Saturday, October 31, 2009

Choosing the right snooker table

By Matthew Kerridge

A snooker table can be a great addition to the home of snooker lovers. With a table at home, you will have plenty of opportunities for practice and inviting friends over for a game. To make sure you do not waste time and money choosing the wrong snooker table, you should consider in advance exactly what you will need.

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.

Regulation tournament tables are made of high quality woods like oak and with slate beds at least one inch thick. Fine cloth is used to allow the ball to roll more accurately and responsively. The cover is not made of felt, but of materials like wool or baize with rubber cushioning. The rails that prevent the balls from falling off the table should be made of fine wood to provide more accurate bouncing.

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 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. Once you have the right table and accessories, and have set up your room, you can enjoy snooker in the convenience of your own home.

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