Billiard Pool Game

Buying a Billiards Table

2008-02-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

Buying the right billiards table is not difficult; however, you must consider a few things before and after you make the purchase. The price, its size and space, who will own the table and how it will be used, are all factors when you choose the table. Once you have the table in your house, you must take care of it so it stays new and strong over the years.

There a many types of billiards tables in stores, so when you go out and shop for one, you must be sure your home is ready for the table's arrival. To do this, you must choose the best room in your home for the table, generally a room with plenty of space. It does not matter if you or our friends plan to play games on it, space is everything, you do not want the table near a corner; the table should be in the center of the room. You must also know the room's door size because if the table is already assembled when it arrives, you are going to have trouble squeezing it through a narrow door. No matter what kind of table you get, if you want one similar to the pros, you should get a table with BCA on it.

You can buy your billiard table in a few ways; you can use a newspaper, billiards store, classifieds ads, or eBay. All of these methods are great to use, but if you plan to use eBay, you should consider a few thing before placing a bid. On eBay, you cannot actually see the table up close to examine it, you just have to trust the picture and the information the seller typed in the description. This is not a problem with newspapers, stores and classifieds ads because you can get the address and visit the table on location. You can, however, search eBay based on your location and only get results for sellers that live nearby. Once you found a local auction, email the person, ask if you can stop by and see the table yourself and if you are happy with the table, you can place the bid.

Billiards table prices vary; the most expensive tables are antiques, which cost $15,000 or more; general tables are much cheaper with prices from $500 to $5000. Before you choose a table, you should consider a few important things to help you get the most out of the purchase without spending a lot of money. If the table is for your kids, you really do not need an expensive high quality table because they will not play on it a lot. For kids, you should visit a retail store to find tables to suit them; the best kind is the type of table that is sold in a box that you must assemble yourself. An actual billiard table can also be purchased from a retail store; however, you should visit stores that have knowledgeable retailers to help you pick the right table. If you are a serious billiards player and you want a table to improve your skills, you are going to have to spend a bit more money; however, you can get a good used table to save cash. To find a used table, you could run a classified ad about 7" in the newspaper, or even better, you can ask around to find someone that inherited a table. Some people may have inherited a billiard table and may not want it due to its size and the space it takes up. If you find someone in your area that inherited a table, do not buy it until you hire a billiards mechanic to inspect the table; the mechanic will also help you move it. Finally, if you only want to buy one table that will last forever which will also decorate your home, the best type to buy is a hardwood table.

If you want to buy a billiards table, plan who will own the table and how it will be used before you start searching.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards Table-Cheap or Expensive

2008-02-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right billiards table is all about price and quality, however, you generally do not have to buy the one with the most expensive price tag. Each type of table such as a cheap table, an economy table, a popular brand table and a top quality table have advantages and disadvantages, so choose wisely. The price range might be your deciding factor, so if you have some extra cash, try to get the table that suits you and you will enjoy your purchase a whole lot more.

Cheap billiards tables are found in many department stores, however most of them are designed for kids. These types of tables do not use real slate, because if they did, the cost of the actual slate would raise the overall price. Instead of real slate, these tables use perma slate or sometimes honeycomb as the table's surface; these tables would not please an experienced billiards player. When you purchase a cheap table, it is generally boxed unassembled and you must assemble it yourself; actual billiards tables have to be assemble by a billiards mechanic. These tables do not last long, they generally last a few years and their price range from $700 to $800 without installation and if you hire someone it assemble it, its $1000 to $1200.

Economy tables cost $1200 to $2000 and they use actual state on the surface, however they have a few minor problems. This type of table is made in garage type workshops, so if you visit one of these places and someone tries to convince you that one-piece slate is better than three piece slate do not believe it. In addition, some economy tables do not use oversize sized slate, which is a term for slate that extends below the rails. This is important because some people may like to sit on a billiards table, so if a table does not have oversize slate, it could be a problem. When a person sits on a table that has oversize slate, the table will support the weight; however, a table without it will start to wobble over time. Billiards tables that wobbles will make the rails miss align; this unbalances the table, which makes it impossible to play.

Popular brand tables offer great style and they last a longer time, but some brands may have cheap materials somewhere on or in the table. While this may not seem like a problem, these materials can indeed make your table weaker depending on where you put it. The basement is not a good place for a table that has artificial materials because the change in temperature may make the table deform. The cost of the popular brand tables range from $2000 to $3000.

The final table you can buy is a top quality table; these tables cost $3000 or more and you generally get the best materials and styles along with a long-term warranty. A high price tag does not always mean you are getting the best table, so shop around and compare prices before you make your purchase.

Each type of billiard tables has features to suit every type of player. No matter if you choose a cheap table or an expensive one, always shop around for a better price.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - Learning How to Play

2008-02-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

The game of billiards is not difficult to understand and with practice, you can win your first match within a few hours. There are different types of billiards games; however, there are simple ways to learn each one so you can join in while you are at the billiards hall. You need advance training if you want to play like a pro player and once you have all the skills, you will be able to win a billiards championship.

Reading a how-to book is a simple way to learn the game of billiards. Bookstores have many types of these books; however, some authors may write the steps in a way that is tough for beginners to understand. If you want to read through a billiards help book without being confused, you have to choose the right one. To find the right type of book, you have to research before you go to the bookstore and the best way to do this is to ask some billiard players for their options.

A billiards forum is a great place to get options. Just get a username and start a topic that asks everyone about the best billiards beginner's self-help books. After you have posted your message, you should get plenty of responses; after you read their suggestions, research the book titles in a search engine and choose the one you prefer. You can also visit a billiards hall to ask some of the players about books they read as well.

There is another way to learn the game of billiards without actually reading a book. Besides, some of the techniques you read in a book may not be clear unless you see someone actually doing them. To get a better understanding of the different types of billiards techniques, you should watch a billiards how-to video. A video is an excellent guide and you should buy one along with a book if you want to really increase your billiards knowledge. If you don't prefer reading how-to books, that's ok, you will still get some good advice watching the videos.

If you want to be a pro player, you need to hire a qualified BCA trainer to teach you. An instructor will tell you exactly how to stand, how to hit the ball and how to improve your skill level. If you are not a fast learner and you don't want to give the instructor a hard time during your training, you should practice beforehand. You can ask a friend from a local billiards hall to visit your home and show you the basics if you own a billiards table in your house.

If a BCA instructor has trained your friend, you will know exactly what to expect when your personal trainer arrives. This will make things much easier for you and your instructor, and you can finish your training a lot faster. If you do not want to hire someone to teach you, you can always go to the billiards hall and watch other people play and take notes. If you keep returning with a pen and paper, someone will notice you are trying to learn the game and might offer to teach you.

Billiards can be learned in a few ways; you can buy a book or video that other players recommend, hire an instructor, or watch a few games and take note at the billiard hall.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - More Than 8-Ball Pool

2008-02-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

8-ball is the most popular billiard game in the world. It is so popular, that 8-ball pool is almost a synonym for billiards. However, 8-ball is only a part of a one big happy family of billiard games.

8-ball pool, 9-ball pool, snooker, one pocket, balkline are all cue sports games. They all share a rectangular cloth-covered table, a long cue stick, a set of balls and an ambition to score, but they differ in their rules, objects, and even their terminology.

Generally, billiard games divide into two types: pocket billiard games and carom billiard games. Pocket billiard games, usually referred to as pool games, are the type of billiard played on a table that has six pockets. In pocket billiard games, the players aspire to sink the balls into the table pockets, according to specific games rules.

Carom billiard games, on the other hand, are played on pocketless tables. Only three billiard balls are involved in the carom games. The purpose of the players in most carom games is to maneuver their cue ball so it will carom off the other two balls, again, according to the specific requirements of the game.

8-ball pool is a pocket billiard game. Other popular pocket billiard games include 9-ball pool, 14.1 continuous (formerly known as straight pool) and even snooker. Snooker is the most popular cue sports in the UK. Even though snooker is played on a pocketed pool table, it is not governed by the same association that administrates pocket billiard rules. Therefore, pocket billiard general rules do not apply to snooker.

The equipment used in snooker games is also different from the one used in pocket billiard tournaments. For example, the snooker table is a bit larger than the standard pool table plus its pockets are narrower. The terminology used in both billiard games is different as well. While pool players' goal is to "pocket" the "object balls," snooker players aim to "pot" the "red" or the "on-ball."

Josephine Thunder is a professional writer who focuses on the online gaming industry including online billiards, online backgammon, chess and other games. Josephine commonly writes reviews of online gaming sites (including pool sites such as http://www.play89.com for example), articles on history of games and more.

Billiards Chalk

2008-02-14T01:13:00.000-08:00

Billiards chalk is one of the most important accessories in billiards. Billiards players apply chalk to the tip of the cue stick between every shot. This is done in order to increase the friction coefficient of the cue tip, which, in turn, prevents the slippage between the ball and the cue tip. As billiards chalk forms a good coating to avoid miscues, it offers players a secure feeling when attempting critical shots. Billiards chalk can provide the right friction, spin and grip - factors that contribute to a satisfactory playing experience.

During the late 1800s, carbonate of lime, better known as blackboard chalk, was used on the cue tips. The problem with blackboard chalk was that it made stains on the billiard fabric. Therefore some proprietary compounds having a silicate base are used for manufacturing billiards chalk nowadays. These ingredients include silica, aloxite, and color pigments. Carbonate of lime is not used anymore. These ingredients are mixed in the right proportion and converted to round or square cakes using a hydraulic press that can apply a pressure of 15 tons. After this process, the cakes are placed on racks to dry. Compared to softer pieces, harder chalks function better.

Billiards chalk is usually green in color. Now this is available in a variety of colors including brown, charcoal, purple, plum, navy, copper, and in colors to match the pool table felt. Only a thin sheet of chalk should remain on the cue tip when applied.

There are many popular brands of billiards chalk available on the market. The features of this chalk differ greatly from brand to brand. A problem with low-quality chalk is that it can have an adverse effect on both cue tips and hands, if used continuously. High humidity might damage the billiards chalk and make it less effective.

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Billiards Chalkboards

2008-02-13T00:18:00.001-08:00

Billiards chalkboards are one of the accessories used to keep track of the scores of a billiard game. The names of the players are entered along with their scores on this chalkboard. Any other comments can also be displayed on this board. As electronic scoreboards are fast replacing billiards chalkboards nowadays, the chalkboards are now mainly used for wall decoration in game rooms.

There are a number of manufacturers who produce and sell a wide variety of billiards chalkboards. You can select the appropriate chalkboard that suits your poolroom. Billiard chalkboards come in unique handcrafted models that are valuable additions to the overall room decor. Most of them come with mounting options and wooden frames with resin designs. Custom designed chalkboards made according to the client's specifications are also available in a variety of finishes.

Today, billiards chalkboards and quaint chalkboard signs are commonly seen in restaurants, bars, business establishments, and pool halls or any place where beer drinkers and pool players gather. For this reason, handcrafted billiards chalkboards have great demand in the market. For antique lovers, this is an excellent investment. A painted wooden chalkboard will look great on any wall. Chalkboard signs are now used for menu display in restaurants and kitchens. They are also used to display messages and information in offices and homes. Often these are sold with complimentary color chalk.

Many of the online services offer high quality art works at competitive prices as well as price match guarantees and discounts. Online deals will help you to compare different patterns and styles offered by various shops.

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Billiards FAQs

2008-02-13T00:17:00.000-08:00

Billiards is a fast growing leisure sport played on a billiard table, with a stick known as cue stick, usually 58 inches in length, and weighing 18 to 21 ounces. The cue stick is used to hit the balls, moving around the table.

1. What are the benefits of playing billiards? Billiards is a game that increases eye-hand coordination, focus and concentration, and even practical application of physics and geometry.

2. What are the essential equipment required for billiards? Balls, rack, table, cues, mechanical bridge, scoreboard, mirror lights, dart boards, and chalk.

3. What is the standard size of a billiard table? Billiard tables are available in four basic sizes. They are 7 foot (39 inches by 78 inches), 8 foot (44 inches by 88 inches), oversized 8 foot (46 inches by 92 inches) and 9 foot tables (50 inches by 100 inches). These names refer to the interior playfield dimensions.

4. What are cue balls? In billiards, cue balls are the balls that a player strikes with the cue stick. These are made from ivory, wood, and various synthetic materials. Today, phenolic resin is also used for manufacturing these balls.

5. What is Billiards chalk? Billiards chalk is one of the most important accessories in billiards used to reduce the friction between the cue shaft and the bridge hand caused by perspiration.

6. What are the essentials needed to decorate the billiards room? Billiard clocks, posters, billiard signs, CD holders, movie stills, sports figurines, wall art, decorative furniture and cabinets, chalkboards, and pool table lights.

7. What is the difference between pool and billiards? In pool, there are 16 balls including one black, one white, seven red, and seven yellow. Billiards involves only three balls: one red, one black, and one white.

8. What is the Billiard Congress of America (BCA)? Billiard Congress of America is a national nonprofit organization located in Colorado. It is the governing body that controls the billiard industry.

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Billiards Leagues

2008-02-11T02:08:00.001-08:00

Billiards leagues are billiards related organizations which are formed to support specific groups within the billiards industry. Most of them are player-oriented, but a number of them exist to support specific vendor and manufacturer organizations. The activity of each league contributes to the overall popularity of billiards not only in the United States but throughout the world.

Billiards leagues hold billiards events in which amateurs get an opportunity to play for huge prize funds. Leagues can be formed by anyone including a pool table vending company, a billiard club owner, or a group of players who want to construct a business by providing league services to the players. The aim of these leagues is to enhance the success of members and to promote the game of billiards. Most of them provide programs for people of all ages. Junior programs focus on America?s youth to create a new generation of players.

Billiards leagues are a good starting point for anyone with professional objectives. These offer a strong foundation in the game, before a player goes on to local, regional, and finally national tournaments. The schedules for billiards leagues can start at any time of the year and can be of any duration. The most common leagues are summer leagues (June to August) - which run for 8-12 weeks and winter leagues - September to March. Some of them run round the year in three or four sessions of 10-14 weeks each.

Billiard Congress of America, United States Billiard Association, Lone star Pool League, Panther Pool League, American Pool players Association, and Valley National 8-Ball League Association are some of the popular Billiards leagues in the United States. Local Pool League (LPL) is a Handicap league in Oklahoma City.

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Bumper Billiards

2008-02-11T02:07:00.001-08:00

Do you love billiards but aren't sure you can fit a full-size billiard table in your home? Bumper billiards isn't quite the same game, but it is similar. Bumper billiards includes some obstacles that make getting the ball in the pocket a little more challenging. Furthermore, the tables are smaller.

If you need to purchase a bumper billiards table but aren't sure where to get one, you can either search online or in a billiards supply store or other recreational outlet. They vary in price, and some companies may send you the bumper billiards table in pieces that you'll need to assemble. If you don't know quite what you want, try to look at some tables in a show room before you make a purchase. That way, if you purchase it online, you can know what to expect when the box arrives.

If you do decide to get a bumper billiards table, you will need to understand the rules and the physics. Spend some time playing a few games by yourself before you start playing with people. Get familiar with the nuances of the bumper billiards table. Understand how the physics of the game changes with the addition of the bumper.

It is interesting to note that some bumper billiards tables may be able to change into a poker table. This is convenient, especially if you enjoy hosting games and poker nights with your friends. You can spend one part of the evening playing bumper billiards and the other playing cards. It is also a real space saver and eliminates the need for a bigger room.

If you love billiards but don't have the space for a full-size table, consider getting into bumper billiards. Even though the rules are slightly different, it is still a challenging game. After you buy a table, make sure you spend some time getting used to the nuances of the new game before you play with friends.

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Bumper Billiards

2008-02-11T02:07:00.000-08:00

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Discount Billiards Supplies

2008-02-09T01:18:00.001-08:00

You want to buy a pool table and pool supplies of your own. You have a new game room space and want the billiard table to be the focal point. The problem is, your budget is limited. You need to find discount billiard supplies that are still high quality so you can enjoy your new game room without spending too much money.

Well the first step in searching for discount billiards supplies is to make a list as to what you need. If you want to outfit a game room with a new billiards set up, you will need a billiards table, sticks, balls, chalk, and other accessories. Go to your favorite pool hall and make a note of everything they have so you can be sure you didn't miss anything. Make sure you have extra sticks. If you have a party, you'll want at least six pool sticks so your friends can play on teams.

After you have your list, you can begin comparison shopping. Look for discount billiards supply shops in your area. Ask the manager at your favorite pool hall where they get their supplies. You can also shop online. Just understand that if you buy the table online, you may need to put it together yourself, and if you need to return it, that isn't always easy. You can also shop for supplies in catalogs and from other sports suppliers. If you have a lot of choices, keep track of everything with a spreadsheet and make your purchases when you find the best prices.

After you find the discount billiards supplies that you need and you make a purchase, make sure you spend some time setting up your new game room. Don't just set up the table, create an atmosphere. Install lighting, play some music, paint the walls, etc. If you put your own personality into the room, your friends will respond to this.

