Pool table felt, or cloth, covers a billiard table, and its maintenance is very important to the effectiveness of your shot. The more a table is used, the more the cloth is worn down. If a cloth is so worn down that it affects the power of your shots, then you may want to consider purchasing some new pool table felt. How do you choose what kind of cloth to buy? Many grades are available. There are more durable cloths, used in public places, which make the cue balls go slower. For personal billiard tables, a cloth that has less friction is best, allowing the cue balls to move faster across the table when struck. This type of cloth has a fine finish and is smoother than the standard cloth frequently used in a bar or pub. Pool table felt is traditionally green, but they also come in blue or red. To keep from always having to buy new pool table felt, you should make sure that you always take proper care of it. Take steps to protect it from stains and soiling with protective treatment. Groom the felt twice a week with a brush to loosen chalk buildup.
New Pool Table Felt
April 15th, 2009Purchasing Pool Cues for Novices
April 14th, 2009Billiards is played with cues, tapered sticks made of wood used to hit a cue ball. Cues can be a one or two piece stick divided by a metal joint in the middle. Some of the most high quality cues are two-piece cues made of exotic woods. Cheaper cues are made from a low-quality wood such as pine or maple. Similar to golf clubs, modern cues are also made with high-tech materials like woven graphite. When buying cue sticks, you should look for something in your budget but of a high enough quality to last a long time. It’s best to choose pool cues that have a tip that won’t scratch or damage the balls when striking them. The feel of the cue is also important. It’s vital that you choose a pool cue that you are comfortable with. Depending on the wood, a cue can vary in weight. Select one that isn’t too heavy or too light, but one that feels right when holding the cue stick and striking the billiard balls. Thickness is important, too, so find a cue that comfortably fits your hand. Cues come in various designs, and you now have the option of choosing one that reflects your personality.
General Rules of Pool
October 3rd, 2008These rules are general rules of the game of pool. When you rack the balls you must use a triangle, the top ball must be put on the foot spot. All balls in the rack must have contact with each other. When you strike the cue ball for the break it can only be touched by the cue tip, if any other part of the cue touches it will be considered a foul.
When you are playing a game where you need to call the shot, you must do so before making the shot. Such things as kisses or caroms do not need to be told. If you miss the ball when making a legal shot your turn is over and your opponent will take their turn. If you are doing a lag to determine who breaks you must both take a solid ball and shoot at the same time, whoever is closest to the cushion will get the break. You will lose the lag if your ball does not hit the foot cushion, or it pockets, or it jumps from the table, or you cross to your opponent’s side.
Once the break has been determined, the winner of the break will have the first shot. You must place the cue behind the head string and only hit by the cue. If the cue ball does not hit the balls directly it will be considered a foul and you will lose your turn. The opponent can make a choice between taking the break or giving it back to you.
If you have made a legal shot and made in one of your balls that is considered a pocketed ball. While playing pool you must have at least one foot on the floor when the cue tip touches the cue ball, if not you have committed a foul.
You are not allowed to shoot at a ball while it is moving. A turn is not done until the balls on the table are still. What does a foul cost a player? The turn will end for a player who has committed a foul, the stroke is not counted if the foul is made during the stroke, and balls must be re spotted to original spot.
When making a shot if you do not contact the object ball first it is a foul and you will lose your turn. A legal shot is when you have hit your object ball first and it can either be pocketed or stop on the table. Of course if you make the ball you get another turn.
The cue ball goes into a pocket it is a scratch, the turn is lost and the opponent begins his turn. If you strike a object ball that is not the legal ball you have fouled and again lose your shot. Hitting a cue ball more than once in a turn is considered a foul, this is a mistake but can happen. You may also accidentally hit an object ball with the cue tip, this will be a foul and you will again be done with your turn.
If a player accidentally drops chalk on the table or even the bridge this will be considered a foul. If you jump a ball by accident it will be a foul. Of course the same is to be said about a ball being jumped off the table, it is an accident but will be counted as a foul too.
These are only a few rules of pool, you can get a more in depth list on the internet or with a book about pool. They might also feature a few billiards tips to help you out.
