no higher recommendation to anyone wanting to improve their game, than to invest some time with this delightful pro billiard player.

John H.

Elizabeth, CO
September 2009

My learning experience with Samm has been totally worthy. She LOVES this sport and knows her stuff. She has the patience and ability to take the most inexperienced player and turn them into one who can play with the correct mechanics and with confidence. 5 STARS!!

Kevin V.

Bismarck, ND
September 2009

Samm has been very helpful to me with my pool game. She has helped me refine my basic fundamentals which has allowed me to improve. Samm has the ability to meet you on your level and show you how to improve your game. I feel that the free clinics that she holds have really been a help to me, and it’s too bad that other pool players don’t take advantage of the free clinics that Samm offers. Samm is one of the GOOD people in pool and I find it refreshing that she is willing to gave back to the game that she is sooo passionate for, Thank you Samm.

Terry E.

Littleton, CO
September 2009

Samm really helped me understand the overall concepts and techniques of the game. I’ve improved so much since I started attending her clinics! It definitely feels good to be able to challenge people in the bar, and win!

Philana H.

Boulder, CO
September 2009

Samm is very passionate about the sport and gets very excited about her students success.

Bruce D.

Parker, CO
September 2009

I had the opportunity to attend a free clinc at Rack ’em, and I was the only one there. I got a chance to get one-on-one instruction from Samm, and I found her to be genuine, professional, and helpful. I got a lot of good feedback about how to improve my game. I would recommend her instruction to anyone who is looking to improve his or her game.

Sara W.

Littleton, CO
September 2009

Samm approaches her teaching with a warm smile and a love of the game. Her style and grace show wisdom beyond her age, and make each session with her a pleasure. I have benefitted greatly from Samm’s instruction and look forward to learning more from her.

Doug L.

Arvada, CO
September 2009

Hey Samm, thanks for the lesson today. Even though you crushed me in those three sets, I learned a ton. I played for two more hours tonight and my improvement is night and day.

Jeff A.

Erie, CO
September 2009

You never feel intimidated or ashamed during a lesson; Samm is so light and approachable. She sees even the smallest details and points them out in a non-patronizing way, but she also helps you prioritize your needs so that you see progress in your game as quickly as possible. A great experience whether you just need a few tips so as not to embarrass yourself at bars or are thinking about entering a serious tournament.

Maria R.

Superior, CO
September 2009

Hey Samm, thanks for the lesson today. Even though you crushed me in those three sets, I learned a ton. I played for two more hours tonight and my improvement is night and day.

Jeff A.

Erie, CO
September 2009

Hey Samm, thanks for the lesson today. Even though you crushed me in those three sets, I learned a ton. I played for two more hours tonight and my improvement is night and day.

Jeff A.

Erie, CO
September 2009

Hey Samm, thanks for the lesson today. Even though you crushed me in those three sets, I learned a ton. I played for two more hours tonight and my improvement is night and day.

Jeff A.

Erie, CO
September 2009

I know you might feel you didn’t have a lot to show me for a first lesson but believe me, I expect a profound long range improvement here. I have had this bad habit for 40 years and no one has been able to show me a way to even start fixing it. Of course, I have only known it was a problem for the last 15 years or so and I didn’t play much pool for 12 of those years. Your advice is already making a difference. Like any change, it will take practice, but improving is what makes this game fun.

Craig W.

Melbourne, FL
May 2009

Thanks for all the help you have given me with my game, it has been VERY refreshing to be a part of your clinics and I’m proud to say that I’ve taken lessons and instruction from Samm Diep. I really believe that with the help you and Mike have giving me I have been able to take my game to the next level. I’m looking forward to continuing my sessions with you.And one of these days I WILL be as good as you and mike. I believe, and I think you do too that it is important to give back to the game. Good luck on your trip and I will see you soon.

Terry E.

Littleton, CO
April 2009

Thank you so much for your visit to the Eagle’s Club. We enjoyed meeting you, as well as your clinic at The Pool Table Company. It was a real treat when you came to the Eagle’s pool room. We talk about it still. I’m framing and placing your autographed picture in our trophy case today. We really enjoyed the sentiment over your signature. It was our honor to have you visit us. If you are out our way again, please let us know. We may want you to give a clinic at the club. It would be nice to see you again. Thank you once again!

Myron W.

Bakersfield, CA
September 2008

Thanks for coming out and hanging with us for a couple of days. Everyone who was here enjoyed you and the help you gave them. Hopefully we can do it again sometime in the future.

Dan J.

