Together with his partners Andreas Huber, Jorgen Sandman and Dirk Schwiewager the author developed the PAT System (Playing Ability Test), a standardized evaluation and training system for pool billiards that has been recognized by the WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) and the European association EPBF. The player's level is checked at regular intervals in a series of tests, for which points and emblems are awarded. This book is written for beginners through to slightly advanced players who want to make their game of pool more professional using the PAT systems and generally have more fun playing (PAT 1). The training units in the book are accompanied by comments from the German national trainer Andreas Huber, a graduate of engineering born in 1969. Andreas is an expert pool billiards player who also helped to develop the PAT System as well as setting up the Dachau Billiards Academy. His tips on how to play in practice draw on a wealth of expertise and experience collected over years as a player and trainer.

Auteur
Ralph Eckert was born in 1965 and has been one of the top players in Europe for many years. In 1995 he wrote his first book, passing on some of his extensive experience as a player, trick shot artist and trainer. Following his appointment to the German national league and national team, Ralph also recorded some international successes: Euro Tour champion in Antalya (1999), first in the European rankings in the Euro Tour (2000) and the Champions League winner (2004). In 2003 and 2004 he was German champion and as a trick shot artist he won an official World Champion und Masters title in the USA. In 1998 the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) appointed him the first international European Trainer h.c. Apart from being the trainer of the Baden-Württemberg team, Ralph has also trained the Danish, Thai and Moroccan national teams.