Friday, October 30, 2009

Snooker Tables

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.

You will need enough space for players to make shots without walls getting in the way, and you might also want to leave room for spectators. Generally you should have at least three feet of space all around the table. If you are purchasing a professional snooker table, then it is recommended that you have at least six feet of space all around the table.

Cue size is another important consideration since you will need more room for longer cues. Professional snooker players use a 57-inch cue, but you might want to choose something smaller depending on your room size. The regular cues sizes are 36-in., 48-in., and 57-in.

Balls will roll slower and are less responsive on snooker tables with thicker covers, but these covers are more durable. The bed or playing surface, of snooker tables is generally made of slate, the material used for tournament play. However, there are cheaper tables made of alternative bed materials.

Price, of course, is always an important factor when making any purchase. The most basic tables are designed mainly for children who are interested in learning the game and will be quite economical. Economy tables are often adequate for snooker enthusiasts who want a practice and playing table at home. The more expensive options to include professional snooker tables are large and are made of superior materials than the cheaper alternatives.

A professional table will be made with fine woods like oak and with regulation thick slate beds. The cloth covering will be made of fine materials that allow balls to roll less erratically providing more accurate shots. A regulation table will have a slate bed that is about one-inch thick and will have a covering made of materials like wool or baize. The cushions will be made of rubber. The rails that border the table should be made of wood to provide greater accuracy when a ball bounces off it.

If you only have limited space available, there are options like snooker tables that can be easily converted into dinner tables, and foldaway tables that can be stored after use.

Choosing the right snooker table involves planning where you will place the table, the space requirements, and the quality of playing experience that you are looking for.

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