I was positively uncertain about the content of this tiny tome when I purchased it at the used book store. Reading the synopsis on the reverse, I gathered that Mordecair Richler was an avid fan of the game who would include anecdotes from throughout his life. Perhaps the author would delve into the kinship between the literati and elite athletes or outline the importance of competition in a young man’s life. Perhaps he admired a professional athlete from afar or found similarities between creativity on paper and canvas and creativity on felt (and by extension grass or hardwood since certain skills permeate all sports). I bought On Snooker anyways because I knew only one fact about the volume: that it would be well-written.
Accomplished author Richler weaves a myriad of player profiles together to describe the typical snooker athlete. Despite the formal nature of the sport, the black-tie attire, and the complex rules, snooker players face as much pressure as any other athlete. The sport possesses such a fine margin of error that minute miscues can trigger a run by the opponent and the end of match. Each frame begins with the same setup and players aim to make a similar sequence of shots. However, matches are always unique, a characteristic attributable to the mental not the physical aspect of snooker. Complete concentration during competition and practice is required for success.
Snooker players seem to have problems with gambling and substance abuse. Irrespective of the nature of the match, players must be able to leave the outcome on the table and move on. The skill level has risen so dramatically that the life of a champion snooker player is almost as short as an N.F.L. running back.
Lastly, Richler ruminates about the role sport plays in life. Even the most erudite character can take pleasure by supporting the Montreal Canadiens or boxing from Madison Square Garden. For many, it’s necessary to enter the playing field and prove their abilities to themselves, more than anyone else.