Friday, October 30, 2009

Snooker Table Guide

By Matthew Kerridge

If you enjoy playing snooker, then you may have considered getting a snooker table for your home. Having your own table will allow you to practice and play with family and friends to your heart's delight. However, it pays to consider exactly what you will require before making a purchase, so you do not waste your precious time and money.

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.

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.

Snooker tables come in a wide range of prices from budget tables that are meant for young players to those suitable for professional play. The economy table is often suitable for home use as it will look reasonably attractive and is adequate in terms of playing quality. For those who want something closer to tournament play, a mid range or professional table will be needed, although this is also the most expensive option.

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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