Finding discount billiards supplies is simple as long as you know where to look. Take the time to research your supplies and where to get them. Then, set up your new game room to reflect your personal style. Now you have a room where you can entertain friends and have billiards parties!

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Electronic Billiards Scoreboards

2008-02-07T22:42:00.001-08:00

At competitive levels of billiards, a scoreboard is essential for displaying the scores of each player. Electronic billiards scoreboards are the latest trend for displaying the scores in billiards. It is a fast, easy, and reliable way of displaying how much time the player has left for the shot or for pre-match warming up. The commendable feature of electronic billiards scoreboards is the accuracy of the displayed information.

Electronic billiards scoreboards have a housing comprising a scorekeeping display adapted for billiards. Digits are generally composed of seven-segment displays, large dot-matrix made of LEDs, incandescent bulbs, or other electromechanical flip segments. The display can add or subtract from scores automatically. There is a power switch for activating and deactivating the scoreboard display.

Electronic billiards scoreboards are mounted on the wall as they are the focal point throughout tournaments for players as well as viewers. The scorekeeping display gives you information such as player statistics, updated scores, average time, average score, winning percentage, important tournament information, and sponsor messages. It also gives information about the current game, and a list of all played games.

Most of these scoreboards come with voice announcer, game clock, control box, wall mounting devices, and laser sound effects. Automatic player change and handicapping options are other advantages. For accuracy and reliability, some of them use infrared puck sensors. Fixed and portable electronic billiards scoreboards are available. There are many companies that manufacture and sell the best scoreboard devices. Most companies offer warranties for their product. Online shopping is an ideal alternative to get quality electronic billiards scoreboards.

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Online Billiards

2008-02-06T22:11:00.001-08:00

Now you can play live billiard games with your friends and other users online. This is a computerized version of the billiard game which lets you play in a multiplayer 3D realistic environment. These games are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is also an opportunity for you to chat online with people who share your passion and interests.

Like the real game, online billiards demands discipline, skill, and a great eye for all potential outcomes. There are many sites with a variety of billiards games which feature beautiful graphics, animation, and fun. With the development of web based graphic technologies such as Flash and Java, online billiards has become very popular. Carom 3D is an online multi-user billiard game created with special 3D graphic effects. It has interesting features such as straight pool, 6 balls, 9 balls, 8 balls, and exotic pyramid games. These are available in both single player and multiplayer modes.

Online billiards simulates billiard physics including side ball spin, realistic ball movements, back spin, forward spin, lights playing on ivory and bronze, exact cue shots, environmental effects, and curve ball trajectories. Some of these sites allow the user to play freely whereas some others who offer more sophisticated games demand a registration fee. Online billiard websites also provide tutorials on the game, which is a great help to the beginner.

There are certain online billiard sites where you can buy billiard and game room accessories at reasonable prices. Cue sticks, billiard tables, paintings of great billiard players are among the items you can buy. Online stores accept almost all credit cards.

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The History Of Billiards

2008-02-05T22:25:00.001-08:00

The modern incarnation of billiards may look something like this: Walking through a smoke-filled bar to reach a room crammed with pool tables and filled with even denser smoke. The rather unsavory crowd barely acknowledges your presence, and you wonder once again why billiards has for so long been called the "noble game?"

Although your local billiards hall may not look like a gathering of royalty, the
billiards games of yesteryear did. As long ago as the 1600s there are records of billiards being played by British royalty, though the game barely resembled what is played today. Billiards, which moved from a popular lawn game to its final indoor model, was mentioned in William Shakespeare?s play Antony and Cleopatra.

After the industrial revolution provided better game equipment in the 1800s, billiards began to make its way into the USA. The term ?English? that is used in reference to the spin put on a ball was a term used by the Americans at the time who observed the way the English shot the ball and mastered the game. There are a few reports of the game being played in the USA long before the 1800s. Some reports indicate St. Augustine brought the game in 1580 and others state that George Washington won a game around 1748. However it was not until the 1800s that parlors opened with billiards being the central activity.

The popularity of billiards in the United States was perhaps enhanced most by Michael Phelan. He created a standardized set of rules, and through his long beloved newspaper column, he created the demand for the new sport. Phelan and his colleagues eventually formed the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company which controlled the form, design, and expansion of the game of billiards in the USA.

So, the next time you descend into your local pool hall or the latest billiards tournament in the local bowling alley, don?t forget to honor the noble history of billiards. Remember that the game you just won has added to the illustrious history of billiards, or that the game you just lost was similarly lost by much more accomplished people than you--in a different era. Kings and Presidents have similarly won and lost at billiards, though they probably were able to drown their sorrows with something better than cheap beer and mozzarella sticks. Have a swig in memory of the royal history of the "noble game."

William Jones contributes to several web magazines, on recreation and sport and home and garden issues.

One Pocket Billiards Game

2008-02-04T22:43:00.000-08:00

One pocket billiards is the billiards answer to soccer, while 14.1 continuous billiards is the billiards answer to basketball?s horse. Requiring to shooter to specialize in specific types of shots, in on pocket billiards the table is cut from six pockets for shots to two open pockets. You don?t have to call what ball will go into that pocket but, you must call the desired pocket for your shot in one pocket billiards.

The desired pocket on every shot is the opponent?s target goal, and that is the similarity for one pocket billiards to soccer. Requiring somewhat of a defensive strategy in addition to the usual offensive strategies of billiards, each play is essentially defending a target pocket. If a player shoots a ball into one of the four other pockets instead of making a ball into the opponent?s target pocket, then the shot is declared something like "illegally pocketed ball".

The opponent receive a winning point total if a shooter accidentally pockets a ball in their own goal pocket, and then, they do indeed lose the game. The shooter would have pocketed over half of the total billiards ball into the opponent?s pocket only if they reach the object. The object is to get to eight balls pocketed in the target or opponent?s goal pocket. The shooter loses only if the shooter has six pocketed balls and his or her opponent has seven total and the shooter accidentally pockets a ball in his or her own goal.

Before starting the game, the two shooters should choose which pocket they wish to use as a target pocket. The breaking shooter is required to make at least one ball into the targeted pocket, and the balls are set up in the racking triangle at random. Also, is required that the shooter makes a contacted ball hit a cushion, to continue his/her turn as the shooter. The game is over if the target pocket is scored on eight or more times.

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including elliptical trainers and blog site. If you want to read more about billiards, click over to George billiards site.

The Billiards Games Of Rotation Pool

2008-02-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

Many of the billiards games get their basic principles of game play is the billiards game of rotation. The actual game of rotation is as challenging as any billiards game can be, even if seven ball, nine ball, and ten ball come from the basic idea of rotation. The player is required to hit the lowest numbered ball first in an effort to make more difficult shots, but, he isn?t required to call the shot that they wish to hit.

The rack is displayed like this: the number one ball on the tip, the two and three balls at the back corners, the fifteen ball being directly in the center of the rack. Based on the point value for each individual ball, scoring in rotation billiards requires that the point value is the number on the ball. A legally pocketed ball is a ball that is pocketed after a shot hits the lowest numbered ball on the table first, so the shooter gets credited for every legally pocketed ball on each shot.

Until the shooter does not legally pocket a ball, the player is entitled to continue shooting, every time a shooter pockets a ball legally. To accrue more points by pocketing high numbered balls than it?s opponent, is the player?s goal. Any shooter who gets 61 point at any time during the game, is declared the winner of the game, because there are 120 points available when totaling all 15 balls. To win in the rotation billiards there is no final shot needed, the only purpose of the game is to score more total points than the opponent.

Very similar to many other sports, rotation billiards is required of you to simply outscore your worthy adversary. Is easier to understand for newcomers to the game, but also, it does demand skill for dreaming up shots that can first hit the lowest numbered ball on the table before pocketing a ball.

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including cycling and blog site. If you want to read more about billiards, click over to George billiards site.

Billiards Equipment

2008-02-01T22:42:00.001-08:00

Athletes in every sport seem to have their little quirks.

Basketball players massage the basketball before a game. Batters on deck at a baseball game wait patiently, swinging the bat over and over. While these may look like nervous habits, attention grabbing tactics or ways to entertain the fans, the athletes are really getting in tune with their equipment. By knowing the equipment they use, the athletes are able to play the game to their full potential.

It is no different in the game of billiards. Whether you are a seasoned expert in the game, or a first-time billiards player, you need to know the equipment in order to play the game.

True regulation-size billiard tables are about 4 1/2 feet off the ground, and the length of the table is approximately double that distance. The playing surface of regulation tables measure about 50 by 100 inches. Billiards tables do not share the same dimensions as regular pool tables, so billiards players who like to practice their technique at home or at a pub or community center need to remember these numbers. Some stores that offer billiards tables to rent or purchase might let you come in and pay to play billiards, but even those tables may not be regulation size.

Billiards is a very technical game involving many angles and a great deal of discipline. It's important to know the dimensions of the pockets you're aiming for. The angles of the corner pockets are roughly 142 degrees, give or take a few, and the side pocket angles sit at about 103 degrees. These numbers may seem completely meaningless, but in the game of billiards, understanding the geometry is as important as having the proper cue.

When it comes to the cue, the use of regulation billiards equipment is in the hands of the user. Billiards cues should have a 14mm wide tip, 40 inches long and weigh 25 ounces. The billiards ball should be around 5.5 to 6 ounces in weight and be 2 1/4" in diameter. The playing surface of the billiards table must flat, slightly raised (between .20 and .40 inches), and lightly cushioned to give the ball a little "English" when it's hit just right.

Like any game, billiards can be quite enjoyable when played by the casual observer, but it is serious business to the professional player. Billiards players who know and understand their equipment will surpass all others who play the game. Great billiards players are not created of raw talent, but developed from a true knowledge of regulation equipment.

While you may not see championship players swinging their cues, you can bet that they are perfectly in tune with their billiards equipment.

Dorothy Williams is a writer for several web sites, on recreation and family hobbies themes.

Nine Ball Billiards

2008-01-30T22:41:00.001-08:00

Generations of barroom athletes have enjoyed billiards as contests of skill. Whether you play for fun in the local pub, or play for keeps on the professional circuit, there are many variations to keep you and your friends entertained. Nine Ball billiards is one favorite take on the age-old game.

Nine Ball billiards is a contest of skill and a test of concentration. This is because in Nine Ball, each player must be mindful of every ball that's on the table. Rather than simply focusing on a group of specific balls, Nine Ball requires that all players begin each shot with the cue ball striking the lowest numbered ball on the table. As long as that happens, the player is free to pocket any ball to keep his or her turn in play. In theory, the first shot should contact the one ball and all shots should initially contact the lowest number until that nine ball is finally pocketed.

A major variation of the basic billiards game play is that only balls played are those numbered one through nine, and the balls are racked in a diamond shape as opposed to the traditional triangle. Most of the balls can be set randomly within the diamond, however the one ball must be at the tip and the nine ball must be at the center. When the balls have been properly set, play begins as usually with the cue ball set behind the head string.

Upon breaking, the shooter must either pocket one ball or send four balls to the rails, to continue in his or her turn. If the breaking shooter should pocket the cue ball or knock a ball off of the table, the shot is lost. The opponent re-spots the ball and begins his or her turn. Any balls that are pocketed by a foul shot must be re-spotted before the opposing shooter can take a legal shot.

A shot is considered foul if the break shot is unsuccessful, and if succeeding shots don't result in pocketing a ball or contacting the lowest numbered ball first. If a player fouls, he or she has three opportunities to correct the mistake. The player is notified after the second foul and if the third shot also results in a foul, the game is called and the fouling player is declared the loser. If a player is not eliminated as a result of a foul, the Nine Ball billiards game continues until the nine ball is legally pocketed.

Billiards is a fun game that can easily be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Many people make billiards a part of their regular nights out, and variations on the game, like Nine Ball, ensure that no two nights will be the same.
Barbara Moore contributes to several web magazines, on recreation tips and hobbies themes.

The Billiards Table

2008-01-28T22:44:00.001-08:00

Bars and recreation venues in rural or urban areas offer to their visitors the excitement and the sportsmanship of a famous table-played game, called pool or billiard. On the billiards table's totally flat surface, pool game fans strike, with the use of a specially designed long wooden stick known as "cue stick," colorful balls moving them around the table's area. Pool games attract a variety of publics from around the world, who enjoy the exhilaration of calculating angles and estimating how many strikes it will take them to accomplish their winning goal.

Pool tables are mainly separated into two categories, called carom and pocket tables. In fact, the word "billiards" when standing alone refers to the carom games played on a table without pockets, as opposed to games played on pocket billiards which people recognize as "pools" or also known as "snooker" tables. In Britain and Ireland though, the word "billiards" denotes the "English billiard" exclusively, which is the version of the table with the ball pockets. The difference between the two types is that carom billiards tables do not have six openings -four at each table corner and two at the middle of each of the table's largest sides- in which the pool player is called to direct the colorful balls on the surface of the table by striking each one of them, or more than one at a time, with a white ball. The white ball acts as the "mediator" between the cue stick's point and the round surface of the colored ball the striker aims to hit. If the striker manages to hit the white ball with the right speed and from the right angle then it will in turn hit the colored one which will be directed to fall into one of the tables' holes. Pool table fans generally refer to pocket billiard games, such as 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool and one-pocket.

Found in many sizes and styles, billiards or pools are tables in a rectangular shape and are generally twice as long as they are wide. When someone refers to the number of a pool table's foots this actually denotes its longer sides' length. Mainly a function of space, the pool table's length varies. English billiard tables, for example, are 12 feet long, while bars typically offer 7-foot tables. Pool halls tend to have 9-foot tables for more professional players, whereas the once commonly found 10-foot tables are now considered collectible items. Finally, the "felt" or "baize" is the cloth that covers the pool table's exposed surface and he higher its quality the faster the balls run on its completely flat surface.

While the world "billiard" has presumably originated from the French word "billart," which means "mace"-an implement that was the predecessor of the modern cue-the game did not remain constricted in Europe. Evolving from an outdoor to an indoor game, billiard became known as "pool," which originates from "poolrooms" where people gambled off their money betting on horse races. Since billiard tables were commonly found in this type of venues, pools became a synonym of billiards and gained fanatic supporters in every continent.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Games, Sports, and Recreation

Famous Billiards Fans

2008-01-28T00:16:00.002-08:00

Billiards, or commonly referred to as pool, is an indoor sport that has gained fanatics all over the world. As the trend of more and more home owners deciding to purchase a pool table and add it to their own home's entertainment corner or room shows, pool fans are drunk, extremely aggressive-looking fellows that are always ready to fight and have no sense of manners, or in any case, odor, is an image one can mainly attribute to movie scenes and real decadence-looking bars. But, as pool table fans are indeed increasing in numbers, the idea that these people probably have not been portrayed accurately generates a new interest in pool games and generates a chain reaction.

However, pool fans are not a recent phenomenon. Since this game's conception, thousands of individuals have experienced its thrills and were able to compete against each other during friendly or professional games. Some of the most famous pool fans are people known from history, politics, arts and science. Individuals like Mark Twain, George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Marie Antoinette, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, and Paul Newman, have embraced the game of pool and have contributed to its fame traveling around the globe over the centuries.

Abraham Lincoln, one of the first real American celebrities and an immensely important person in American history, owned a pool table and was admittedly a great pool gamer and fan. If one might think that critical issues of the American national interest, like slavery, the Civil War, and international relations, were probably discussed over a billiard game, perhaps is not far from the truth. As a billiard table has been brought in the White House and existed there for several administrations, many of the recent US Presidents have had the opportunity to play a couple of games with prestigious opponents, like Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, King Hussein, or Margaret Thatcher. Isn't it chilling for one to imagine that the world's fate might have been "played" over a billiards game?

In recent times, pool tables are produced in different sizes and for vastly different budgets. Much more affordable than their predecessors, pool tables now attract the attention of "simple" folks who wish to spend some quality time playing a great game. Thus, even if you are not yet an owner but would like to become one, there is no better time to attain your goal than today. Visit your local games department store, research over the Internet, participate at an auction or get to your neighbor's house sale. Perhaps a new talent is hidden under your sleve. Isn't time for you to discover it?

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Football, Recreation, and Games

Eight Ball Billiards

2008-01-28T00:16:00.001-08:00

The game that began as a nobleman's sport has evolved into a barroom staple. But make no mistake the game of billiards, and each of its offspring, still retains that noble spirit.

While proper billiards is rarely found in average clubs, a number of game variations have become popular with the pub and club set. One of the most popular tournament-style billiards games is "eight ball". In eight ball billiards, one set of numbered balls is split between two players. One players shoots for balls 1-7 (also called "solids" or "low balls") and the other plays balls 9-15 ("stripes" or "high balls"). The first player to pocket all of his or her balls, and then legally pocket the eight (black) ball, is declared the winner.

Eight ball is an easy game with very few regulations. There are however, a few rules to keep in mind:

* When calling shots in this eight ball billiards, it is not necessary to indicate the pocket and ball when the shot is clear. If attempting a bank or combination shot however, you must declare your intention before proceeding to shoot.

* If the ball you are shooting jumps off the table, the shot is considered foul. At this time you can choose to accept the table and take a shot, or shoot again with the cue ball placed behind the head string.

