For fans of Bringing Down the House and Positively Fifth-a Sports Illustrated writer shares the story of a heavyset, bipolar, and charming pool hustler. In most sports the pinnacle is Wheaties-box notoriety. But in the world of pool, notoriety is the last thing a hustler desires. Such is the dilemma that faces one Danny Basavich, an affable, generously proportioned Jewish kid from Jersey, who flounders through high school until he discovers the...

The author became a "stakehorse" for ace pool player Tony Annigoni as the two traveled around the country, from pool hall to snooker parlor, looking for games.

The 18-year-old girl Xiaoxiangfang Hua Zhengmao's has undergone drastic changes. All she has is a pool hall left behind by her father that is on the verge of bankruptcy, and she faces being sent to a foster family. The only destiny that can save her from being adopted is the uncle Xie Shuangfeng she has never met. Xie Shuangfeng was once the king of pool but was involved in an incident and disappeared. To live with Xiaoxiang, the two understand and...