Pool table game- facts and figures you must know [ updated ]

I am pretty sure many of the readers have played pool.

But I can bet a few of them know the inner facts like history, types of pools and more.

So, I have prepared this article with some basic information that will help you know more about pool. In fact, you can master the skills if you have the idea about the game and its preparations. Information is the key. Here, you will get information that you might have never noticed before.

What is pool table game?

Well, this is a very famous game across the globe. Millions of players take part in the game and thus it comes with a variety of features. Besides, this a thrilling way to spend some quality times with family and friends.

Pool – is the game that is played on a large table with six pockets. And the players are to deposit pool balls inside the pockets. Scoring is based on the ball points you sink in pocket. You will need pool balls, a cue stick and a table to play this game.

Each of the pool game has their specific names like eight-ball, seven-ball, and one-pocket, among others. However, there is a generic term available for pool –billiard. But this is also known as snooker, kaisa etc.

The pool table is available in three sizes and shapes. The standard sizes are seven, eight or nine feet. Interestingly, the table width is twice of the length of the board. So, if a board is nine feet in length, it is 4.5 feet is the width.

Remember, the cue ball is pure white and heavier in weight. And this is the ball that you can hit directly during the game. In the contrary, the cue stick is 58 inches in length but you can get a shorter or longer version as well. Make sure your cue front that will hit the ball is narrow.

A short history of pool

The exact date and time is not available for this game. But experts and historians estimate that it began during the 15^th century. But the shape was not like those we have today. The style was different. It, actually, began like a lawn game. And the rules were different too.

Now, we can play the game in indoor environment. Have you ever noticed about the green cloth on the table? In fact, it resembles the green grasses. And this was a game for the royals of the society. Due to the nature of the game, it was not possible for the ordinary people to participate.

During the 18^th century, a term was generated about the game as ‘Noble Game of Billiards.’ However, there are evidences that the ordinary people also participated in the game. Hence, the earlier theory of royal games loses its worth. Even, in those days, public events also took place centering the game.

Besides, many of the contemporary literatures also bear the sign that pool was a game for common people. Even, the Shakespearean literature also has the account of the game that is highly interesting.

Mace from cue

Earlier, the stick that is known as cue as familiar as mace. But applying the mace was difficult, especially when the ball was near the rail. So, during the 16^th century, the players invented cue. The mace was with a larger head. Thereby, the players had to apply mace handle for ball striking.

The handle was known as queue and later it turned into the word ‘Cue.’ But in those days females used the mace during the games. They could use the trick shots with the mace which was not possible for their male counterparts.

Performance improvement was another issue in the early days. The players applied chalks on the cue tips to strike the balls smoothly. Invention of the leather cue tip also played a vital role in the further development of the pool in the 18^th century. Spinning the pool balls was a great initiative that changed the track of the competition.

Even, the players could do backspin during the strike which was the symbol of magnificent skills.

Types of pool tables

To play pool, you need a table. Since this is a luxurious game, the arrangement needs to be smart. And without a good-looking pool table, this is not possible.

Besides, the pool tables also reflect individual taste and preferences. At present, there are four types of pool tables available. They are:

• Slate pool table
• Wooden pool table
• Rubber pool table
• Metallic pool table

Slate pool tables 

For an impressive experience, slate pool tables are the best. Such tables are made with slates- a type of volcanic rock. The key reason for using the slate tables is that it allows moving the balls smoothly.

A player can perform best in a slate pool table not for his sportsmanship; rather, it is the table that makes the things smooth. And this is a proven fact in the present days as well. The more you will practice on the slate pool table, the more you will be skilled.

Wooden pool tables

Wood is obtainable everywhere. So, wood is the second common product that makes a pool table. In fact a large number of people and associations use wooden pool table for the game. Besides, they prefer the wooden tables as they can provide the right shape in the wood. But this is not possible with the slate.

Usually, the toughest wood is selected for the pool table. Durability is an issue that you need to consider. Without a heavy-weight and bulky wood, the table will be less durable.

Rubber pool tables 

Rubber is often applied to make different types of sports materials. And applying the rubber for making pool tables is a common issue in the present context. Actually, rubber offers certain benefits. When you need to bring some excitement in the game, you may try it on rubber table.

Because of the bouncing nature, striking the pool balls and depositing them in the pockets is challenging. Many of the expert pool players fail to strike the ball perfect. It needs practice and thus increase the skills of the player in the long run. But such tables are subject to tear and decay.

Metallic pool tables  

They are the most common types of pool tables and available almost everywhere. Interestingly, as the name suggests, the entire table is not from metal. Some of the parts of the table come from metal. And the metal is rust-free and durable. So, they are usable in outdoor environment as well.

A piece of smooth velvet is on the top of the table to make the balls run smoothly.

Types of pool games

Pool is divided into several parts. But this is not possible to explain all the types in a single post. Hence, you will get brief about four of the most common pool games here. They are as followed.

Eight-ball 

Eight-ball is also known in different other names like six pocket, bar pool, among others. In this mode, there are 16 pool balls altogether. Among the 16 balls, one is the cue ball, one is eight ball, seven of them are solid and seven are stripes.

The rule is simple. The players get either the color or the stripe. And then, they are to deposit the balls into the pockets. And finally, they go after sinking the eight ball. This is also termed as pocket.

Straight Pool

Straight pool is also a popular version of pool. And there are 16 balls like the previous one. But the playing style is different. The players can sink any ball they want and accordingly, they will get point in their bag.

The entire score is 100 and in some cases, it is 150. This is an old style of pool and been going on since 1960s. However, it takes time to complete a straight pool. Thereby, the players need to re-rack the pool balls.

Carom

Carom is a particular pool game and also famous in the name like Straight Rail. It’s also one of the oldest versions of cue. The rules are different here. You will get only three balls on the table. There is a red ball and two cue balls for the players.

Interestingly, there is no pocket in the table.

Snooker

Snooker is a globally famous pool game. There are 22 balls in the table. One of the balls is the cue ball while there are 15 red balls and six balls with different other colors. After depositing each of the red balls, the player will get a single point. And the other colored balls will raise your point if you can sink them.

The snooker table is lengthy than usual pool table despite having six pockets. Playing the game is not easy. Often you are to strike in straight line or in a zigzag course. Sinking the balls into the pocket turns challenging and exciting as well.

To wrap the post, I think you now have much information and they are useful. So far, you got some basic ideas about pool and its nature. We welcome your comments and thoughts. Please use the comment box to drop a line for us.