* On your turn, your shot is only legal if it hits a group of your own billiard balls and either pocket a numbered ball, or cause a numbered ball or the cue ball to end up in a pocket. This does not apply to shots declared "open", or to break shots.

* After a break shot, if no ball was pocketed and no group of balls determined, the table is still considered to be open. In other words, if a player breaks and sunk neither stripes nor solids, the table remains open.

* A game may be acknowledged as a stalemate when six turns (three for each player) are taken consecutively and the next shot will result in the loss of the game. At this point, the game is re-racked, and the original breaker takes the break shot again.

Consult an official rulebook for a more concise description of all the rules to eight ball. To play a successful game you must be willing to learn and follow the rules, and retain the noble spirit of billiards.
Jennifer Brown writes for several web sites, on sports and recreation and recreation and hobbies subjects.

Billiards

2008-01-23T23:28:00.001-08:00

Billiards is an age-old game and to some, a serious sport. While you're idea of fun might involve a casual game of snooker or eight ball, you should also possess a general knowledge of the grand old game of billiards.

The rules of billiards are quite simple, and not too unlike the barroom sport you're more inclined to play.

* In billiards, all of the balls within the racking triangle must be touching. If you take the break shot, strike the cue ball with your cue stick to initiate play of the game. Anything other than a direct strike of the cue ball can result in your disqualification.

* In regulation billiards, it is essential to call every shot. If you are playing under these rules, you must call the shot out loud before the stroke of the cue stick, indicating the ball you are shooting for and the pocket or combination you are attempting to hit. If you do not pocket your shot, your turn comes to an end. Any extra balls that are pocketed however, are credited to you.

* A billiards ball is only considered pocketed when it falls into the pocket and stays there. This includes balls that may fall through the pocket onto the floor. If the billiards ball bounces out of the pocket and back onto the table, it is not considered pocketed and the ball is still in play.

* Each of your shots must be made with both feet set firmly on the ground. Any billiards shot that you make with one foot raised off the ground, even slightly, is cause for disqualification.

* As the shooter, you can also be disqualified from the billiards game if you make a shot while one or more balls are still in motion. Billiards players must wait for all of the balls to come to a complete stop before taking the next shot.

* At any time, if the cue ball is pocketed on a shot, that player's turn is over.

* If a billiards ball jumps off of the playing surface as a result of a shot, that shot is considered foul. The ball can jump, but not leave the playing surface (rail or floor) without penalty. If your ball lands on the floor or rail, it is considered foul and must be replaced after all other billiards balls from the shot have stopped moving.

You never know when a new opponent might challenge you to a game of billiards. If you know the rules you'll be ready to join in the fun. Besides, having an understanding of proper billiards might just help you to become a better pool or snooker player.

Jennifer Brown writes for several online magazines, on sports and recreation topics.

Get The Most Out Of Your Billiards Room

2008-01-22T23:27:00.000-08:00

I recently remodelled my home and decided to include a billiards room. I have always loved the idea of having one, especially so I wouldn't have to use the awful table at the bar down the street anymore. So, I was scouting the internet looking for pool tables when I thought--why not get all the accessories while I was at it?

So, I included billiards lighting and lamps into my search and wondered why I had originally intended to just put a pool table in a room. With nothing else. I started finding other really cool billiards accessories like college logo pub tables and bar stools. I mean, how great is that? I ended up purchasing a pub table, two swivel bar stools, a pool table, some matching college pool cues, and tons of billiards supplies like felt combs and chalk cones. I then went out and bought matching team color paint so I could have a fully themed sports game room. I was thrilled!

I had a group of my friends over and discovered that I didn't have enough places for everyone to sit. Everyone loved the college sports theme, so I decided to look for more college themed seating. I found the perfect match to my college team decor! I bought the college team logo billiards spectator chairs and boy were they nice. Finally, my billiards room was coming together and really looking and functioning beautifully.

One time I had a huge party and had tons of people hanging out, playing billiards--but everyone asked me where they could play cards. I had missed something in my previous shopping expeditions, so I went out hunting for card tables. I ended up finding matching college game table tops just like these: http://www.sports-collectibles-store.com/collegegametables.html that were set up so everyone could play poker comfortably. It was great and a big hit when my friends came over again.

Creating my billiards room was fun and the college team theme really worked out nicely. It is great to have a little relaxing haven in your own home to go to and just chill.

Steph Winston is a stay at home mom who just happens to love her alumnus team. If you would like to read more of her articles, please visit the game room furniture stories at the Discount Sports Collectibles store.

Billiards: Learn to Focus = Learn to Win

2008-01-20T22:58:00.001-08:00

Trying to move up a level in any sport often means turning a losing habit into a winning habit. Quite often though a sportsperson will have the innate ability but cannot turn that natural talent into a winning formula.

Generally this is caused by a lack of focus, something that can easily be addressed. In billiards, pool and snooker this is a particularly important aspect of getting into the winning mould. How often do we hear players say "I took my eye off it" or "I just wasn't concentrating?" This is to do with focus and it can be caused by external factors both on and off the table.

Everything we do in our day-to-day life can have an effect on our focus and concentration. Many a time I have heard players in my local league claiming that they just did not play well in a particular match. It is very difficult to focus on a game like billiards when your mind is elsewhere, if you have had a bad day at work or home then this will affect your game. Billiards relies on focus and concentration and without them you may as well not turn up!

How can we try to regain this level of focus to allow us to play our match? It is a very difficult question and not one that has a finite answer; different people will deal with focus in many different ways. This guide offer's a number of solutions as to how to regain your focus whilst playing.

Pre-Shot Routine

To regain or even maintain focus and concentration during a game it is important to have your own pre-shot routine, a set of movements, or a mental checklist before you get down on every shot. If you get into your shooting position the same way every time you shoot then it allows you to concentrate solely on the job in hand and can cut out some of the many external factor's that may be going on around you.

Take a Break

In a match you can sometimes get frustrated when the "roll" does not go your way. I am a firm believer in the old adage that you make your own luck. Take a break from the table; get a drink, a toilet break, anything to refresh your mind. Come back to the table and on your next visit try to put all your efforts into the job in hand.

Re-hydrate

Although billiards is not a particularly physical sport it does take a large amount of mental concentration and calculation. Matches can go on for a long time in often very smoky atmospheres. With this point in mind it is important to re-hydrate regularly, billiards players often miss this factor. Water enables the body to function properly not only in a physical way but also mentally.

Ignore the Surroundings

I have been in a lot of matches where I have allowed my surroundings and what is happening on other tables to affect my focus and concentration. This can be other billiards matches, music or a particularly loud conversation. The best way to eliminate this external factor is to not allow your eyes to move from the table. Whether it is you or your opponent at the table your eyes should not leave the baize. This focuses your mind on the task and makes you mentally ready should your opponent make a mistake.

Eliminating external factors in your efforts to focus will greatly improve your game. This coupled with the will to win and the determination to improve will move your game to a sufficient level to achieve success.

Remember Learn to Focus = Learn to Win.r

P. Williams is the founder of American Pool Network a UK based pool tournament promotions company. He is also the brain behind APN-Leagues the UK's only national handicapped 9-ball pool leagues. He also operates Billiards Boutique A Pool and Snooker supply company.

Let me explain the game of Billiards

2008-01-18T22:41:00.001-08:00

Billiards is a game you can play on a snooker table - but, arguably, it's much easier and more fun than snooker itself. Eight-ball billiards, especially, is one of those games that you can just pick up and play with only a little explanation, and you can often find tables for it in pubs and bars.

Eight-ball billiards is actually played with 16 balls: one white cue ball, seven solid-coloured balls (numbers 1 to 7), seven striped balls (numbers 9 to 15) and one black ball. The name of the game comes from the fact that the black ball is the most important ball, and its number is 8 - making it the eight-ball.

To start the game, you and your opponent both hit a ball as hard as you can to the other end of the table. Whoever's ball goes the furthest gets the first go and so gets to pick whether they want the solid balls or the striped balls. The players then take it in turns to pocket their balls in number order, lowest to highest. If you pocket a ball, you get an extra turn, but if you miss, or hit or pocket the wrong ball (including the white), it's a foul, and you miss a turn.

Once one player has pocketed all their balls, they get to shoot for the eight-ball. This is a very tense shot, as putting it in will win you the game, while missing gives your opponent a chance to catch up. Also, there's one final twist: if you pocket the eight-ball without first pocketing all your striped or solid balls, you lose the game on the spot! Harsh, yes; frustrating, yes - but also very entertaining at times.

As long as you're careful to play against someone who is as new as you, you should have a good time - although you might want to go at a quiet time, as better players might find it frustrating to watch beginners play so slowly on their table. Have fun playing billiards!

John Gibb is the owner of billiards information , For more information on billiards please check out http://www.billiards-did-you-know.info

Billiards - Cue Construction

2008-01-18T22:40:00.000-08:00

In this article we'll focus on the last piece of billiard improvements which is the cue itself.

Cue construction, even in the early days, was more an art than a science. Billiard cues, even going back to the early maces, were probably the most artistic of all the items associated with the game itself. Early maces were hand carved ivory and inlaid jewels and gold. They were probably worth as much as the whole table itself.

With the advances made in industry in the 1800s cues were not only made beautifully but they could now be mass produced in a variety of styles. Probably the greatest cue manufacturer of the era was B. Finck Company. It was said that their cues in both beauty and quality was unequalled by anyone. Their cues were used by the finest players in Europe. Eventually they became the largest cue manufacturer on the continent.

By 1879 Finck had more than 160 cues in its catalogue. They made both one and two piece cues in many designs and styles. They even made cues that were designed for specific games and for all levels of society, from the lowest commoner to the highest in royalty. They also specialized in what were called "cues for kings." These cues were extremely expensive, made with inlaid gold and very rare gems. Most of the cues were actually purchased by the kings as more of a status symbol and were very rarely used in actual play. Finck also created custom cues which were awarded as prizes in various tournaments across the land.

Since Finck, many other famous cue makers came onto the scene including Britner, Rambow, Paradise, Balner, Martin, Szamboti and Balabushka. All of these companies, even today, make cues that are considered a symbol of excellence and are valued as true treasures.

There are many variations in the cues that are made. They are dictated by the game itself. For example, billiard cues are stiffer than pool cues because billiard balls are heavier than pool balls. Other variations include the type of wood that is used which will determine how light or heavy the cue itself is, as some prefer a heavier cue to a lighter one.

A good part of the reason that billiard cues were able to be made so well and attractive was the art of marquetry, which is the art of making designs or pictures with thin pieces of wood, shell or other materials. This art has been a part of billiard cue making almost right from the beginning. Floral, geometric or other inlaid designs have greatly added to the beauty of tables and cues. Precious gems and metals have also been used in this art. Even the art of "finishing," which Stradavari used on his violins, was also used on cues and tables.

The truth is, one of the main reasons for billiards popularity is the beauty of the game pieces itself.

In our last article in this series we're going to show how billiards made its way to America.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - Early History 1470 - 1600

2008-01-17T22:54:00.003-08:00

In this article we are going to continue with the early history of billiards picking up from the late 1400s.

The early table games of the late 1400s were very similar to the games played on the ground. They were also played with pegs, posts and arches. The differences were that the maces were smaller in order to accommodate the raised playing surface. Also, rails were attached to the tables to keep the balls in play. There were many variations of the early, which were played mostly by monarchs and noblemen. These rulers literally dictated the rules that would be played on what was called their "home" table.

In the early 1500s the game spread like wild fire, especially in France. By the end of the century you could find billiard tables in taverns, inns and a number of other public places. From France the game eventually spread to other European countries. In each case it would find itself in homes of nobility and in the royal courts. As the need for tables began to increase at an alarming rate, monarchs would compete with each other to find artisans who could design the most magnificent tables and gaming rooms.

Even through the game was mostly played by nobility, the commoners of the lands also had their own tables built or built them on their own. This included farmers, migrants, field hands and just about anybody. The tables themselves were crude by comparison to the nobleman's tables, usually composed of whatever materials they could get their hands on. And even though some of these tables would fall apart in a stiff breeze, the joy that the game gave to these common folk was unequalled by even the wealthiest kings.

In the mid 1500s the billiards craze spread to England and believe it or not, at least according to history, one of the greatest fans of the game was Mary, Queen Of Scots, who, unfortunately was executed for her part in the attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I, in 1588. When she was first placed in jail, she was allowed the use of a billiard table inside her prison cell. Before she was beheaded this privilege was taken away from her and she wrote a letter of complaint to the Archbishop of Glasgow. Even though she was never allowed to play again, one last wish of hers was granted. After she was beheaded her body was wrapped in the cloth from the table that she played on in her prison cell.

It is obvious from the above account that women enjoyed the game of billiards as much as the men. They also played and competed on every level. Legend tells us that these women were so skilled that they, Marie Antoinette for one, on the eve of the French Revolution, regularly pummelled their male opponents. This has to this day made billiards a popular sport for women as well because the nature of the game, not requiring a lot of physical strength, puts women on an equal playing field with men.

In the next article on billiards history we'll pick up with the 1600s.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - Early History 1470 - 1600

2008-01-17T22:54:00.001-08:00

In this article we are going to continue with the early history of billiards picking up from the late 1400s.

In the next article on billiards history we'll pick up with the 1600s.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - Early History 1600 - 1674

2008-01-17T22:53:00.000-08:00

In this article we'll be picking up our history of billiards from 1600 and working our way until 1674.

It really wasn't until 1600 that billiards began to be noticed to a great extent. The first writings and references to billiards could be found in the works of Shakespeare such as Antony and Cleopatra. The most popular passage of this reference was when the Egyptian queen suggests to her handmaiden, Charmian, "Let's to Billiards." This was from Act II, Scene V.

Even though the game was embraced by all European royalty, it was only in France that the game spread to every level of society from the very rich all the way down to the lowest commoner. Outside of France it was purely a game of nobles. It really wasn't until the reigns of French Kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV that the game spread throughout Europe.

The difference between these kings and those that came before them was not just their love for the game of billiards, it was their expectation of others to, not only join them for a game, but also to show a certain level of play. In other words, they loved the competition and they were willing to accept it from wherever it came. These games were not just amusement to these kings. These were games that could make or break political careers, much like politicians of today being seen in public events with people of influence in order to strengthen their chance for election. To play a king and to play well was a show of respect, not only to the king but to the whole country. Even monarchs when they came to visit were judged by the respect that they showed for the game.

Well, this had a kind of snowball effect. Most likely to keep in favor with France, the game of billiards exploded all over Europe. Skilled players were recruited by royal families in order to teach them and their children everything there was to know about the game. From this, rivalries developed and royal tournaments were played. What started out as a pastime was now turning into a sport. This craze eventually spread to the cities where tables popped up in taverns and inns. And just like in France, the game spread to every connecting village and town all over Europe.

A book by Charles Cotton called the Compleat Gamester, was published in 1674. It contains some of the earliest descriptions of English sports and pastimes. Even though the book is mostly a study of rules and equipment of the game, it does give one a very good idea of just how important this game had become all across the land and also marked the distinction between the classes of the times. The truth is, just as the newest fads of our time dominate magazines and publications, billiards at that time was as popular and important in European society as any game that has come along since anywhere.

In the next article in this series we'll be picking up where we left off at 1674.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - The Transformation Years 1674 - 1800

2008-01-17T00:45:00.000-08:00

In this article we're going to cover what is called the transformation years of billiards starting with 1674 and working our way up to the year 1800.

By the year 1674 the game of billiards was still very similar to the version played on the ground. The only significant change was moving the game itself to a table. However, in the next 100 years, changes to the game would come quickly which would make the game look more like the modern version that we play today. The elements of ground billiards would slowly disappear altogether. What would replace these elements are those which made for some very different variations of the game itself. The games became more complex and required a great deal more skill.

In the 1700s began what is referred to as the transformation to the modern game. The innovation which probably changed the game the most during this time was the creation of the billiard cue. Makeshift cues had been used until this time. It was actually the mace that led to the creation of the cue stick and ultimately to the disappearance of the mace altogether. Players began to use the narrow end of the mace to make their shots and because of this discovered a new way of playing.

Prior to this, the mace had always been used to "push" the ball forward, kind of like a miniature shuffle board stick. The narrow end had always been the handle. The new way of holding the mace to make shots came from the difficulty of making shots where the cue ball was pressed up against the cushion of the table. Thus the narrow end was better suited for making these shots. By turning the mace around and shooting with the handle, players discovered an immediate improvement to their accuracy and control.

With the invention of the cue came other improvements such as leather tips, chalk, slate beds, fine cloth, rubber rails and standard sizes for tables. Better cushions made for better shot making. This began the birth of "carom" games that started in and swept across France. Gradually as time went by, billiards was looked at as a scientific game as well as a game of skill. The rules of the game, which included the equipment used, began to become standardized. By the mid 1700s billiards had spread from Europe throughout the whole world.

With the market and demand for billiards increasing at an alarming rate, a demand for standardized rules, tables and equipment had to be met. This of course led to big business. Manufacturing plants of tables and equipment began to pop up like daisies. Everyone was trying to get a piece of this ever growing market, which included merchants, investors and even kings.