Bakersfield, CA
August 2008

I just wish you to know how much of an HONOR it was to meet you. You were just a kind and wonderful young lady as well as a great pool player. I sincerely hope that was just a beginning of many times seeing you and corresponding with you. I know you stay extremely busy, but please say hi whenever you can. I learn A LOT from you both from Youtube videos.

John R.

Jacksonville, FL
August 2008

I want to say that I appreciate all the time you have spent teaching me and really find you a very good instructor. A lot of people know a lot of things but do not have the skills to teach them. You have the knowledge and skills, especially the skill to teach to the level of the student. Thank you for your time.

William M.

Aurora, CO
June 2008

Finally got my ducks in a row. Thanks for your hard work and all the fun you brought to us. Thanks to you, I got out of the slump I was fighting. Your parting advice of the first lesson—you remember— 1. Smooth stroke. 2. Follow through. 3. Don’t jump up. Life is beautiful again.

Gordon P.

Denver, CO
May 2008

I can’t tell you how much your two lessons have helped my pool except to say that my team is in 2nd place Tuesday nights and I’ve become the anchor instead of the guy that sometimes was hot.

John H.

Aurora, CO
April 2008

Last nights clinic was awesome! I am learning SO much. And you really helped me understand the purpose of the exercises you taught me at our last lesson. I can really apply what you showed me now to my homework. I hope to be ready for another lesson in about two weeks. Tuesdays really work for me and I will be at next weeks clinic. You have the patience of a saint.

Kevin V.

Bismarck, ND
September 2005

I’m really excited and just wanted you to know. We played a team that we are very close to (talent wise) and I beat their team captain on the last game!!! I’m so excited. I just took one shot at a time. I actually had no anxiety. It was quite weird really. It was so cool to beat him. I must say I was quite happy with my playing last night. I only won 1 game, but I did my best and even made a bank using the double table theory. Thanks for all your help.

Elaine D.

January 2005

I have been searching for a site like yours. Love it. I also have been looking for some jewelry like you have here. Will definitely be ordering soon.

JP Gillespie, Fundamental Billiard Supply

West Columbia, SC
June 2009

Greetings from frigid Wisconsin!! I just received my order a couple of days ago, and was pleased with the items. I ordered some novelties to award as “fun door prizes” at our end-of-league social.

Nancy Masgay, Mickey’s Billiards

Wausau, Wisconsin
February 2008

Mickey’s Billiards

PRODUCTS WERE PROCESSED QUICKLY AND RECEIVED WELL PACKAGED AND AS ADVERTISED.

John R.

Phoenix, Arizona
February 2008

Samm provided an excellent product, along with a few unexpected extras such as a personal note and autograph, in a timely manner. I am recommending her book to many of my friends. I hope she continues to add more books and products in the future.

Craig N.

Minot, North Dakota
January 2008

Samm was very helpful in getting me the items I needed! She shipped the items to me very quickly so I could have them for Christmas. I look forward to doing business with her again in the future!

Joyce W.

Temple, Texas
December 2007

Sammy, Your Game Log ROCKS! Love it, love it. I am a “Stats Nerd”, for practice and tournaments. It keeps me coming back to the table when I’m “paying my dues” with losses, or boring practice periods. Thanks for the great log. Keep up the good work.

Barbara W.

Chadron, NE, & Livingston, MT
July 2007

We met in Vegas this past weekend and I bought one of your books. My husband & I came in on the Saturday. I just finished reading it – excellent and so funny. It was great to meet you and you have some great products!

Kelly Breard, Hot Shots Billiards & Darts

Mississauga, Ontario
June 2007

Hot Shots Billiards & Darts

Thank you so much! I laughed quite a bit and will share it with many people in the years to come

Carl Oswald, Professional Instructor

Dallas, Texas
November 2005

Love the book! I stayed at the Cue Club reading it last night. Was alone and laughing outloud by #17. Nice site too, first time I’ve visited. Suprised me to see “Staying in the game” article after telling you I appreciate and use that info too. Thanks again for the laughs.

Bill A.

Virginia
November 2005

It doesn’t seem like enough to say thank you for the book. It is HILARIOUS!!! I called Liz right away and read some of it to her. We were both cracking up as we can both appreciate it! I am overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. It comes through clearly in many ways, your notes on the invoices and in the book, the dedication in the book and in your emails. It really has been a pleasure dealing with you. I will definitely recommend you and your site to anyone who is interested.

Mike & Liz M.

