Types of Tables

When it comes to selecting your billiards, pool, or snooker table, you need to realize that all three games are not played on the same type of table. In fact, there are separate tables for each of these games, and you need to have the right table to play on, especially if you're looking to practice for tournament play.

If you're playing a version of billiards (carom, three-cushion, straight rail, balkline, etc), you're going to want a pocketless table. Regulation tables for billiards are rectangular and measure 2.84 metres by 1.42 metres from cushion to cushion, although tables are given a 5 millimetre allowance, so not all may be precisely these measurements. The table is between 75 and 80 centimetres high as measured from the ground to the playing surface.

The bed, or playing surface of the table, should be made from slate and be at least 45 millimetres thick. Many tables actually include heating elements that heat the table so that the surface is about five degrees C above the standard room temperature. This keeps the cloth dry and helps the balls move better and more consistently. In international carom tournaments, heated tables must be used.

Pool tables, also known as pocket billiards tables, are used for eight ball, nine ball, and other games that require pockets. Generally, these tables have six pockets, one at each corner and one in the middle of each of the long sides. Pool tables come in a variety of sizes, usually starting at six foot long and going up to nine foot. They are also rectangular and have a ratio of two to one. A nine foot table, then measures 100 by 50. Note that for regulation tournaments, only eight and nine foot tables are allowed.

In addition to pockets, pool tables differ from billiards tables in that they feature sights along the rails. These small diamonds help players aim bank shots. There are usually six along each long side and three on the shorter sides. Sights also divide the table into equal sections.

The bed for a pool table used in tournament play should be made of slate no less than an inch thick. It must also be quite flat, with less than .01 variance. While home pool tables may use other materials, those practising for tournaments should look for a slate bed.

Finally, a snooker table is a table designed specifically for snooker. These tables should measure 3569 mm by 1778 mm for tournament play, although some smaller ones are also available. Like pool tables, snooker tables feature pockets. However, unlike pool tables, snooker pockets may be larger or smaller depending on how difficult players want the game to be. The cushions, instead of being covered in felt like on many pool and billiards tables, are made of rubber. Snooker tables feature several markings, including the baulk area (a semicircle), positions for balls, and other indicators.

The bed of a snooker table should also be made from slate. The covering, which is often wool or baize, can be of varying thickness, with thicker covering slowing down the balls but lasting longer.