Once again, monarchs competed with each other, not only to make the best tables and game rooms but to grab the largest piece of the marketing pie that they could get. Many craftsmen and merchants actually worked for kings trying to capture as much of the market as they could. Some would specialize in making quality cushions while others would concentrate on cue sticks. Others would work exclusively on designing tables. Importers would spend fortunes trying to get the finest materials in which to make the table cloths. It was this industrialization that forced many of the changes that the game had undergone. After all, with every new innovation and improvement that meant more sales as everyone had to have the finest billiard set up that they could get. This was now big money. Innovations that caught on big meant profit for a lifetime.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - The Transformation Years 1800 - 1826

2008-01-11T22:16:00.001-08:00

In this article on the history of billiards we pick up the transformation years starting at the turn of the 19th century.

After the cue itself, the next radical change to the game of billiards was the invention of the cue tip by Captain Mingaud, an imprisoned French soldier, in the early 1800's. Prior to this invention, leather had been used at the end of cue sticks. But these tips did little to have any effect at all on shot making. They were really just leather patches put in place to protect the wood itself. Nobody is exactly certain of the date Mingaud came up with his invention but it is estimated that it was sometime between 1807 and 1823. The difference between his cue tips and the earlier ones was the radical effect it had on shot making with the "spin" that could be put on the ball. This allowed for more accuracy and control.

Mingaud himself was a student of the physics of shot making. He literally transformed the cue into a scientific instrument. By creating a hard backing, so that the tip could adhere to the surface of the cue, he reduced the pressure exerted on the wood. In addition to this an even distribution of force was created between the point of impact and the shaft of the cue. But the biggest change was the cue tip itself. By rounding off the surface he increased the area of the tip that could put a rotation on the ball itself. So that when the ball was hit off center it created what is now called "english" or "backspin." This changed the game forever.

As improvements to the cue were made, so were improvements made to the table. Other innovations also came about that radically changed the game from the construction of the tables to the improvements in cushions and balls to the invention of chalk. Also came about the fist tournaments and standardized rules for a variety of new forms of the game.

Like the game itself, table improvements also came about slowly until the 1800s. Even though the early tables that the monarchs used were beautiful to look at, functionally they were quite crude in comparison to our modern day versions. Early tables were constructed by cabinet workers. Because their beds were made of wood they warped easily within just a few years and structurally were not sturdy at all. The cushions were no more than just attached wooden rails which were unpadded until the 1600s. Their function was simply to keep the balls in play after being struck. The newer pads added a strategic element to the game play.

In 1826 England's John Thurston made a change in the way table beds were made, that would change the game forever. Because he was unhappy with the tendency of wood beds to warp he searched for a new material to make them from. Marble had been used on some tables with success but the cost just made it impractical. He looked for something cheaper that was more readily available that would be used on every table that his company produced.

We'll cover this radical improvement that changed the game forever as well as other improvements in our next article in this series.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - The Transformation Years 1826 - 1845

2008-01-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

In this article we pick up from where we left off with John Thurston's changes to the billiard table itself.

What Thurston came up with was the idea to make the table foundation out of slate. This gave the manufacturer of the table and the player many advantages. The advantages to the manufacturer was cost and availability. Slate was very cheap and the supply was virtually unlimited. Like marble it had a smooth surface which resulted in much faster games as there wasn't as much friction. Also, once it was cut, measured and fitted just right, it eliminated the problem of warping. The only problem with slate was weight. It was very heavy. This led to further advancements where the tables themselves had to be constructed much more sturdily. This also led to an improvement in play. By 1835, 2 inch slate beds had become standard features in English tables. Because of the low cost and playability, this is the material of choice even today.

After the improvements in the table itself were made, attention was then turned towards the cushions. It was agreed by manufacturers that to improve playability, it was important for play off the cushions to be consistent. The early cushions were only short walls of wood. Lining these walls with leather or cloth did little to improve play. Around 1835 crude rubber from India was tried. These rubber cushions were an immediate improvement. But then the seasons and the weather changed and the India rubber turned soft when it got hot and rock hard when it got cold. Remedies were tried to keep the rubber at a constant temperature but were unsuccessful.

Then in 1837, Charles Goodyear, of the soon to be Goodyear tyre, started to experiment with the process of combining rubber and sulphur. Two years later, by accident when he dropped a solution on a hot stove, he discovered the process for vulcanized rubber. This discovery had a huge impact on many industries. Vulcanized rubber maintained its resilience in the worst heat and the most bitter cold. In 1845 Thurston was granted a patent to use Goodyear's discovery in billiard table cushions. He made what were called "frost proof" cushions which were composed or cork, leather and vulcanized rubber. This was a revolutionary breakthrough. Cushions were now consistent and reliable. Bank shots, which were at one time totally unpredictable, were now a very important part of the game. Vulcanized rubber is still used in table cushions even today.

During this time improvements in the quality of the cloth were also made. Wool cloths proved to be the most durable but even stretched out had an effect on the trajectory of the ball because of the friction. But during the mid 1800s many refinements were made to the wool through weaving, felting, dying and shearing, which resulted in a cloth that was quite playable that eventually Thurston added to his tables. When doing so it actually improved the smoothness of the slate underneath.

In our next article in this series we'll go over changes to billiard balls and other improvements to the game in the mid to late 1800s.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - The Transformation Years 1845 - 1897

2008-01-10T00:44:00.002-08:00

In this article we're going to continue our transformation years with the changes that were made in billiard balls to begin with.

The early billiard balls were made of wood. They were easy to shape, inexpensive and readily available. In the 1600s ivory billiard balls came into use. While they were more playable than wood they were very expensive and only the very rich could afford them. And while they were nice to look at they never were very dependable. They also took a very long time to make as the tusk softening process took almost two years. Ivory billiard balls could split or fracture easily if not made just right. New balls had to be broken in gently by being struck softly for the first couple of months.

Finally in 1869 an Albany chemist mixed nitrocellulose with camphor under high pressure. This resulted in a hard, shiny, mouldable substance he called celluloid. The man's name was John Wesley Hyatt and while he didn't know it at the time, he had just invented the world's first plastic. It was this discovery that led to improvements in billiard balls to this very day. In April of that same year Hyatt discovered "collodion," which was actually an early form of celluloid. The addition of collodion to the surface of the balls resulted in a hard and perfectly smooth surface. Unfortunately, the new balls could shatter under hard impact and manufacture of them had to be stopped until a fix for this problem was found. The discovery that solved this problem was celluloid. However, because of the problems with his earlier billiard balls, acceptance of these celluloid billiard balls did not come easily. However, this process did lead to the discovery of Bakelite and cast-phenolic resins which are the main components of billiard balls even to this day.

Then in 1892 William A. Spinks, a professional billiard player from Chicago, began working with chemists on the components of chalk. It was during one of his trips to Paris that he discovered a chalk like no other. He was impressed with the chalk's ability to grip during play and set out to invent a chalk that could grip even more. Finally in 1897 he was granted a patent for billiard chalk, which actually did not contain any billiard chalk at all. It was made up entirely of silica and axolite. This compound was crushed to fine powder and then air floated to achieve just the right fineness.

The effect of the new "chalk" on the game would change billiards forever. The grit actually took hold of the ball on impact in a way that had never been seen before. It also solved the problem of blackboard chalk which discolored the billiard cloth and even rotted the fabric. The original color of this chalk was green but eventually it was made in just about every color. This chalk greatly improved the performance of the cue tip and literally revolutionized the game itself.

In the next article in this series we'll take a look at cue construction during the transformation years.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

Billiards - You'd Be Surprised What You'll Find

2008-01-10T00:44:00.001-08:00

Billiards. There was a time when if you looked up billiards on the Internet you'd find instruction on how to play the game and the different variations of billiards that there are but today, that is no longer true. Today, if you look up the word billiards on a search engine you will find mostly, the following:

Billiards and the chaos theory. You will be amazed at how many articles you will find on this science. Chaos theory, in a nutshell, is the study of unpredictable and complex dynamic systems that are highly sensitive to small changes in external conditions, at least according to Webster's definition. So what exactly does that mean and what does it have to do with billiards?

Chaos theory as it applies to billiards is basically the theory, and this is simplified of course, that when you strike the cue ball with the cue stick and it gets sent hurtling towards the rack of balls, once it hits those balls they will react in a random pattern rather than is a predictable one. There is something, of course, to be said for chaos theory as it applies to billiards. If you've played the game and are any good at it you are sure to notice that you can hit the first ball in the rack in the same place with the same force and yet it seems that each time you do so the balls in the rack react in a different way. Strong supporters of the angle of reflection equals angle of incidence theory will of course argue this, saying that we never can really hit the lead ball in the same place with the same force more than once because we are human and fallible. This argument is likely to go on for a long time.

The point however is you would be amazed at the number of articles about billiards and chaos theory.

The other main thing you will find when doing a search on billiards is billiards simulations. not just with actual games but web sites with vector designs and square shapes with coordinates that you can plug in and visually see the path of the billiard ball after it is struck by the cue stick. For those of you who are mathematically adept you can change a number of the factors in these simulations such as the number of sides on the table itself. You can have as few as 3, as in a triangle, and in some programs as many as 10 sides for your billiards table. Of course you can also plug in your standard 4 sided table.

Other variables you can change are x and y coordinate values, x and y vector values, the speed of the ball and the number of iterations, meaning how many times the ball will bounce around the table until you wish it to stop.

Then of course there are the actual billiard simulation games themselves which are very realistic these days. As to what theory they are programmed from, that is anybody's guess.

Yes, looking up billiards on the Internet will find you some strange stuff. Want to actually learn about the game and how to play it?

Just type in "billiards instruction" and ignore the results that somehow creep their way in from the other categories.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Billiards

The Making of a Billiards Champion (Series III of V)

2008-01-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

The Angel" Broadhurst

Stun Strokes
Once your fundamentals are correct and you are shooting with a straight and level cue, you need to master the stun stroke. This shot is the most important shot because it gives you a reference for cue ball positioning.

Straight-In Stun Stroke
When you hit a stun stroke on a straight in shot, it will produce a stop shot. In other words, the ball stops as soon as it makes contact with the object ball. Factors that influence this are a blend of the following; cue tip location, force, follow through, and quickness (the amount of time it takes the cue tip to accelerate through the ball).
There are an infinite number of blends of these variables that produce a stop shot. For example, you can use 4of follow through with a small force OR only 1of follow through with a large force to produce a stop shot. Play with these variables until you can manipulate each one and still get the same cue ball position. Measure your follow through by placing a ruler beside your cue tip. Then, vary the distance between the balls. Once youve mastered a stop shot with 1 diamond or 12 of distance, keep increasing it by another 12. The more distance you have, the more forward rotation or high english the ball picks up before it strikes the object ball. So the greater the distance, the lower you must hit the cue ball to produce a stun/stop shot.

Stun Stroke at an Angle
Once again, place the object ball 12 away from the cue ball. But this time, put the cue ball at a 30 degree angle, so that you are aiming at half the ball to pocket it. Use the same stun stroke, and the cue ball will travel straight down the tangent line. This is the line that is perpendicular to the object ball at 90 degrees. The harder or quicker you hit the ball, the further it will travel down the line.

This is the first step in predicting cue ball position. DO NOT move on to the next article until you are comfortable shooting Straight-In Stun Shots and Stun Strokes at an Angle at different distances. Be able to alter the variables (cue tip location, force and quickness) and get the same cue ball position.

(Jackie The Angel Broadhurst, National 8-Ball and Trick Shot Champion, invites everyone, of any gender or background, to play and learn about this great game together. Visit her website at www.TheAngelofBilliards.com.)

National 8-Ball and Trick Shot Champion, invites everyone, of any gender or background, to play and learn about this great game together. Visit her website at www.TheAngelofBilliards.com

A Beginners Guide to Billiards

2008-01-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

Billiards is a universally popular indoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages and both sexes. Traditionally, billiards is played in bars, clubs, pubs, and specials pool or billiard halls. However, more and more people are realizing the benefits and entertainment value of having a billiards table and games room within their very own home. This makes a great addition to any home, adding a touch of relaxation and atmosphere where any member of the family can escape the trials of everyday life for a short while. And with so many different billiards games to play, you can enjoy this entertainment year in and year out.

There are a number of different billiards games to choose from, but before you play these you need the necessary equipment. Apart from getting a good quality pool table that you can enjoy for many years to come, you will need the billiards balls and a good pool cue. You need to be able to use the correct movements and hone your skills to master billiards, so it may take a lot of practise before you become adept at this game however, you can have great fun with billiards even when learning to play and practising the shots.

A Brief History

Billiards is a hugely popular indoor game today, with countless fans that either go out to establishments to play these games or those that have their own billiards tables and pool rooms within the home. The game actually became popular in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in England. Gaming establishments known as pool rooms began to incorporate one or two of these billiards tables but they became so popular that soon they became the main feature of these pool rooms, and they became known as pool tables.

Pocket Billiards

Pocket billiards is played on a pool table with holes known as pockets in which to shoot the billiards balls. There is a pocket on each corner of the table and then one on each side, making six pockets in all. In all pockets billiards games, the object of the game is to shoot the balls into the pockets, although how and where you shoot the balls can vary from game to game. Below is a rundown of some of the most popular pocket billiards games:

8 BALL
This is one of the most basic and popular types of pool games, and is played by old and young, male and female, all across the world. With 8 ball fifteen balls are used, each of which is numbered. Player one is assigned balls one through to seven and player tow is assigned balls nine through to fifteen. The object of the game is for each player to try and pot all of his assigned balls. The first player to pot all of his balls can then try and pot the 8-ball. If he manages to do this without also potting the cue ball (the ball with which he is potting the other balls) then he wins the game.

9 BALL
This is another very simple form of billiards, and is an excellent starter game and ideal for those learning or practising their billiards skills. With this game there are just nine numbers billiards balls along with the cue ball. Each player has to shoot at the lowest ball in order to try and pot it, and as each lowest number gets potted the players move to the next one until the final ball, number nine, has been pocketed.

SNOOKER
This is a hugely popular game in England, where pool first originated. This particular variation of the game originated in the British Forces. Snooker is played with 21 coloured balls and one cue ball. The majority of the 21 balls used in snooker are red fifteen in all. The remaining six balls are each of a different colour, including one pink ball, one brown ball, one blue ball, one green ball, one yellow ball and one black ball. Each ball represents a different score when it is pocketed, with the lowest score going to the reds at one point each. The other ball scores range from 2-7, the highest being the black ball. Players must pocket a red ball before going on to pocket the coloured balls, and all coloured balls must be pocketed in order of value, so the black ball is always potted last.

STRAIGHT POOL
In this variation of the game, you use fifteen numbered balls and a cue ball. In this game the balls can be potted in any order. However, there is a twistthe player must specify which ball he is going to pot and which pocket he is going to shoot the ball into. Once fourteen of the balls have been pocketed and only one is left, the fourteen potted balls are places back on the table. The player then has to pot the final ball whilst breaking apart the racked up fourteen balls.

ONE POCKET
Like straight pool, this game is played with fifteen numbered balls and a cue ball. With this game one of the players must select a corner pocket from the foot of the table. The second player is given the remaining pocket from the foot of the table, and both players have to aim to shoot into their own pockets. Points are awarded for each ball that you pot into your own pocket, and points are deducted for potting a ball into your opponents pocket or for potting the cue ball.

ENGLISH BILLIARDS
This game is played with just three balls, and scored can be notched up in three different ways. The first way is by deflecting your ball off another ball and into a pocket. The second way is by hitting the ball and striking the other two balls. And the third way is by hitting the ball and knocking one of the other balls into a pocket.

General rules of the game

Most pocket billiards games involve a certain set of rules, although these should be checked against the regulations of each individual game. Some of the generalised rules include the following:

Racking balls: This must be done using a triangle, with the apex ball at the foot spot. All other balls should be racked behind the apex and should be tightly packed so that they are within the triangle and touching one another in a perfect triangle formation.
Striking the ball: The cue ball should be struck using the tip of the cue, otherwise the shot can be classed as a foul.

Pocketing the ball: If you do not pocket the ball then you are not allowed another shot and the next shot goes to your opponent until he also fails to pocket a ball, at which point it is your turn again.

Pocketed balls: A pocketed ball is that which is shot from the table bed into a hole (pocket) on the table and remains there. If it rebounds back on to the table it cannot be classed as a pocketed ball.

Ball positioning: The center (base) of the ball is what determines its final position.

Foot placement: In order to shoot a ball without fouling, the player must have one or both feet in contact with the floor. The footwear must also be taken into consideration and must be standard in size, shape and height.

Moving balls: A player cannot shoot a ball that is in motion without it being classed as a foul. This includes the cue ball and the object ball. A stroke cannot be counted until all balls have stopped moving.

Cue ball: If the player pots the cue ball, this is counted as a foul. Also, if the cue ball hits a ball that has already been pocketed, this is also classed as a foul.

Contact with balls: Any contact with object balls with anything other than the cue ball is a foul. Also, any contact with the cue ball with anything other than the cue tip is classed as a foul. This can include contact through hands, clothes, elbow or any other object or body part.

