Billiard tables come in many sizes to accommodate different game styles. For instance, snooker uses an 11’ 8.5” x 5’ 10” table. Conversely, pool tables measure in at 9′ x 4’ 5”. Regarding this smaller size, there are two variants—pocketed and pocketless. Pocketed billiard tables

Covering and brushing your billiards table are essential maintenance duties. However, preservation requires more than just smart cleaning and storage: you need to treat the table properly when you and others play on it. Here are three common mistakes billiards players make that cause unnecessary

Billiards tables get dirty with use. Chalk, dust and other debris are unavoidable during gameplay; however, such things are easy to brush off. Conversely, liquids spilled onto the felt—especially sugary and starchy ones like beer, coolers and juices—can ruin your table unless immediately treated.

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.

If you’d like to bring your own pool cue (or several) to a bar or billiards hall, you’ll need to protect it with a durable case. Just as cues come in different weights and lengths, you can buy cases in various sizes. Some fit only

In most billiards games, players chalk the cue tip before every shot to increase its friction when striking the ball. The better the friction, the smaller the chance of a miscue (slippage) on off-centred shots.

Pool cues come in various sizes and materials, making it difficult to settle upon just one for causal gameplay. But only a few factors differentiate one cue’s handling over another. The length and weight variants affect playability most, but density and grip also play a

Cue and ball racks make an excellent addition to any billiards room. They are both decorative and functional—most come beautifully finished and can reduce the clutter around your table. When shopping for a rack, you will find two varieties: stand-alone and wall-mounted. The stand-alone units

Lighting is an important component in billiards design. The cloth needs soft, even lighting rail-to-rail for players to accurately gauge their shots. For such an effect, the light must hang an appropriate distance from the table and shine sufficiently in all directions. This is achieved with multiple bulbs

Most billiards halls sport a one-piece slate table. With all the players leaning and climbing onto it, the single-piece most effectively withstands the weight and keeps from losing alignment or levelling. At 450 pounds, the slate is incredibly sturdy. Over time, though, that weight may