Snooker Table Guide

By Matthew Kerridge

Are you considering purchasing a snooker table? If you enjoy snooker, then owning your own table is certainly an attractive option. Snooker tables developed from the old English billiard tables.

Choosing a good snooker table means considering things like table size and quality of manufacture. If you like a more challenging game, you will probably want a table with the smallest pocket requiring greater shooting accuracy. You will also to have chosen a table that matches the size of the room that you will be using to play snooker.

Leave enough space to allow players to make shots without bumping into the wall. In most cases, that will mean at least three feet of space around the entire table. For a professional table, you will need even more room, at least six feet all around the table.

You will also need to consider the size of the cue that you will use when playing snooker. Professionals use the longest cue, which measures 57 inches. However, many people will be willing to use smaller cues as this reduces the amount of room space needed. The normal cue sizes are 36 inches, 48 inches and 57 inches.

The thickness of the table cover determines how fast the ball rolls with thicker covers slowing down the balls responsiveness. However, thicker covers will last longer. The playing surface, which is known as the bed in snooker parlance, is made of slate in regulation tournament play. However, cheaper tables are made of artificial materials.

You will, of course, also want to consider price when choosing a snooker table for your home. The cheapest budget tables are generally not meant for serious players, but there are economy tables suitable for home play. The middle range and professional tables are the highest quality, and of course, more expensive. You will choose the latter if you are looking for something similar to tournament snooker.

The tables used at professional tournaments are made of expensive woods like oak, and the slate beds are one inch thick or more. Good quality cloth gives players better ball reaction on their shots. The covers are made of materials like baize and wool rather than felt. The cushioning is also rubber rather than felt. Wooden rails along the sides provide for better accuracy when bouncing shots.

If space is a problem, there are snooker tables that can double as dinner tables, and there are also tables that can be folded away and stored when you are not playing.

Finding a good snooker table is not too difficult but it pays to plan in advance. By considering things like room size, you can decide on what table and cue size is right. The quality of table you choose will depend on how serious you are about your game, and of course, how much you can afford. Finding a snooker table that meets your requirements involves first knowing where you will place the table, determining the proper size, and knowing what quality you desire and can afford.

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