Jumping the ball: If a player intentionally strikes the cue ball below the center and causes it to jump in order to clear another ball, this is classed as a foul. Striking upwards and causing the cue ball to jump from the table bed is also considered a foul in most games.

There are a number of different billiards games to choose from, but before you play these you need the necessary equipment. Apart from getting a good quality pool table that you can enjoy for many years to come, you will need the billiards balls and a good pool cue. You need to be able to use the correct movements and hone your skills to master billiards, so it may take a lot of practise before you become adept at this game however, you can have great fun with billiards even when learning to play and practising the shots.

A Brief History

Billiards is a hugely popular indoor game today, with countless fans that either go out to establishments to play these games or those that have their own billiards tables and pool rooms within the home. The game actually became popular in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in England. Gaming establishments known as pool rooms began to incorporate one or two of these billiards tables but they became so popular that soon they became the main feature of these pool rooms, and they became known as pool tables.

Pocket Billiards

Pocket billiards is played on a pool table with holes known as pockets in which to shoot the billiards balls. There is a pocket on each corner of the table and then one on each side, making six pockets in all. In all pockets billiards games, the object of the game is to shoot the balls into the pockets, although how and where you shoot the balls can vary from game to game. Below is a rundown of some of the most popular pocket billiards games:

8 BALL
This is one of the most basic and popular types of pool games, and is played by old and young, male and female, all across the world. With 8 ball fifteen balls are used, each of which is numbered. Player one is assigned balls one through to seven and player tow is assigned balls nine through to fifteen. The object of the game is for each player to try and pot all of his assigned balls. The first player to pot all of his balls can then try and pot the 8-ball. If he manages to do this without also potting the cue ball (the ball with which he is potting the other balls) then he wins the game.

9 BALL
This is another very simple form of billiards, and is an excellent starter game and ideal for those learning or practising their billiards skills. With this game there are just nine numbers billiards balls along with the cue ball. Each player has to shoot at the lowest ball in order to try and pot it, and as each lowest number gets potted the players move to the next one until the final ball, number nine, has been pocketed.

SNOOKER
This is a hugely popular game in England, where pool first originated. This particular variation of the game originated in the British Forces. Snooker is played with 21 coloured balls and one cue ball. The majority of the 21 balls used in snooker are red fifteen in all. The remaining six balls are each of a different colour, including one pink ball, one brown ball, one blue ball, one green ball, one yellow ball and one black ball. Each ball represents a different score when it is pocketed, with the lowest score going to the reds at one point each. The other ball scores range from 2-7, the highest being the black ball. Players must pocket a red ball before going on to pocket the coloured balls, and all coloured balls must be pocketed in order of value, so the black ball is always potted last.

STRAIGHT POOL
In this variation of the game, you use fifteen numbered balls and a cue ball. In this game the balls can be potted in any order. However, there is a twistthe player must specify which ball he is going to pot and which pocket he is going to shoot the ball into. Once fourteen of the balls have been pocketed and only one is left, the fourteen potted balls are places back on the table. The player then has to pot the final ball whilst breaking apart the racked up fourteen balls.

ONE POCKET
Like straight pool, this game is played with fifteen numbered balls and a cue ball. With this game one of the players must select a corner pocket from the foot of the table. The second player is given the remaining pocket from the foot of the table, and both players have to aim to shoot into their own pockets. Points are awarded for each ball that you pot into your own pocket, and points are deducted for potting a ball into your opponents pocket or for potting the cue ball.

ENGLISH BILLIARDS
This game is played with just three balls, and scored can be notched up in three different ways. The first way is by deflecting your ball off another ball and into a pocket. The second way is by hitting the ball and striking the other two balls. And the third way is by hitting the ball and knocking one of the other balls into a pocket.

General rules of the game

Most pocket billiards games involve a certain set of rules, although these should be checked against the regulations of each individual game. Some of the generalised rules include the following:

Racking balls: This must be done using a triangle, with the apex ball at the foot spot. All other balls should be racked behind the apex and should be tightly packed so that they are within the triangle and touching one another in a perfect triangle formation.
Striking the ball: The cue ball should be struck using the tip of the cue, otherwise the shot can be classed as a foul.

Pocketing the ball: If you do not pocket the ball then you are not allowed another shot and the next shot goes to your opponent until he also fails to pocket a ball, at which point it is your turn again.

Pocketed balls: A pocketed ball is that which is shot from the table bed into a hole (pocket) on the table and remains there. If it rebounds back on to the table it cannot be classed as a pocketed ball.

Ball positioning: The center (base) of the ball is what determines its final position.

Foot placement: In order to shoot a ball without fouling, the player must have one or both feet in contact with the floor. The footwear must also be taken into consideration and must be standard in size, shape and height.

Moving balls: A player cannot shoot a ball that is in motion without it being classed as a foul. This includes the cue ball and the object ball. A stroke cannot be counted until all balls have stopped moving.

Cue ball: If the player pots the cue ball, this is counted as a foul. Also, if the cue ball hits a ball that has already been pocketed, this is also classed as a foul.

Contact with balls: Any contact with object balls with anything other than the cue ball is a foul. Also, any contact with the cue ball with anything other than the cue tip is classed as a foul. This can include contact through hands, clothes, elbow or any other object or body part.

Jumping the ball: If a player intentionally strikes the cue ball below the center and causes it to jump in order to clear another ball, this is classed as a foul. Striking upwards and causing the cue ball to jump from the table bed is also considered a foul in most games.

Reno Charlton is an experienced freelance copywriter and an award-winning childrens author from the United Kingdom. You can read more of her informative articles on pool tables and billiard accessories at http://www.pool-and-billiards.com.

Play Pool Better: Top Ten Ways to Improve your Billiards Game

2008-01-04T22:42:00.001-08:00

Billiards is an old and much loved game, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. This is a game that people of all ages play; even the younger kids can play now on special child-size tables that are widely available. It is also a game that, although once more popular with men, is now keenly played by both sexes. You can play pool in all sorts of environments, from restaurants and bars to halls and homes. It is also a game that can be as relaxing or competitive as you want to make it. Some people like to enjoy a friendly game over a drink after work, others like to unwind with a few games on their home pool table, and some like to join leagues and clubs and play to win.

1. Understand billiards in general

Whether you are young or old, male or female, a relaxed player or a competitive player, the chances are you want to play as well as you can. Being able to play well is all part of the fun of playing billiards, so it is important to learn the rules and strategies of the games you are interested in, and then try and improve your game on a continual basis. Improving your billiards game is particularly important if you want to play competitively; however, it is also important even if you enjoy friendly games after all, its not much of a challenge if you cant put up much of a fight against your opponentplus, practicing the game is far too much fun to miss out on.

2. Practice the game

This is one of the key aspects of improving your billiards game the importance of practice cant be stressed enough, and many pros will tell you that getting in practice is the singularly most important part of becoming adept at billiards. Some people practice for hours each day which, of course, is not practical for everyone. However, getting in some regular practice at your local pool hall, bar, or even in the home, can be a big help.

Having easy access is the best way to enjoy practicing this game. If you have to go to the pool hall or bar, you dont always have the energy and motivation, particularly if you have been at work all day. This could mean losing out on a lot of valuable practice. However, setting up your own billiards table at home means that you can practice at any time in the comfort of your own home. Setting up a pool table/billiards room is relatively simple and very affordable these days, and once you have your room set up you wont have to pay for games at the bars, halls or clubs and you can enjoy a fantastic area in which to entertain, relax and, of course, practice.

3. Dont forget the cue

Your cue is a pivotal part of your billiards game after all, you wont get far without it! You should ensure that you buy a cue that is of good quality. However, strange as it might sound, you also need to find a cue that you can relate to. Remember when Harry Potter went to get his first wand in The Philosophers Stone, and he just knew when he had the right wand? Well, this is the sort of feeling your should aim for when you buy your pool cue. Hold the cue, get a feel for it, and make sure that you are comfortable with every aspect of the cue. Many professionals state that using the same cue for every practice and real game is a big part of their success, and if you are going to be playing with the same cue you have to make sure that it is one you are perfectly happy with.

4. Join a league or club

You could find that joining a pool league or billiards club or team can help to improve your game. This is not only because you will be able to get in some regular practice, but also because you will have a network of support. You can pick up tips and advice from other members of your team or club, and these can really help you to improve your game. Plus taking part in friendly competitions can help to give you that competitive streak, which in itself can help you to develop and improve your game through pure motivation.

5. Start simple

If you are something of a novice at pool then the trick of improving your game is to start simple and work your way up. There is no point trying to jump straight in to the most complex games. A game like 8 ball or better still 9 ball can help you to practice shooting and can help to condition your body in order to improve your game. Positioning and action is everything when playing billiards, and these simple, basic games will help you to improve both through practice.

6. Observe, observe, observe

We all need a mentor if we want to do something really well, and billiards is no exception to this rule. You can pick up some really useful tips simply by watching the pros and the very experienced. Whether its the latest world champion playing on television or whether its your best mate whos known as a real whiz with the cue, you should pay careful attention when the experts are in play. Try and study their positioning, their actions, trick shots, and the way they play.

7. Use training balls

You can now get billiards training balls, and these can prove invaluable to someone just learning how to play or wishing to improve their game. These balls have a clear target to aim for, so when you are trying to pot the ball you will know exactly where to aim. Using these training balls can help to condition your mind when you are playing, and pretty soon you will be able to hit the mark without the specially marked balls, and you can enjoy potting your object ball every time.

8. Use online tools

There are plenty of online tools available to help you improve your billiards game, such as virtual pool. Although these games cant help with the improvement of your physical stroke, they can give you a good idea of game rules and strategies, which are things that you must familiarise yourself with in order to start improving your game if you dont know how to play properly you cant learn how to play better.

9. General tips

As well as the above quite specific tips on improving your pool game, there are also some general tips that you should bear in mind when you are actually in the process of playing or practicing billiards. Hopefully, these tips will help you to develop and improve your game so that you can play to the best of your ability. These general tips include:

Cue Shot: Make sure that your stroke is smooth and consistent. You should place your other hand on the table, making it as stable as you can, and then allow the cue to slide through this hand as smoothly as possible it is a good idea simply to practice the stroke before you start worrying about practicing with the billiards balls.
Keep the cue ball in sight: When you are aiming, you should be looking at the cue ball and not the object ball. Aim to strike it just below the centre, and stay focussed on the cue ball as you shoot.
Arm positioning: When you are playing, you should keep the arm you are shooting with close to your body, and your elbow should be bent at a ninety-degree angle. Let your shoulder do the work as you shoot this is where the action and movement should stem from. Do not be tempted to use excessive force, as this will simply spoil your shot simply keep it smooth and controlled.

10. Enjoy it!

One thing to keep in mind when trying to improve your pool game is it is a game! Dont let yourself get stressed or frustrated; simply enjoy it and enjoy practicing it. Billiards is a great way to relax and unwind, and shouldnt be something that you get stressed about. As with many things in life, practice makes perfect. You wont become a billiard pro overnight it can take a while to become adept at the control, concentration, and movement required to shoot pool successfully. But you can have great fun whilst you are getting there.

1. Understand billiards in general

Whether you are young or old, male or female, a relaxed player or a competitive player, the chances are you want to play as well as you can. Being able to play well is all part of the fun of playing billiards, so it is important to learn the rules and strategies of the games you are interested in, and then try and improve your game on a continual basis. Improving your billiards game is particularly important if you want to play competitively; however, it is also important even if you enjoy friendly games after all, its not much of a challenge if you cant put up much of a fight against your opponentplus, practicing the game is far too much fun to miss out on.

2. Practice the game

This is one of the key aspects of improving your billiards game the importance of practice cant be stressed enough, and many pros will tell you that getting in practice is the singularly most important part of becoming adept at billiards. Some people practice for hours each day which, of course, is not practical for everyone. However, getting in some regular practice at your local pool hall, bar, or even in the home, can be a big help.

Having easy access is the best way to enjoy practicing this game. If you have to go to the pool hall or bar, you dont always have the energy and motivation, particularly if you have been at work all day. This could mean losing out on a lot of valuable practice. However, setting up your own billiards table at home means that you can practice at any time in the comfort of your own home. Setting up a pool table/billiards room is relatively simple and very affordable these days, and once you have your room set up you wont have to pay for games at the bars, halls or clubs and you can enjoy a fantastic area in which to entertain, relax and, of course, practice.

3. Dont forget the cue

Your cue is a pivotal part of your billiards game after all, you wont get far without it! You should ensure that you buy a cue that is of good quality. However, strange as it might sound, you also need to find a cue that you can relate to. Remember when Harry Potter went to get his first wand in The Philosophers Stone, and he just knew when he had the right wand? Well, this is the sort of feeling your should aim for when you buy your pool cue. Hold the cue, get a feel for it, and make sure that you are comfortable with every aspect of the cue. Many professionals state that using the same cue for every practice and real game is a big part of their success, and if you are going to be playing with the same cue you have to make sure that it is one you are perfectly happy with.

4. Join a league or club

You could find that joining a pool league or billiards club or team can help to improve your game. This is not only because you will be able to get in some regular practice, but also because you will have a network of support. You can pick up tips and advice from other members of your team or club, and these can really help you to improve your game. Plus taking part in friendly competitions can help to give you that competitive streak, which in itself can help you to develop and improve your game through pure motivation.

5. Start simple

If you are something of a novice at pool then the trick of improving your game is to start simple and work your way up. There is no point trying to jump straight in to the most complex games. A game like 8 ball or better still 9 ball can help you to practice shooting and can help to condition your body in order to improve your game. Positioning and action is everything when playing billiards, and these simple, basic games will help you to improve both through practice.

6. Observe, observe, observe

We all need a mentor if we want to do something really well, and billiards is no exception to this rule. You can pick up some really useful tips simply by watching the pros and the very experienced. Whether its the latest world champion playing on television or whether its your best mate whos known as a real whiz with the cue, you should pay careful attention when the experts are in play. Try and study their positioning, their actions, trick shots, and the way they play.

7. Use training balls

You can now get billiards training balls, and these can prove invaluable to someone just learning how to play or wishing to improve their game. These balls have a clear target to aim for, so when you are trying to pot the ball you will know exactly where to aim. Using these training balls can help to condition your mind when you are playing, and pretty soon you will be able to hit the mark without the specially marked balls, and you can enjoy potting your object ball every time.

8. Use online tools

There are plenty of online tools available to help you improve your billiards game, such as virtual pool. Although these games cant help with the improvement of your physical stroke, they can give you a good idea of game rules and strategies, which are things that you must familiarise yourself with in order to start improving your game if you dont know how to play properly you cant learn how to play better.

9. General tips

As well as the above quite specific tips on improving your pool game, there are also some general tips that you should bear in mind when you are actually in the process of playing or practicing billiards. Hopefully, these tips will help you to develop and improve your game so that you can play to the best of your ability. These general tips include:

Cue Shot: Make sure that your stroke is smooth and consistent. You should place your other hand on the table, making it as stable as you can, and then allow the cue to slide through this hand as smoothly as possible it is a good idea simply to practice the stroke before you start worrying about practicing with the billiards balls.
Keep the cue ball in sight: When you are aiming, you should be looking at the cue ball and not the object ball. Aim to strike it just below the centre, and stay focussed on the cue ball as you shoot.
Arm positioning: When you are playing, you should keep the arm you are shooting with close to your body, and your elbow should be bent at a ninety-degree angle. Let your shoulder do the work as you shoot this is where the action and movement should stem from. Do not be tempted to use excessive force, as this will simply spoil your shot simply keep it smooth and controlled.

10. Enjoy it!

One thing to keep in mind when trying to improve your pool game is it is a game! Dont let yourself get stressed or frustrated; simply enjoy it and enjoy practicing it. Billiards is a great way to relax and unwind, and shouldnt be something that you get stressed about. As with many things in life, practice makes perfect. You wont become a billiard pro overnight it can take a while to become adept at the control, concentration, and movement required to shoot pool successfully. But you can have great fun whilst you are getting there.

How to set up the perfect billiards room

2008-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy relaxing over a game of billiards at the local bar, then what could be better than having your very own billiards table at home? Your home is the place in which you want to relax and enjoy life without having to think about work and other hassles, and if billiards is your thing then it makes sense to have your own table, which you can enjoy whenever you like. With your own billiards table at home, you can invite friends around for a few beers and a few games, or you can simply brush up on your billiards skills in the comfort of your own home.

If you are thinking of getting your own billiards table, the first thing you need to decide is where your table is going to go. The perfect solution is to create a billiards room, where you can create the perfect look, atmosphere, and ambience to complement your billiards table. Of course, having a large home and a room going spare would be ideal, but not many people have this luxury, so the next best thing is to make room. Depending on the size of your home and your family you could relegate another room, such as a little-used dining room or even a large basement. A few changes in dcor, colour, lighting and furnishings can make this into a perfect billiards room environment.

If you dont have a room that you can convert, you may want to think about building on your property. A proper games room such as a billiard room can make a fantastic addition to the home, and not only will you get hours of enjoyment and delight from this addition but it could also add value to your home. You can get some excellent prices these days when it comes to extending your property, and if you have building skills you may want to have a go at it yourself. Even a large conservatory can make an excellent place to have your billiards room.