New York, New York
August 2006

Fun to read and a well-laid out, humorous look at the side of pool most of us have had an experience with at one time or another. With comments from the author interspersed throughout, you know that Samm has written this book from experience. Best of all, it took just a few clicks and my order was complete. I ordered the book on a Friday and it arrived on Monday! Thanks Samm – You Rock!

Kyril P.

Rice Lake, Wisconsin
March 2007

Great product and fast delivery.

Anita P.

Florence, KY
June 2007

I wanted to thank you for the fantastic job you did for our event on Tuesday night. Our attendees loved you and we loved how you just keep them entertained and so interactive. It was a superb job.

Jane (AAB, Inc.)

Game Log book… the secret to my success! You can tell your customers I owe it all to my “Game Log” book that I bought at SammsPocket.com.

Michael M.

Del Mar, California
June 2005

Every thing came as described, plus there were even a few extra items in my package as a thank you. Now how can you beat that?

Donovan B.

Fort Worth, Texas
January 2005

Samms Pocket provided me with exactly what I needed at a price far below what I expected to pay.

Kurtis M.

San Diego, CA
February 2005

I wanted to thank you for the fantastic job you did for our event on Tuesday night. Our attendees loved you and we loved how you just keep them entertained and so interactive. It was a superb job.

Jane (AAB, Inc.)

The insights I have gotten from you have been invaluable in getting back into form in darts. I had despaired that I would ever be able to play again. In friendly games now, I am doing things I never could before. I will get back into competition soon, but I am making so much progress from week to week, I am in no hurry. I want to see where it goes before I jump back into it. When I do, I know I’m going to do just fine. I never could have done this without your help.

Chris (Denver, CO)

Samm is a great coach. We had no idea how well our daughter, Amanda Campbell, would take to the sport let alone witness the friendship that was formed soon after they met. The knowledge and skill that Amanda has gained over the past 18 months with Samm, has taken her from a kid interested in the sport (because her Dad plays) to a dual State Championship status. As parents, we couldn’t ask for a better coach and mentor and now a dear friend of the family.

Dave & Maria (Arvada, CO)

Samm is a very informative instructor without being intimidating. She also makes practice/drills fun…well, okay no one can make drills fun, however, her drills make total sense. After two sessions, my game and cue ball control improved to the point that many took notice. And here in Denver, if that happens, you know you’re doing something right!

Maria F

Professional References

hroughout the seven years I’ve known Samm Diep I have enjoyed the great fortune of collaborating with her in a number of endeavors, from an instructor-student relationship, through conducting workshops together, to a small contribution I made to her first book. On her own, Samm competes nationwide, teaches, writes monthly instructional columns, dazzles us as Inside Pool’s video reporter and somehow finds time to run her business and manage a web board that she created for the region’s pool community.

Throughout all of her work, such as winning one of her many national titles or conducting her popular free clinic, Samm shows up with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence that she consistently conveys onto those around her to make every experience an enjoyable and rewarding one for all involved. Most impressive however is the fact that, despite her accomplishments, fame and hectic schedule, Samm is somehow always available for anyone fortunate enough to catch her standing still. Her honest warmth and famous smile have touched too many people to count in our sport. And I count myself lucky to be among them

Tom Ross

World Class Instructor & Billiard Columnist (Denver, Colorado)
December 2009

TomRossPool.com

As a newcomer to the billiards business back in 2005, Samm was one of the first people I met that really made an effort to reach out and help me find some sound footing in the industry. Since then, Samm has proven over and over to be a unbelievably valuable and reliable resource. In addition to being a loyal friend of The Dawg, Samm has also provided us with writing in the form of articles and product copy, extensive promotion at numerous billiards events, product recommendations and has even helped us out at the office during the holiday season. Samm truly is part of the PoolDawg family.

Mike Feiman

Director of Marketing (Lafayette, Colorado)
January 2010

PoolDawg.com

With regard to Ms. Samm Diep, 6 Pocket is delighted to have the opportunity to work with her to achieve our mutual goals. From the first phone conversation to date, I have found Ms. Diep to be not just professional and hard-working, but a pleasure to work with. Further I have found Samm to be a well rounded individual when it comes to her grasp of the billiards industry; and has her feet under her when it comes to business sense. I look forward to each interaction and know Samm is an excellent addition to our team.

Sam Goodrich

CEO / COO (Muldoon, Texas)
January 2010

6 Pocket League

As publisher of the Professor-Q-Ball’s National Pool & Carom News over the past ten years I have met some very knowledgeable and astute business people involved in the billiard industry.

One of these business people is Samm Diep who has been writing a bi-monthly instructional column in my publication. By the way she has never missed a deadline in the five years that she has been writing for me.

