Where can I get Pool Lessons?

In the Silicon Valley area? I’ve spent about 45 minutes searching the web for info but have so far been unsuccessful. I’ve played most of my life and am usually one of the best 2-3 players in any bar I happen to find myself in but I would like to be taught the technical aspects of the game by a professional.

Any hints?

Go to a place that sells pool tables. Usually they are willing to help (for a fee) since the business isn’t exactly high-traffic. Even if they don’t, they probably will point you in the right direction. Of course, you could just go to the library and take out a book. Put it on the table with you and practice the shots it illustrates and you can quickly learn the geometry of the game.

I don’t know the area you live, but one historically reliable source is a college. Often times colleges offer P.E. classes on pool, usually if their student union building has tables. One other source that has helped me tremendously is my “Virtual Pool 2” game I have on CD Rom. I would assume by now there is probably a more current version, but the one I have allows you to play the standard games such as nine ball and straight pool in the simulation, but it also has a tutorial. The tutorial is a video on specialty shots and pool strategy by Mike Siegel. He show’s you the technique and then the computer sets up the shot so you can attempt it.

Ask the manager at a pool hall. Once you start playing on a real table though, you’ll realize what a crappy substitute “bar pool” is. (BTW, I – literally – just got back from playing pool for the first time in well over a year. I did pretty good, too. It never leaves you.)