Wherever you decide to have your billiards room, you need to ensure that it will serve the purpose. You need to have room for your pool table and for necessary accessories that will give your billiards room the right ambience and look. You also need to have room to freely move around, so dont be tempted to go for a room that can just about squeeze in your pool table with very little room for anything else, including the players!

Accessorize, furnish and light it up

The key to the perfect billiards room is to have the right billiards accessories, furniture and lighting as well as a suitable space. You can get some fantastic accessories these days, so you can make your billiards room really individual and unique. You will need to look at the more fundamental accessories as well, such as:

Cue sticks
Pool cue racks
Pool table covers
Pool table lights
Other pool table accessories

Other pool table accessories include essentials such as ball racks, table felt, table hooks, chalk and brushes.

In addition to the essential products, you will find a range of really cool furnishings and accessories that are perfect for your billiards room. You can get billiards clocks, framed posters of famous pool players, pool coat racks, billiard room signs, beer signs (to add to the authentic setting), ashtrays, mugs, towels just about anything you can think of.

Furniture and dcor for your billiards room will largely be a matter of personal taste. However, your room will look so much cooler if you can stick to the billiards room theme. You can get an excellent range of furniture to select from these days, and you can enjoy giving your room a great look with:

Wooden or metal bar stools
Spectator chairs or stools
Pedestal table and chair sets

Coupled with accessories such as billiard prints, neon signs, cue racks, and the other fantastic items available these days, this can give your billiards room just the right appearance to make it the perfect place to relax and hang out.

Lighting is another very important consideration, and this can make all of the difference to the look and atmosphere of your billiards room. You can select from a wide choice of billiard room lighting, such as swag & bar lights or stained glass lights. Again, the choice is your and should depend upon the rest of your dcor. It is important to also consider wall lighting as well as lighting for above your billiards table. In addition to the wall and table lights, you can add neon signs to the walls, which will add a really great touch and authentic atmosphere to your billiards room.

Why have a billiards room?

There are many ways in which a billiards room could enhance your home and your life. If you enjoy a game of pool down at the local bar, then having access to your very own billiards room will be a dream come true. You can invite your friends round to play a game or two, and make your billiards room in to a real entertainment center for the whole family. Some great reasons for having your own billiards room include:

Spending more time with the family: Its not always easy to get quality time with the family, and there arent all that many places in which the whole family can get together and enjoy themselves without paying a fortune. Your new billiards room will provide the perfect environment, where you, your partner, the kids, and even granny can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, fun and relaxing ambience that will surround you.

Giving the kids access to some fun: Most kids live to play games like pool, but generally cant get into bars and play like adults can! If you want to give your kids something to do, and you would rather they were at home in the evenings rather than wandering the streets, your billiards room is the perfect solutions. Your kids can invite their friends around from time to time, and they will all be thrilled to spend time in your cool billiards room.

Enjoying being the host and entertainer: If you like to have friends around, then the billiard room will be a fantastic addition to your home. Having dinner parties will never be the same again, and you can all retire to the billiards room for a few games, a couple of drinks, and to listen to some music. You can even enjoy a few pre-dinner games and even if youre not inviting friends around for dinner, they will be delighted to come around simply for a game of pool and a couple of beers.

Increase the value of your property: A well designed games room could really add value to your property, as these rooms are becoming more and more popular. People like nothing more than having a space in which they can relax and enjoy themselves, forgetting about everyday hassles, and this is what you will be giving them with a billiards room.

Enjoy your new billiard room

Once you have got your billiard room fully kitted out and decorated, you will be ready to reap the rewards with years of fun and relaxation with family, friends, even alone. You can use your new billiards room to entertain, enjoy quality time with others, brush up on your billiards skills, enable the kids to learn how to play, and to have a great time with the important people in your life.

Billiards is a universally popular game, and people wont fail to be impressed with your fantastic new billiards room. This will be a place where you can get away from it all no more having to slope off to the local bar for a couple of beers and a game or two; you can simply go to your billiard room and enjoy a game whenever you want to. You could even have a well-stocked mini-fridge in your billiard room filled with beers or soft drinks, so you can enjoy a cold drink as you play a relaxing game of pool.

If you are thinking of getting your own billiards table, the first thing you need to decide is where your table is going to go. The perfect solution is to create a billiards room, where you can create the perfect look, atmosphere, and ambience to complement your billiards table. Of course, having a large home and a room going spare would be ideal, but not many people have this luxury, so the next best thing is to make room. Depending on the size of your home and your family you could relegate another room, such as a little-used dining room or even a large basement. A few changes in dcor, colour, lighting and furnishings can make this into a perfect billiards room environment.

If you dont have a room that you can convert, you may want to think about building on your property. A proper games room such as a billiard room can make a fantastic addition to the home, and not only will you get hours of enjoyment and delight from this addition but it could also add value to your home. You can get some excellent prices these days when it comes to extending your property, and if you have building skills you may want to have a go at it yourself. Even a large conservatory can make an excellent place to have your billiards room.

Wherever you decide to have your billiards room, you need to ensure that it will serve the purpose. You need to have room for your pool table and for necessary accessories that will give your billiards room the right ambience and look. You also need to have room to freely move around, so dont be tempted to go for a room that can just about squeeze in your pool table with very little room for anything else, including the players!

Accessorize, furnish and light it up

The key to the perfect billiards room is to have the right billiards accessories, furniture and lighting as well as a suitable space. You can get some fantastic accessories these days, so you can make your billiards room really individual and unique. You will need to look at the more fundamental accessories as well, such as:

Cue sticks
Pool cue racks
Pool table covers
Pool table lights
Other pool table accessories

Other pool table accessories include essentials such as ball racks, table felt, table hooks, chalk and brushes.

In addition to the essential products, you will find a range of really cool furnishings and accessories that are perfect for your billiards room. You can get billiards clocks, framed posters of famous pool players, pool coat racks, billiard room signs, beer signs (to add to the authentic setting), ashtrays, mugs, towels just about anything you can think of.

Furniture and dcor for your billiards room will largely be a matter of personal taste. However, your room will look so much cooler if you can stick to the billiards room theme. You can get an excellent range of furniture to select from these days, and you can enjoy giving your room a great look with:

Wooden or metal bar stools
Spectator chairs or stools
Pedestal table and chair sets

Coupled with accessories such as billiard prints, neon signs, cue racks, and the other fantastic items available these days, this can give your billiards room just the right appearance to make it the perfect place to relax and hang out.

Lighting is another very important consideration, and this can make all of the difference to the look and atmosphere of your billiards room. You can select from a wide choice of billiard room lighting, such as swag & bar lights or stained glass lights. Again, the choice is your and should depend upon the rest of your dcor. It is important to also consider wall lighting as well as lighting for above your billiards table. In addition to the wall and table lights, you can add neon signs to the walls, which will add a really great touch and authentic atmosphere to your billiards room.

Why have a billiards room?

There are many ways in which a billiards room could enhance your home and your life. If you enjoy a game of pool down at the local bar, then having access to your very own billiards room will be a dream come true. You can invite your friends round to play a game or two, and make your billiards room in to a real entertainment center for the whole family. Some great reasons for having your own billiards room include:

Spending more time with the family: Its not always easy to get quality time with the family, and there arent all that many places in which the whole family can get together and enjoy themselves without paying a fortune. Your new billiards room will provide the perfect environment, where you, your partner, the kids, and even granny can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, fun and relaxing ambience that will surround you.

Giving the kids access to some fun: Most kids live to play games like pool, but generally cant get into bars and play like adults can! If you want to give your kids something to do, and you would rather they were at home in the evenings rather than wandering the streets, your billiards room is the perfect solutions. Your kids can invite their friends around from time to time, and they will all be thrilled to spend time in your cool billiards room.

Enjoying being the host and entertainer: If you like to have friends around, then the billiard room will be a fantastic addition to your home. Having dinner parties will never be the same again, and you can all retire to the billiards room for a few games, a couple of drinks, and to listen to some music. You can even enjoy a few pre-dinner games and even if youre not inviting friends around for dinner, they will be delighted to come around simply for a game of pool and a couple of beers.

Increase the value of your property: A well designed games room could really add value to your property, as these rooms are becoming more and more popular. People like nothing more than having a space in which they can relax and enjoy themselves, forgetting about everyday hassles, and this is what you will be giving them with a billiards room.

Enjoy your new billiard room

Once you have got your billiard room fully kitted out and decorated, you will be ready to reap the rewards with years of fun and relaxation with family, friends, even alone. You can use your new billiards room to entertain, enjoy quality time with others, brush up on your billiards skills, enable the kids to learn how to play, and to have a great time with the important people in your life.

Billiards is a universally popular game, and people wont fail to be impressed with your fantastic new billiards room. This will be a place where you can get away from it all no more having to slope off to the local bar for a couple of beers and a game or two; you can simply go to your billiard room and enjoy a game whenever you want to. You could even have a well-stocked mini-fridge in your billiard room filled with beers or soft drinks, so you can enjoy a cold drink as you play a relaxing game of pool.

In Billiards Stop Looking For The System

2007-12-30T21:48:00.000-08:00

The idea of a Billiards Nirvana, or the perfect aiming system is almost as extinct as the Dodo bird and thats a good thing. This article is excerpted from Billiards Basic Blueprint, an e-Book I authored to provide casual billiards players with a thorough grounding in this game.
There is no practical aiming system that will take you to the top other than feel. Systems slow you down. They take you out of rhythm and this can cause more problems than just missing the shot.

It is just as important to know where the cue ball goes after impact. You must have a second shot you can make.

Aiming systems are used as a crutch to help newer players learn where to aim on the OB, eventually developing feel. They can, however, hurt a player more than they help.

Watch billiards on TV. You will see that no top player uses an aiming system, they use feel. Years of experience do the aiming for them.

The best aiming system: LEARN TO SHOOT STRAIGHT. Shooting a straight on shot is the same as shooting a cut shot. Shoot straight at where you are aiming to, and if you are a somewhat decent player, the ball will drop.

The straight shot is your most important tool. You will rely on it over and over. It is what it takes to get a center ball hit on the cue ball. And that is what gets you to the impact point on a cut shot.

Once you can consistently hit a straight, you will find aiming is suddenly easier.

Feeling is not Guessing

Feeling only develops after consistent practice. It comes from shooting shots over and over again to provide you with an instinctive pattern and stroke.

I have been guilty of guessing for months and telling myself it was feeling. But even a good guess will not offset months of practice.

IMPORTANT! Set up a practice schedule to can maintain. It is nice to say Ill practice two hours a day, but if you cant keep that schedule, even if you settle on 10 hours a week, make it something that fits your schedule. Five hours a week is a lot better than shunting your practice aside.

We do this by letting things get in the way, like a good nights sleep, a special program on television, even too long writing and doing computer work.

Set a specific time for your appointment with the table and keep it. Make it a part of your daily schedule like brushing your teeth. It is that important to the future of your game.

Take the guessing out of your game, start developing feel. A Mantra to Repeat

While addressing the ball, separate your warm-up into three parts.

1. Survey the table and decide what you are going to do and get yourself into position.

2. Begin to address the ball by thinking aim, aim, aim. Really think about your aim.

Then pause and start the next phase stroke, stroke--actually change from thinking about your aim to thinking about your stroke.

3. Follow through as you strike the ball.

Separating thoughts of aiming from those related to your stroke will make your stroke smoother and more direct without last second adjustments.

Of course the follow through is the key to all shots.

Doing this little chant--aim, aim, aim, and stroke, Stroke, stroke as you prepare will make you focus on each aspect before striking the ball.

Half a ball better than none

The half ball follow angle is one of the most important tools for position play. Any time you have a close to half ball cut shot and the cue ball is rolling smoothly on the cloth when it hits the object ball, the angle at which the cue ball is deflected is very nearly constant. Knowing that single angle takes a lot of the guesswork out of such shots. Learn this angle through practice.

Physics too late at trigger time

Physics and systems may be useful for understanding and planning shots, but when it comes time to pull the trigger, trust your instincts. During practice, a careful, analytical approach will help you sort out what does and doesn't work for you, once you're in a match, the intense analysis must be put aside. Feel the shot and then make it happen.

Nix the Grazing

When playing a combination shot on a hanger, and that hanger is any ball but the nine-ball, try to keep the first object ball from grazing the rail on the way in. it greatly increases your chances of leaving the first shot in front of the same pocket, and enhances cue ball control.

For more help on aiming refer to Aiming Secrets of The Pros (Addendum III to Billiards Basics Blueprint).

About the author:
Reg Hardy, The Monks Apprentice, writes mostly on billiards topics, primarily for http://www.billiardscrossing.comWhere Good Players Get Better .. His Billiards Crossing website features over 160 billiards resources.
A 7-day Trial Membership is $4.95. Click Here ==> to set up a trial

Billiards Basics Blueprint is his latest e-Book. It will help you establish your game on a firm foundation.

Pot Odds Your Secret Poker Weaponian mcintoshPot odds is one of the most neglected aspects of Texas Holdem poker, especially by the beginner and intermediate player. Some poker beginners have heard the term and a few even have a basic concept of what pot odds are, but very few of these players know how to put them to good use in a poker game.

However knowing how to calculate and use pot odds is one of the crucial weapons that serious poker players have in their armory, one that most definitely separates them from the amateur.

Poker pot odds are often associated with complex mathematical calculations and the less serious player can feel overwhelmed at the prospect of tackling such a subject, but dont fret, do you really think that to be a serious poker player you need to be a genius at mathematics? Do you think all the poker pros are?

Well of course the answer is that they are most definitely not all geniuses, but what they do have is a method of calculating the odds quickly and easily to see if they are in their favor in any given situation. So lets look at a simple, basic way of calculating the odds, remember it needs to be quick and easy so that it can be worked out quickly and accurately in the heat and pressure of a poker game.

Poker pot odds can be broken down to this simple one liner:

If the odds of you getting the card you need to make your hand are less than the pot odds, you should bet.

There are two sides to this equation which I will try and explain, odds of you getting the card you need and pot odds. Firstly odds of you getting the card you need, this one is fairly easy to understand. Its best explained using the example of a flush or straight draw, so well use a straight draw to illustrate it.

Youre in a Texas Holdem game and your pocket cards are Q T, the flop is J 4 9. In order to make a straight you need to get either a King or 8 on the turn or river so you have eight possible cards that can make your hand, four Kings and four 8s. These are known as your out cards.

Youve seen five cards out of the deck, your own two pocket cards and the three flop cards. That means theres 47 cards you havent seen. So the odds of you getting the card you need are:

Cards that wont help you : Cards that will help you

Out of the 47 remaining cards, eight of them will help you and 35 wont, so the odds of you getting the card you need are 35:8 or 4.375:1. Now for the pot odds.

The basic formula is:

The size of the pot : Amount you need to put into the pot.

So if the pot is sitting at $100 and you need to bet $20 to call, your pot odds are 100:20 or 5:1.

In this case the pot odds (5:1) are bigger than the odds of you getting the card you need (4.375:1) so you should call the bet. This is known as getting "value" for your bet. If you are doing these sums quickly you can think of 35:8 as being about four and a half to one, its good enough for a quick calculation.

This is a simplification of pot odds and there are other considerations like will the players after you in the round of betting add to the pot? This would make your bet an even better proposition as it would increase the pot odds but it is of course an unknown factor.

Understand pot odds and you will take your game forward to the next stage and prepare yourself for the poker big league.

Article by Ian McIntosh of www.Love-Texas-Holdem.comCheck out the site for the latest information on Texas Holdem tournaments and freerolls as well as fresh weekly articles you can use for your site.
Please feel free to use this article on your website, newsletter or blog as long as this resource box is left intact and there's a live link to the site.

Snooker Tables And Pool Tables Which One Should You Get?

2007-12-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

So you fancy yourself as a Ronnie O'Sullivan. You have room for a snooker or pool table. Which one do you choose?

Remember a billiard, pool or snooker table is a piece of furniture. If you opt for a fold away table it doesn't much matter, which you choose, as it folds away after use. In that case go for a functional table with as many features as you can afford, such as ball return etc. For a permanent table look for the same things you would look for in any piece of furniture as you are going to have to look at it all the time. Then consider the quality of playing the game on the table. Make sure it fits your idea of fine decor, as a good table will last for many years. Generally speaking for a good permanent table look for quality construction viz: a slate bed and responsive cushions. As usual you get what you pay for, so get the best you can afford.

The colour of the cloth, which is made of wool, is up to you, generally the cloth comes in red, green and blue. The only thing to worry about here is whether the balls show up against the colour. Green is the traditional and safest colour to choose. The cloth should be kept clean and you can get treatments to extend its life.

UK Pool tables come in various sizes; a full size English pool table is generally thought of as a 7 ft table, whereas a full size snooker table is a 12 ft beast for which you need a considerable amount of room. We have a room size guide on the site to enable you to gauge which size of table you can fit into your games room.

American pool tables are generally larger at 9 foot, also they have larger balls than snooker as well as larger pockets and require the larger tipped cues to play the game with. The American game is getting more popular in the UK.