She has been helpful to many billiard players along the way and is very well known in the billiard industry and is always there for the players needs.

We need more people like her.

Paul Frankel

Publisher (Germantown, Tennessee)
January 2010

Professor-Q-Ball

Professional-Services-Don-Cheese-Akerlow

We chose Samm Diep to be a columnist for The Break in February of 2006. We were aware of Samm’s reputation in the pool and billiard industry, which was one of high regard. Her work ethic is very high. She is prompt, professional, dedicated, enthusiastic and very personable. We wanted to bring to our magazine her particular point of view. We were so impressed with Samm that we included her columns in our 2 other regional publications Rackem Magazine and Stroke Magazine, giving her nationwide coverage.

We have also worked with Samm as a commentator and interviewer for OTBnTV during BCAPL and VNEA Nationals in Las Vegas this past May. She was a great asset to us and was very good on air.

Besides being a columnist/commentator we consider Samm a friend and have been happy and proud to have her associated with On The Break News Group. You can also read her columns online through our website at www.onthebreaknews.com.

Don “Cheese” Akerlow, On The Break News Group

Publisher (Three Forks, Montana)
www.onthebreaknews.com
www.thebreakmagazine.com
www.rackemmag.com
www.strokemagazine.net
www.otbntv.com
January 2010

Having first been a friend and teammate of Samm’s, I have appreciated her work ethic and integrity on and off the table for many years. Recently our relationship took on the added dimension of having a business component as well. A little over a year ago, I became owner and publisher of the Cue Times Billiard News, a publication that Samm had already had a working relationship with prior to my taking over. She continues to write a monthly article for the Cue Times and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. The key to her success as a writer is the thoughtful approach she takes to producing articles that are relevant and interesting to the amateur pool player (our target audience).

As a friend, I appreciate Samm’s sense of humor and her authenticity and as a professional associate, her reliability and drive. Most importantly though, she always seems to be aware of how her actions impact those around her and strives to make every interaction a positive experience. I feel fortunate to count Samm as a friend and look forward to many years of working together, as well.

Chris Honeman

Editor & Publisher (Denver, Colorado)
February 2010

Cue Times Billiard News

Following 23 years of being involved in the competition, organization, and marketing of the billiards sports and industry, finding someone to work with that is: trustworthy, hardworking, and innovative is like finding a gem in a stack of bricks!

Samm Diep is truly a diamond amongst those gems!

Corey Harper

Proprietor (Southern California)
February 2010

C3M.net

I have had the distinct honor of working with Ms. Diep for over 10 years in the nonprofit arena. She brought that “can do” attitude that only a true entrepreneur can understand. She not only brings creativity, hard work, follow through and at the same time is one of the most caring and attentive individuals I have ever been fortunate to be associated with in the work place. I am not only flattered to be one of her references, but proud to be associated with her.

Arden M. Gray, The Advisors Group

Founder/CEO
February 2010

Testimonials on Writing

I just read your article in the March Cue Times. Thank you for reminding me of the simplest of commitments that are so important. Although I referred to your article as the simplest of commitments your words and thoughts are very deep and appreciated.

Rodney R.

Denver, CO
March 2012

Hi Samm Diep,

Let me start off by saying that you are my idol. I am 12 years old and play 8-ball and 9-ball pool. I am currently writing a featured article at school about the intelligence required to play pool. My teacher told me to interveiw people and I just HAD to try to get a hold of you.

Sincerely,

Madisyn

Golden, CO
December 2011

I just currently started working offshore and I now go weeks without hitting a ball. Sucks very much lol. But I really wanted to stop by and just say thanks. All of your articles I can relate to in some way and some have even motivated me in the past to keep playing no matter how rough the game can be at times. So thank you Samm.

I really appreciate all you do 😉

Jacob P.

Louisiana
September 2011

Just wanted to drop a quick line to thank you for the article in The Break…. “8-Ball: You Don’t Have to Get Out Now, Just Get Out.” Loved It! You were spot on!

I too feel the same. Why go for a low percentage runout that I can’t see…. to avoid the catcalls and comments? Not me.

Now I can show my naysayers your article and hope they read it, as you articulated the point so clearly that I have been struggling to communicate to them.

Thank You.

Kindest Regards,

Barbara W.

Onsite Photo Services
Bozeman, MT
November 2010

Thank you for some of the information I have received from you has been more valuable than you know, I have been watching your videos on Youtube, and reading everything pool related I can get my hands on, I am driving my wife nuts with pool, but it is becoming more and more of a passion of mine, and I am improving the more I play, one day I would like to win a nice tournament prize for now I am happy with the occasional win and the great people I have met by playing pool. Thank You again!

