High-quality billiards cues can cost several hundred dollars. At that price, you’ll want to protect your investment with a rack, case and a few cleaning supplies. Performing general maintenance, as described below, can extend the lifespan of your cue and keep it consistent during gameplay.

A quality billiards table cover is an essential investment. It protects the table’s delicate cloth from spills, sunlight (discolouration) and dust (coarseness). For households with pets—particularly cats—a cover also prevents scratches and pulls from claws scraping along the top.

Professional billiard balls are extremely durable. In fact, hopping one off the table onto a concrete floor will inflict no damage. This is great because the smallest dent could affect the playability of the ball—how it rolls and ricochets.