How about an outdoor pool table or snooker table? These tables are pressure treated wood for weatherproofing, or fibre glass frames with specially treated waterproof cloth. The wooden tables are coloured to match your decking, either green or brown, and all outdoor pool tables come with a cover for the winter, so you could leave it outdoors in the winter. The wooden outdoor tables can be marked out for Snooker or Pool, and we have tables in various sizes from 6 foot to 8 ft. Just imagine, having a barbecue and pool tournament outside on your decking in the summer, sounds great to me Did you know we supplied the pool table for Russell on Big Brothers Little Brother?

Contact Steve Porter for more insights into this topic. Direct line: (44) 1562-777000 Email: steve@snookerbilliardspool.co.uk Other helpful information regarding snooker and pool tables can be found at: http://www.snookerbilliardspool.co.uk.

Contact Information: Steve Porter

Phone : 01562 777000 Fax : 01562 777001 http://www.snookerbilliardspool.co.uk

Pool Tables American Vs. English

2007-12-25T22:53:00.000-08:00

Pool tables, which type is the best, American pool tables or English? The main difference as you might expect is size. The English pool tables have 2 in balls, which are smaller than the American pool balls, which are 2 ? inches. Also the table sizes are different, the English pool tables are typically 6 foot or 7 foot, whereas the American pool tables are 8 foot or 9 foot long. The pockets on American tables are also bigger to allow for the bigger balls.

Basically English pool tables are smaller versions of their American cousins. English pool tables were introduced to British pubs in the 60 ? s as a pub game so they had to be smaller to fit into the lounges. The English game has taken off and it even has its own regulatory body the EPA or English Pool Association. There are tournaments in the UK, using the regulation English pool table size of 7 foot and 2 inch balls, which are very popular and there are even professional players around.

The cues are slightly different for the 2 games as well, English pool cues have smaller cue tips typically 8-9 mm, whereas American pool players use pool cues with 12 or 13 mm cue tips. English pool players have also taken to using break off cues to break off with, which typically have larger cue tips of 11 mm.

However the American version of pool is also growing in popularity in the UK due to the growth of pool clubs like Riley?s. There are now some magnificent American tables around built in Europe like the famous K-Steel tables in the riley clubs. There are different types of pool games around, namely 8-ball pool and nine-ball pool.

Eight ball Pool is played with 15 Colours, a colour being a group of seven red balls (or balls numbered 1-7) and a group of seven yellow balls (or balls numbered 9-15). The "Eight-Ball" is a black ball marked with a number "8 To win the game a player has to pot all of his coloured balls either reds or yellows and then pocket the number 8 ball. Nine-ball pool is played with 9 balls and the balls are racked in a diamond shape, the 1 ball is always at the front of the pack and must be struck first, the number nine ball is always in the centre of the pack. The object of the game being to pocket all the balls in any order until someone pockets the 9 ball. To win in nine-ball you have to pocket the 9 ball at any time in the game legally, either by hitting it in with the cue ball or with another ball in a combination shot. Be aware there are lots of variations of these billiards games, games like 14.1 continuous etc. For a full explanation of the rules see the Billiards Congress of America website and the English pool association website. So the answer to American v English pool, which is best, comes down to how much room you have. If you have the room, go for the American version, as that is the best form of the game in my opinion. It?s the same with snooker; the bigger table gives a much better game.

Contact Information: Steve Porte

Phone : 01562 777000 Fax : 01562 777001 http://www.snookerbilliardspool.co.uk

Snooker Tables And Pool Tables Which One Should You Get

2007-12-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

So you fancy yourself as a Ronnie O'Sullivan. You have room for a snooker or pool table. Which one do you choose?

Contact Information: Steve Porter

Phone : 01562 777000 Fax : 01562 777001 http://www.snookerbilliardspool.co.uk

How I Got Snookered By An Antique Pool Table

2007-12-19T22:24:00.001-08:00

When I inherited an antique Brunswick pool table from my great uncle Ivan, I did not know what to do. You see, I have a limited amount of space. My condo is not small, but it is not huge either. If I had wanted to, I would be able to keep the antique pool table, but I certainly could not store it.

I wondered if I should sell the antique pool table, or if I should play on it. It was in good condition, and I had always wanted to have a billiard table of my own. An antique billiard table seemed like such a classy thing to have. I knew that my uncle used to play on it from time to time, and antique pool tables seemed to withstand wear pretty well.

The problem was, my uncle Ivan was not much of a drinker. If he had been, the antique pool table would not have lasted in the condition that it was in. I have seen my friends play pool at bars. They get drunk and ram their cues into the felt. I shuddered to think about what that would do to the antique pool table. It would be a shame to damage such a beautiful antique!

The antique pool table really was beautiful. It was made of a dark wood, well finished and heavy. The pockets had their original webbing, the table was finished with the original felt, and everything was balanced perfectly. It even came with a set of fairly well preserved antique pool cues. Although they were slightly warped from age, they were still serviceable. Don't get me wrong ? I would rather use my own cue on that antique pool table. Even so, it was nice to have the whole set together.

In the end, I decided to keep the antique pool table. I would simply have to watch it carefully. From then on, I did not drink with my friends in my house. I knew that once the drinks started flowing, I could not stop something from happening to the antique pool table. I would, however, invite my friends over to my house in the afternoon sometimes for a game or two of 8-ball. They thought that I was being unreasonable by refusing to play host for evening soir?es, but I knew that I had to do what I had to do. It was the only way for me to take care of that antique pool table.

Ian Botham runs his own online sports goods mail order business as well as several sports related websites. If you are looking for sports Gear then check out this great Sports Equipment resource or here for more general Sports info and articles.

http://sports-info-and-stories.blogspot.com/

Pool Table Manufacturers

2007-12-17T22:26:00.001-08:00

Pool tables and snooker tables or billiard tables have for long been associated with high fashion of the rich and the famous. In recent years though, the trend has been changing. What was earlier restricted to the posh and the world uptown, has been slowly finding its way to the downtown alleys. Most pubs and gaming zones around the country are now equipped with not one but a multiple number of pool tables. Enthusiasts of the game are no longer limited to the high-class clubs, but have found their way to the local high school and even middle school.

Manufacturers of pool tables too have had to change their business strategies for the same reason. The pool tables available now are no longer very expensive. They are in fact quite affordable. This is not to say that designer pool tables, which reek of sophistication and class, have disappeared altogether. They are still very much there, as exquisite as ever.

Different kinds of pool tables are manufactured to meet different requirements. Manufacturers of pool tables have come up with different sizes and varieties of pool tables made of different materials. A number of pool table manufacturers now supply family sized pool table. These are portable and are usually imported from China. The standard size of a pool table is seven feet and most of these tables are manufactured in Taiwan. Mini pool tables of a number of other sizes are also manufactured along with other accessories.

If you are planning to buy a pool table for your home, office, fast food joint, pub or club, you will be able to find a number of valuable resources online. There are web directories of manufacturers of pool tables available online, which can help you make your selection with great convenience. Along with the addresses of the manufacturers, the web directories will also provide you with the list of products supplied by these companies. The price range and pictures of the products are also available.

Manufacturers provides detailed information on Manufacturers, Product Manufacturers, Equipment Manufacturer Suppliers, Furniture Manufacturers and more. Manufacturers is affiliated with Medical Contract Manufacturing.

Antique Pool Tables

2007-12-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

Antique pool tables offer extraordinary durability and playing qualities. They are highly durable compared to modern pool tables. The most important attraction of antique pool tables is its craftsmanship, which adds extra beauty to the game room.

Antique pool tables with heavy inlay of satinwood, three piece slate, six legs, remarkable 8 feet, 9 feet and 10 feet size and finest space allows excellent playability. Antique pool tables with multiple beams along the sides provide a simple look. These tables can be furnished with custom changeable rail set. Extensive inlay pattern uses seven different types of wood.

There are antique pool tables with sliding cabinet drawer to hold cues and balls. Oak wood surroundings with exceptional design give an excellent look. Some of the antique pool tables are constructed with satinwood, ebony and other fine woods. There are antique pool tables with Victorian design features with a remarkable light oak finish. Decorative moldings are used as accents on cabinet panels. Ivory and diamonds are used as sights in rails. Antique pool tables made with rosewood, mahogany and other wood finishes are also available.

Pool table prices fluctuate between $600 and $10,000. Some antique pool tables cost as much as $15,000 or even more. Supply of antique pool tables is low compared to other pool tables.

You can buy antique pool tables directly from the shops or can order online.

Sometimes a new table is about two-thirds the cost of an antique pool table.

Antique pool tables have a strong body and solid legs. The cabinet and legs of many pool tables are made of solid hardwood such as oak, maple, or walnut but some have particleboard construction with veneers or laminates.

Antique pool tables can be reproduced with new marquetry and veneers. But its dependability and collectible value is questionable. A lot of antique pool tables have remanufactured parts. Most of them are restored to original condition. People demand pool tables with minimum restoration. Antique pool tables are now highly in demand.

Pool Tables provides detailed information on Pool Tables, Pool Table Lights, Pool Tables for Sale, Used Pool Tables and more. Pool Tables is affiliated with Rules of Billiards.

Bumper Pool Tables

2007-12-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Bumper Pool Tables are used for playing bumper pool, a daily entertainment game played by two to four players. These tables are half the size of a standard pool table and they are rectangular or octagonal in shape.

A bumper pool table has only two pockets or holes where as a standard pool table holds around six holes. The table has 12 bumpers on the table and hence the name. Four of them are situated near the pocket with two each, at the extreme end of the table. The remaining eight bumpers are situated around the middle portion of the table. The bumpers act as a defense mechanism for the player while the opponent tries to bank the ball into the pocket. Bumper pool table has five balls, red and white, for each player,

Bumper Pool Tables are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 48 inches to 54 inches, the most commonly available size is 54 inches by 30 inches. These tables are often made from a combination of solids and veneers, or from fine hardwood. The top playing surface is often covered with green felt fabric over a wood or slate base. Most bumper pool tables have elegantly carved legs, aprons and base.

The bumper pool table serves as a great substitute for a billiard table and can be accommodated even in limited space. They are available as multi-functional bumper pool tables that can be converted into a dining table or card table. The tables come along with balls, brush, chalk and two cues.

Today, the toughest and the most durable bumper pool tables are made by Game Craft. Some tables have leg levelers which enables the player to adjust the height from 26 to 30 inches. Imperial Non-Slate Bumper Pool Table is considered as the most inexpensive one. You may have to pay at least $500 for a good quality versatile bumper pool table and for a multi-purpose table the price can go up to $2500.

Pool Tables provides detailed information on Pool Tables, Pool Table Lights, Pool Tables for Sale, Used Pool Tables and more. Pool Tables is affiliated with Rules of Billiards.

Custom Pool Tables

2007-12-09T22:09:00.001-08:00

Custom design brings flexibility and individual innovation. Custom pool tables can be produced with wide variety of woods, inlays, felts, and pocket styles. Custom pool tables are engineered and designed. Some custom pool tables are centuries old and still fine, sound and beautiful.

Custom pool tables are available in a variety of styles, in good finishes and different sizes. There are more than 30 felt colors, several fabrics, and more than 10 pocket styles and leg styles. Custom pool tables are guaranteed to be elegant, reliable and competitively priced. Custom pool tables can be created with smooth, tapered designs, computer generated artwork and custom airbrushed graphics, polished to a mirrored finish.

Mahogany, black or carbon and beech finished custom tables are also available. Each table frame is made from carefully selected wood. Inlays of these tables are cut from a variety of materials including veneer, mother-of-pearl and metals. You can buy 9 foot wave custom pool tables made of mahogany. 9 foot arch custom pool tables made of woods like Cherry and rosewood with pearl inlays are also available. Ovoid trestle custom pool tables are 8 foot long, made of Cocobolo, Maple, Cherry and silver oval inlays. Custom pool tables are available in solid fiberglass construction, carefully designed and custom painted beautifully with customers in mind. Sometimes sleek powder coated steel, precision-ground slates and championship billiard fabrics are used to create custom pool tables. These pool tables and accessories mostly appear in star hotels and celebrity homes.

Custom made quality pool tables are hand crafted with special attention to workmanship. Custom pool tables use only the highest standards of craftsmanship, quality and aesthetics. Most manufacturers of pool tables supply table cloth for custom pool tables with high definition patterns permanently laser printed. They are available in a variety of colors.

Pool Tables provides detailed information on Pool Tables, Pool Table Lights, Pool Tables for Sale, Used Pool Tables and more. Pool Tables is affiliated with Rules of Billiards.

Elegant Pool Tables

2007-12-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Elegant pool tables change the mood of your billiard room along with your personality. Elegant pool tables are well designed and the handicrafts are excellent. Pool table accessories and pool cues have a major role in giving pool tables an elegant look.

Woods used for pool tables are mahogany, oak, honey, cherry, wood finish, caramel wood finish etc. Elegant pool tables are produced with superior and patented systems. Most of the elegant pool tables are not only beautiful but also very strong. Some pool tables look elegant while the durability is questionable. There are leather covered pool tables. There are coin operated pool tables which are available in a variety of styles and designs. There are handmade pool tables also.

Elegant pool tables are made of beautiful wood and weigh approx 800lbs.Costs of elegant pool tables vary because of the elaborate designs and custom hand carving which requires more man hours. Body finish of elegant pool table is excellent. Eight feet elegant pool tables are also available. There is a high demand for traditionally designed pool tables these days. There are outdoor pool tables too. People need outdoor pool tables which give an elegant look. Every component is hand selected for quality, then cut, machined, carved, sanded and finished by expert cabinetmakers

The selection of pool table requires research and careful thought. There are many variations of pool tables to choose from. Elegant pool tables are available in the sizes of 7ft, 8ft and 9ft. Hardwood wide-profile top rails provide an elegant furniture appearance standard to all models. A little care makes sure of the finest performance and appearance for a lifetime. Use good furniture oil or polish on lacquered surfaces. This can help your pool table to become a family treasure for generations to come.

Pool Tables provides detailed information on Pool Tables, Pool Table Lights, Pool Tables for Sale, Used Pool Tables and more. Pool Tables is affiliated with Rules of Billiards.

The Pool Table

2007-12-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

While the word "billiard" has presumably originated from the French word "billart," which means "mace"-an implement that was the predecessor of the modern cue-the game did not remain constricted in Europe. Evolving from an outdoor to an indoor game, billiard became known as "pool," which originates from "poolrooms" where people gambled off their money betting on horse races. Since billiard tables were commonly found in this type of venue, pools became a synonym of billiards and gained fanatic supporters in every continent.

John Gibb is the owner of pool table resources , For more information on pool tables check out http://www.pool-tables-resources2k.info

Your Table Is A Pool Table

2007-12-03T22:27:00.002-08:00

Pocket Billiards tables, sometimes simply called pool tables, are great for an evening out with friends and an exciting new hobby for amateur fans. If you have long been searching for your next sophisticated game and chess is not an option anymore, perhaps you should consider playing a game of pool and check out yourself how strategy, creativity and determination can be combined. Owning or renting one for a few hours, the pool table can indeed be one of those addictions nobody will advise you to drop.

If your basement or living room is spacious enough to accommodate a 7-feet, 8-feet, or 9-feet pool you will soon be able to admire how ingenious such an investment can be. Since it can be easily hidden under flat hardwood table-top surfaces, a pool table can become a multidimensional, exciting dinner table, which you can first use to entertain people by displaying some of your best cooking recipes and later enhance their evening by inviting them to a friendly straight pool competition. If the cost of a pool table exceeds your current financial budget, or if space is not an option either, then initiating a pool game night out with friends, once a month, can be your fun and creative get-together experience. For what its worth, holding a cue, using a chalk to sharpen its end, and most importantly, strike a ball, can certainly get you into a much better mood than sitting around the house watching television or surfing the Net boring yourself to death.

Your selection of a pool table depends on your choice of billiard game. If you prefer the carom instead from the pocket type of game, then your table will not have the six holes found in a pocket type of pool. But if you are an 8-ball, 9-ball, one-pocket, bank pool, or snooker fun, then the pocket pool table seems like an obvious choice. Whichever the table you will purchase or rent, the fact still remains that pool or billiard, is a totally unique experience you have to try at least once in your life.