Christopher S.

Harker Heights, TX
October 2010

I really enjoyed the interview that Samm did with Nick Varner. I understand better than ever what made Nick the champion that he is.
Great questions, Samm!

Joey A.

September 2010

Great article Samm. One of the reasons John was able to provide such telling answers is because you asked some very knowledgeable questions. That was seriously one of the best 14.1 interviews I’ve ever read. You asked all the right questions; questions that I as a fan would want answered. I know you’re a great journalist but I was really impressed with how deeply you delved into 14.1. Thanks for sharing.

Steve Lipsky

Professional Player
New York, New York
April 2010

Good job, Sammy. If i play pool as good as you interview I will be just fine.

John Schmidt, AKA “Mr. 400“

Professional Player
April 2010

Samm, I enjoy reading your articles.

Billy C.

Houston, TX
August 2009

I really liked your article on “Dead Stroke” vs. “In Stroke.” You really get to the point of knowing that being “In Stoke” is more important for the consistency of ones game, because being “In stroke” will create a “dead stroke.” I’ve been playing pool since I was 14yrs old and have won many, many, tournaments/money and I recently just started back playing the game and this game reminded me that I just did not become a pro by shooting on occasion, but rather practiced 3-9hrs a day. Like Malcolm Gladwell (outliers) www.gladwell.com puts it to be great, not just good, at anything in life, you must persistently practice whatever your doing with drive and passion. Over time you will become excellent.

Glenn V.

August 2009

I liked your post – dead-stroke vs in-stroke, in reflection – seems as if I am in dead stroke most of the time, I guess I need to be more conscious of my actions so as to not lose control….I like the work that you have put in…..it surely has given me an insight into how I approach my own game.

Alexander C.

Jamaica
July 2009

Every time I’m here, I’m fascinated about you blog…love to read it. Hope to see you guys soon again…

Markus H.

Austria
May 2009

I recently caught a short video you did on pause, and slow back stroke. Just wanted to give a thumbs up, bravo. Although it initially messed a lil with my rhythm, the results on accuracy are grrrrreat. Thank you

Greg L.

March 2009

Love your blog and your spirit. Your effervescence is contageous, keep it up.

John B.

Tampa Bay, FL
March 2009

Last night I published a post on my blog about 5 interesting things I read on other blogs, one of which was yours. You can read it on Pool Student’s Blog or just go to the post itself at Other Pool Related Websites.

Anyway, keep up the great work on The Tip jar and best of luck continuing to break your straight pool high run.

John Biddle

Tampa Bay, Florida
March 2009

PoolStudent.com

Out of all the sites on billiards and pool, you definitely are unique and worth visiting again…I like your style. I have copyrighted some book manuscripts (1993) and developed product lines that are similar in nature to yours; although, something in my little brain doesn’t connect between the vision and the prototype…I have all kinds of excuses that seem legitimate. I am glad you are doing what you do…the pool world needs your contributions to help grow in the right direction. Keep up the excellent work. You’d be a daughter I could be proud of.

John J.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
October 2008

Just cruisin’ through the web and checking your site out! Good stuff!! Thanks for all of the work putting this together.

Bjorn

California
August 2008

I am enjoying viewing your site and think you have a tremendous amount going for you. We at CutThroat CueSports are huge fans of pool and are particularly interested in seeing women succeed in this sport. We hope to someday become part of your ascent to the top of the pool world.

Brad Royce, Throat CueSports

Appleton, WI
July 2008

I was just browsing through some of the pool links and happened about your article about the sore loser. Great stuff. And how true. You and I didn’t know each other before the tournament…..lost to each other and beat each other, yet came out of it as friends. That goes to show that you can be great competitors and still show respect for the other players game.

Dee M.

January 2008

I wanted to give you kudos on your article on AZ Billiards regarding the effect of dominant eyes.

Gregory K.

Santa Monica, CA
November 2006

I truly love the game of pool, and admire the women such as you who do well at it. Love your web site, and have turned some friends on to it. I have the same motto as you, I just want to keep improving. You’re my “She-ro”, keep hitting them well. Thanks!

Lori

April 2006

I read the article The Art of War and it did a lot for me. I am an alright pool player. I do get a lot of anxiety and sometimes actually shake when trying to shoot. Reading about concentration that the Monk has made a huge difference for me.

Elaine D.

December 2004