Pool table advice

[Liverbirdie]

HID has given me the ok to have a pool table in the extension, when we get it built hopefully next year. I've been looking on ebay, as I can store it in the shed, if I get one in the meantime.

Apart from playing pool in pubs over the years, dont know much about them, and want to consider everything before shelling out possibly north of £500. As ever on GM there is normally some chaps who can give invaluable advise on a range of subjects.

What I can say is that the 9 foot American pool table will be too big, I think the 7 x 4 foot is about right (is that the normal pub size table)? Also things like balls, I prefer the stripes/colours options rather than red V yellow, as I can then also learn how to play 8 ball, or is it American pool, I think!!

Anyway, after looking on ebay and some makers sites I would be happy for some advice on things, or even some things I may not have considered. Cloth type etc.

 

[wull]

american pool is 9 ball.it's great and very easy to play when you get use to it aswell as the rules.the american pool tables are very quick and the pockets are more forgiving,slightly larger than std size pockets on uk tables.

i think the std uk table size in pubs is either 7x4ft or 6x3.5ft.

 

[Region3]

7' x 4' is what all the English Pool Association competitions are played on, and they're pretty much always 'Supreme Winner' tables, which are actually a few inches smaller. I think the 7x4 refers to the outside dimensions rather than the actual playing size but I've never measured one so not 100% sure.

I think they're probably in the region of £700 to buy new. You can buy much dearer tables but they are much better made. The Supremes are mostly chipboard, but it's what I was going to play all my comps on so it's what I bought.

The IPA Tour buy brand new tables for each event they have, then sell them at the end of the weekend. I think I paid just over £600 for mine about 3 years ago, but the advantage with doing that is you get very good quality cloth on it (Strachan Silver or Gold, can't remember which), a triangle, and a set of the good Aramith balls. They are reds/yellows. A new set of the same quality are about £30 if you wanted spots/stripes. I bought a set but have never used them.

If you're looking second hand the old Superleague tables are very good if you can find one in good condition. The other makes that ring a bell with me as being decent are Excel (sp?) and SAM.

Just be aware if you find a second hand one that needs attention, that if it needs recovering you'll spend over £100 to get it done in a decent cloth, and that if the slate is warped (rolls opposite ways on opposite sides of the table) it's a goner.

Are you buying because you're serious about it, or is it just for a laugh with mates.

Oh, and if your room ends up anything like mine it will be used by other people to store junk in, and your kids to get pished with their mates in!

 

[Liverbirdie]

Thanks for the replies, just what I was looking for.

Wull, what is the premise of 9 ball - do you have to pot the balls in no. order, finishing on the 9? Anyother major different rules to standard pool?

I fancy getting it re-clothed anyway, with maybe an Iron maiden/LFC design (I know)!!!!!

I'm not doing it for competition reasons, just for something to while away the odd hour, and for when you have the lads around or parties. I've actually seen one which doubles up as a table also, that may fit the bill, if the quality of the pool table is also ok. It comes with inserts that slide on top of the pool table.

One thing I've got to be careful about is the weight, as some weigh a hell of a lot.

 

[Region3]

In 9-ball the winner is the person that pots the 9-ball, but you must hit the lowest numbered ball on the table.

If the 1 is still on the table you have to hit it first, but any ball that goes in means it's still your turn (provided you don't go in-off etc).

So if the 9 is over the corner pocket with the 1 next to it, you can hit the 1 onto the 9 and pot it, and you've won that game.

The other major difference is that a foul doesn't give 2 visits, it is ball in hand and can be placed anywhere on the table.
Oh, also, 3 consecutive fouls by one player is loss of frame.


Pool tables aren't massively heavy, but you wouldn't want it on your foot. The heaviest part is the slate but don't skimp on it. Anything less than 19mm is likely to warp before it's time.

 

[wull]

Thanks for the replies, just what I was looking for.

Wull, what is the premise of 9 ball - do you have to pot the balls in no. order, finishing on the 9? Anyother major different rules to standard pool?

I fancy getting it re-clothed anyway, with maybe an Iron maiden/LFC design (I know)!!!!!

I'm not doing it for competition reasons, just for something to while away the odd hour, and for when you have the lads around or parties. I've actually seen one which doubles up as a table also, that may fit the bill, if the quality of the pool table is also ok. It comes with inserts that slide on top of the pool table.

One thing I've got to be careful about is the weight, as some weigh a hell of a lot.

pretty much,you hit the lowest number on the table and finish on the 9 but you can finish the game at any point if you knock the 9 in from another ball.so if you pot it from the break you win.

there is other rules such as a free shot(i think)it's been so long since i've played and watched it.also when a played fouls you can play the cue ball from anywhere.have you ever watched 9 ball on the tele?it's great to watch and you pick it up pretty quickly.

 

[Liverbirdie]

So if I invest in a set of stripes/colours I can play both formats?

19mm, will make a note.

 

[Region3]

So if I invest in a set of stripes/colours I can play both formats?

19mm, will make a note.

You can play any format you like, or even make your own up.

I've also seen pool ball sized snooker balls, so you can play snooker as well

If you get a 7x4 table, the balls you need are 2". On pub tables the cue ball is 1 7/8" so it falls through the rails inside the table and is returned whereas the coloured balls aren't.

 

[sk79]

Hey,

If you're still looking for advice on the pool table front i'd take a look at these videos http://www.libertygames.co.uk/faq/category/pool-tables/ - really helped me... I went for the 6x4 Supreme Winner, this was as the room could only hold a 6x4 plus its the same size as the one in my local so better to practice on

 

[Wolfman]

Make it into a putting training room instead !

 

[Liverbirdie]

Hey,

If you're still looking for advice on the pool table front i'd take a look at these videos http://www.libertygames.co.uk/faq/category/pool-tables/ - really helped me... I went for the 6x4 Supreme Winner, this was as the room could only hold a 6x4 plus its the same size as the one in my local so better to practice on

I'm going to wait until the extension is built, before buying. I thought it's not worth buying one, splitting it down to move, building it again and leaving it for 6 months in an outside shed, before building again.

I'll also know if I can go for a 7 x 4 instead of the 6 x 4 also.

 

[Andy808]

Have a look in auctions as there are alot of pubs going out of business with pool tables available at really good prices. The next thing is to check it doesn't have any broken wood on it especially around the playing area. Then check the slate isn't broken by rubbing your hand along the cloth if it has any on it and make sure you go in every direction. If you buy second hand then you would be well advised to invest in a new cloth and new cushions as with normal household use they will last for a few years.
One piece of advice I will give you is NEVER and I mean NEVER hoover the cloth. When balls get dropped or people play jump shots then tiny bits of the slate bed chip if you hover the table the cloth will keep those chips under it making it feel like someone has thrown a handfull of sand over the table. You can get rid of it by using the cue ball to tap all the bits of slate into dust. It took me 4 HOURS to do it when I thought i'd be clever and hoover the dirt off the table. I would also go for a good quality speed cloth as it's alot less work than baise cloths which need daily ironing to keep in tip top condition.
Hope this helps you.