If, and when, you will select to go with the privately owned pool table option, be sure to get the longest possible service guarantee from your prospective pool table's manufacturer and do not forget to buy pool cues (sticks). Offered in a great selection, for beginners to professional players, cues are one of those necessary accessories you will need to "pull it off" with a pool game. In addition, pool balls, a rack to organize the billiard balls on the table's surface, some specially designed rectangular-shaped blue chalks, a mechanical bridge -used to extend a player's reach on a shot where the cue ball is too far away for normal hand bridging- are some of the things you will need to experience a pool game in full extent. John Gibb is the owner of pool table resources , For more information on pool tables check out http://www.pool-tables-resources2k.info

Pool Tables

2007-12-03T22:27:00.001-08:00

Top of the Cue supplies a great range of UK games tables such as pool tables, snooker tables, table football, cue accessories and air hockey tables. We continue to increase our UK products offering and are committed to offering you the best quality in snooker tables, pool tables, games tables and accessories and the best online prices. The more savings we are able to negotiate with our UK suppliers, the greater the savings we are able to pass onto you, the customer. If you are looking for the best online price for a UK snooker tables, pool tables or billiard tables then you've come to the right place. We also stock a comprehensive range of quality UK pool cues and snooker cues. Top of the Cue can look after all your requirements for pool tables whether that is non slate pool tables or slate pool tables that you need. We supply branded pool tables and have various pool leagues supplied with pool tables. Shipping pool tables abroad is also something we specialise in. We stock pool tables accessories and pool tables equipment supplies and can offer the most competitive pool tables prices around. Top of the Cue offers choices of 4ft 6" - 5,6,7,8 and 9 ft pool tables in a wide range of styles and prices and very often with a choice of cloth colours as well. Slate or MDF beds, coin operated or free play. A Top of the Cue quality pool table typically comes complete with free accessories. We offer you UK pool tables of quality and distinction which is often equally suitable for home or commercial use. If you want quality pool tables for your home, office or club feel free to browse our comprehensive selection of pool tables. For further details, browse http://www.topofthecue.com/categories/55/pool-tables-uk-pool-cues-UK.htmseo consultant

Things To Consider When Buying A Pool Table Light

2007-12-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

What should you look for when purchasing a pool table light? This article will give you all the information you need in order to purchase a billiard light. Pool table lights come in many shapes and sizes, colors and styles. Assuming you already have the pool table, next you will need to figure out what length of light you will need.

As a general rule of thumb you will need 5 inches of light for every foot of pool table. For example a 7 foot pool table will need a billiard light with a minimum of 35 inches in length preferably 40 inches or more. You do not want to choose a short billiard light that will leave darkness around the edges of the pool table.

Another thing to consider is how high is the ceiling in relation to the pool table? The higher the ceiling, the larger the area the pool table light will cover. How much chain will you need to hang the light? Does the light come hard wired or soft wired? Hardwired means you cut the light on with a wall switch and soft wired means the light must be plugged into a wall outlet and turned on via an inline switch.

Something else you will need to keep in mind is what style of light bulbs will you choose? Florescent or standard? Many pool table light manufacturers can build your billiard light with either or. So be sure to ask when purchasing your pool table light fixture.

If you really want to get creative with your billiard lighting you don?t have to use a traditional pool table light at all. You could use two or three pendant lights that have multiple light bulbs in each pendant to light the pool table adequately. When you think about it that way your lighting options are unlimited. Imagine 2, 3 or even 4 pendant lights hanging all in a row above your billiard table. Each can be wired to turn all of them on with the flip of a single switch or even multiple switches.

For more pool table lights and game room decorating ideas visit us on the web at http://www.BlueRidgeLighting.com

Which pool table?

2007-11-30T22:51:00.001-08:00

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a pool table that have an effect on the price and quality of your table and therefore, your game. Note that the term "pool tables" refers to the table used to play billiards, snooker, and all other cue-sports similar to this. The differences between these games are the rules and sets of balls used, not the table itself.

Pool tables are constructed in a wide variety of sizes and there can be great variation in the quality and construction methods used. The main reasons for the range in sizes in pool tables for sale are simply that an authentic full-size table is huge and a consideration of the various costs of a full-size table. Pool tables are invariably a perfect rectangle with the width being half the length. A standard full-size English Billiards table measures 12' long, and, therefore, 6' wide! These days it is not difficult to locate tables measuring nine, eight, and seven feet long respectively, which are more realistically suited for people's homes.

When buying a pool table it is important to consider the construction materials used. Of these the surface is by far the most important feature. If you're after a basic, cheap table, new discount pool tables which use a wooden surface with cloth overlay can be found for less than US$400. However, if you are after a more authentic table, which will ultimately give you a much better game, then there is no substitute for slate. Any serious cue-sports enthusiast will not settle for anything less than a slate table which will not flex or suffer the deformities that wooden-surfaced tables are subject to. Slate is a very hard, dense stone which is quarried and cut into single, solid slabs the full size of the table, machined to near-perfect flatness and covered with cloth to make the surface of the table. Unless subjected to absolutely brutal punishment it will not chip, dent, flex, or be affected by moisture. The slab used for tables will vary anywhere between a full 2 ?" thick for much older tables and, more recently, about one inch in thickness. Generally speaking the thicker your slab the better, however, the biggest drawback with slate tables is that they are truly monumental in weight, especially for larger, older tables. These can weigh as much as 1000 pounds! Along with such a large, heavy cut of solid stone come increased handling and construction costs.

Other things to consider when assessing the quality of a table include: The grade of cloth used - good tables use a woolen cloth; the sturdiness of the frame and type of wood used in the construction, particularly the legs; how well the pockets and netting are made, what the netting is made of, and whether they use real leather guards. Finally the quality, feel, and bounce of the bumpers running along the inside edge of the table. Brunswick pool tables are an example of a respected brand that performs well for all these tests of quality, with more than 150 years of experience to their name.

The cost of authentic, full-size slate tables reaches well into the thousands of dollars which, for most people, is not a realistic purchase, assuming you have room for it in the first place. However, if you're after cheap pool tables there are a few options open to you: For real discount pool tables you can go with the wooden-based tables mentioned earlier. Their surface may dent, warp, and may make for a less enjoyable game as time progresses but they're highly affordable. If you're unwilling to settle for lower quality, and you have a bit of ability with your hands, consider looking for cheap pool tables in the classified advertisements in your local paper or online that may be in a state of disrepair. If you're willing to put the work in, so long as you can find a table with a slab intact, you can more or less rebuild or restore the rest of the table from the ground up and re-cover it yourself. In this way, you can have a quality slate table for a fraction of the cost of a new one but every bit as good.

Fortunately ball sets are getting cheaper and cheaper these days, with little reduction in quality. The same cannot be said for cues, unfortunately, so you should always remember to look down the length of a cue to see if it has bowed before buying it. Finally, you don't want to be peering at your table in the dark. Consider purchasing a set of good overhead pool table lights to ensure you get the most from your table.Jeff King writes on many consumer topics. There's more about tables at Table Land

Pool Tables - Fun For The Whole Family

2007-11-26T01:54:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the first pool tables made an appearance in nineteenth century horse racing betting- poolrooms? Strange but true...though at that time the game was known as Billiards and tables were put up there for people to kill time between races. Because the game was set up in 'pool rooms', it was eventually named pool.

In those days pool tables looked a lot different from their present Avatar. They were just ordinary tables where the balls kept rolling off (Didn't they see it coming?!) To handle this problem wooden railings of about 4-6 inches wide were added to the sides and viola! You could shoot pool like never before! Later the table went through further modifications, customizations and improved over the years to evolve into its current form. Though Pool or Billiards as it was known then, has always been seen as a "bad boys' " game, it is today one of the most popular sports across the globe.

If you too, are looking out for a good quality table, settle for nothing less than a solid hard wood with a slate surface. We recommend slate over veneer or wood because it levels perfectly and offers a smooth playing experience. Whether you want a standard size 8 feet X 4 feet table or a tournament 4 1/2 feet 9 feet one remember to check the quality of the surface fabric, which could be either wool or a woolen blend.

Slate tables could burn a hole in your pocket with prices starting from above $ 950 but nonslate is more affordable hovering around $350. Again this varies according to the size and the quality of wood and other materials used. To make life easier, try online auctions and stores to get a good price and no-hassle shipping. There are also always great deals going on online, so don't rush into buying one without shopping around first.

Ken Wilson for http://www.pooltable-information.com

Pool Tables ? Fun For The Whole Family

2007-11-26T01:53:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the first pool tables made an appearance in nineteenth century horse racing betting- poolrooms? Strange but true?though at that time the game was known as Billiards and tables were put up there for people to kill time between races. Because the game was set up in ?pool rooms?, it was eventually named pool.

In those days pool tables looked a lot different from their present Avatar. They were just ordinary tables where the balls kept rolling off (Didn?t they see it coming?!) To handle this problem wooden railings of about 4-6 inches wide were added to the sides and viola! You could shoot pool like never before! Later the table went through further modifications, customizations and improved over the years to evolve into its current form. Though Pool or Billiards as it was known then, has always been seen as a ?bad boys? ? game, it is today one of the most popular sports across the globe.

If you too, are looking out for a good quality table, settle for nothing less than a solid hard wood with a slate surface. We recommend slate over veneer or wood because it levels perfectly and offers a smooth playing experience. Whether you want a standard size 8 feet X 4 feet table or a tournament 4 1/2 feet 9 feet one remember to check the quality of the surface fabric, which could be either wool or a woolen blend.

Slate tables could burn a hole in your pocket with prices starting from above $ 950 but nonslate is more affordable hovering around $350. Again this varies according to the size and the quality of wood and other materials used. To make life easier, try online auctions and stores to get a good price and no-hassle shipping. There are also always great deals going on online, so don't rush into buying one without shopping around first.:

Ken Wilson for http://www.pooltable-information.com

The Appeal of Pool Tables

2007-11-26T01:52:00.002-08:00

Pool tables can be found in lounges, restaurants and sport clubs worldwide. Their appeal seems to be universal; people of all ages, races and countries will agree that playing pool is a fun way to pass the time. For some, playing pool is even more than that. If a person if really good at pool, they may turn it into a lucrative side job by betting. So, it's easy to understand why the business of selling pool tables can be very lucrative. Both individuals and businesses buy pool tables often, whether it's for a home or a bar.

When you go to purchase pool tables from a seller, you will be faced with many choices. The tables come in a few different sizes and colors and vary in price range. The nicer the table, the nicer the fabric and the higher the price. Some people like to match the fabric on the pool table to the colors in their home, but that costs extra. There are many different brands of pool tables to choose from as well. Make sure that you check around and find out which has the best reputation before you buy. The salesperson will be glad to help recommend a brand and will let you know the prices on the tables you're considering.

Once you've decided on your pool tables, you can either load them up that day or have a professional bring them to you. If you don't have the space or the desire to set it up yourself, why not just let someone bring it to you? It's much more convenient and you won't have to deal with the hassle of getting it to your home or business. It's customary to tip the person that brings it to you, especially if they did a good job. Now that you have your pool table, invite people over and have a great time.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.best-pool-tables.info

Pool Tables: Which Type Should You Choose?

2007-11-26T01:52:00.001-08:00

A pool table is a rectangular table. It has six pockets and consists of cushions bounding the playing area. The standard size of a pool table is 4 1/2 x 9. Wood is the major element in the construction of a pool table. Oak and cherry wood tables are preferred for professional pool players, while plywood or pine is recommended for other customers. The quality of wood contributes to the strength of a pool table.

Pool tables are purchased all over the world for a number of reasons. People buy pool tables for commercial purposes, for private recreation, for clubs and they are even purchased for pool competitions. These competitions can be announced at national as well as international levels.

Pool tables are available in varied shapes and styles to suit the requirements of the customers. Pool tables are inclusive of many accessories and parts, which complement to their class and quality.

The History of Pool Tables
The history of pool is quite debatable. The reason for debate is related to its origin. Some people believe it was invented in Persia, while the others believe that it was invented in England or France.

Pool was not played on tables in its earliest version. It was played on lawns. The purpose of the game was to knock over a cone-shaped object by shooting balls through a course of hoops.

The game was then played indoors on the floor. As a result of constant bending, players suffered from back pain. Then it was thought that the game should be played atop a table and this is how pool tables came into existence.

With the game shifted atop tables, another problem was faced by the players. The ball kept rolling off the tables. To solve this problem, wooden rails were attached to the edges of the pool tables, to keep the balls on the table.

In 1600?s rubber strips were added to the wooden side rails. These rubber strips acted as cushions for the balls to give them bounce, when the balls hit the edge of tables. To add to the comfort of players, a thin green wool cloth was used to cover the tables. This provided the players with precision and accuracy in their shots. The color green was used as the cloth as the games was initially played in grass.

Next the whole concept of playing pool changed. To make the game more interesting, two round holes were cut in the table ends. The purpose of the pool changed from knocking the cones over to knocking the balls into the holes. Underneath the pool tables were attached pocket size bags to prevent the ball from falling on the ground.

The pockets in the pool tables kept on evolving till the six-pocketed pool table was born.

Types of Pool Tables
Pool tables are available in many shapes, styles, sizes and colors. Generally pool tables are of three types: cost efficient style, finely hand crafted wood designs and designs of new age pools.

Cost Efficient Styles
Cost efficient tables are ordered and required for clubs, pubs and pool hall owners. These pool tables are used by club and pub owners to attract more customers to their place. Almost all public houses have pool tables today. These pool tables are cheaper than the other pool tables. These tables are readily available in the retail outlets. The material used in these pool tables is hard, but it gradually wears down.

Finely Handcrafted Wood Designs
These pool tables are in a class of their own. They are made for residential game rooms or private pool clubs. The pool tables are made to order and the purchaser gives the manufacturer the finer details of the desired pool table. The wood commonly used in these pool tables is cherry or oak. These tables have detailed cushions, corners and legs.

New Age Designs
These pool tables are especially made to suit the modern day quality and requirements. These pool tables can be made of glass, brass, wood or chrome. These tables have multicolored sides, legs and tops. Modern club and pub owners, clientele based office owners are generally the purchasers of these tables.

Pool tables are available for everyone, according to their requirements. The cost of a pool table also varies accordingly, with the cost being inclusive of the quality, class and type of the pool table.

Olga Sen writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Pool Tables please visit http://www.pool-tables-guide.com/ and for additional Pool Table articles please visit the following article page http://www.pool-tables-guide.com/pooltable-articles/

Pool Table Lights Guide: How To Light Up Your Game

2007-11-26T01:49:00.000-08:00

The proper pool table lights is critical to playing your best game of pool. The ideal pool table light fixture is attractive, unobtrusive, and provides just enough illumination without creating a glare. Choosing the right pool table lights for your home need not be difficult. Just keep a few points in mind.

The Best Pool Table Lights for the Job

The most effective pool table lights cover the entire length of the table. Measure your pool table before you start shopping. The majority of pool table lights fixtures available have multiple globes in order to direct several points of light at the table, usually two, three, or four globes. Multiple globes on your pool table lights fixture also help to eliminate any glare. Some fixtures contain multiple globes within one larger fixture.

Traditional vs. Contemporary Pool Table Lights

Pool table lights come in a wide variety of styles and finishes. Traditional, Victorian, Tiffany-style lights are popular pool table lights. These fixtures, modeled after designs by the famous glass artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany, are made of small panes of glass joined with lead piping. These colorful glass pieces are put together to form all manner of designs, logos, and slogans.

Tiffany-style pool table lights are available in one long shade with several bulbs inside the globe or in multiple shades along a single, metal bar. They may be elaborate, multi-color showpieces or relatively simple, one-color pool table lights fixtures.

Other traditional fixtures of pool table lights come in black or brown wrought-iron fixture with alabaster glass shades. Most often the pool table lights fixture is crafted into a scrolled design with multiple glass shades. This style of light fixture is also widely available in bronze, brushed pewter, and brass finishes. pool table lights made from ooden fixtures, too, can lend a warm and homey touch to your poolroom.

Contemporary pool table lights can give your room a clean, sleek, modern look. Bar pool table lights in chrome and brass with simple, smoked glass shades can create such a look. Some pool table light fixtures insert a vibrant touch by adding green, red, and blue colored glass shades.

Something a Little Different

Customize your pool table lights by adding a college or professional sports logo. Tiffany-style lights often incorporate the logo into the glass motif whereas solid glass shades can be etched with your favorite teams logo. Cheer on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the Colorado Avalanche Hockey team, or the New England Patriots right from your recreation room.

Military logos are also popular designs for pool table lights. The Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force insignia are all available, both in Tiffany lights and in solid etched glass shades. Also consider Jack Daniels logo pool table lights or perhaps one with the Harley Davidson logo.

The Technical Stuff

Installing your pool table lights should be relatively easy for the weekend home remodeler. There must be a secure place onto which to mount your pool table light fixture and that it has its own separate electrical box. As with any electrical project, turn off the electrical current before you start working on mounting your pool table lights.

The correct light bulbs go a long way to ensuring your pool table lights fixture is safe as well as creating the right mood. 60-watt bulbs are recommended although some of the pool table lights with multiple shades might look better with 40-watt bulbs instead.
Where to Shop
The Internet has made shopping for pool table lights much easier. A typical search yields hundreds of online retailers of pool table lights. Browse through thousands of pool table lights, right in the privacy of your home. Many Web merchants even offer free shipping and live online customer service. Expect to pay from $150 for simple bar pool table lights to over $1000 for an elaborate Tiffany-style light fixture.

The right pool table lights can give your poolroom that ambiance of casual elegance or rustic charm that you desire as well as providing the lighting necessary to play your best game of pool. Shop carefully; consider all your options, and youll enjoy your pool table lights fixture for many years to come.
Richard Aubin is the publisher of the bi-weekly pool playing tips newsletter, full of tips, tricks and practical advice you can use to improve your pool game. Get his free 7 day consistency and concentration course - Visit http://poolplayingtips.com