Let’s to Billiards..... What’s in a name?

We generally use the word billiards more in a generic sense than to describe the games of the same name. We also do it for the word Pool. Maybe a quick run through of the names and games will help clear up any confusion for the uninitiated.

At this stage I think it necessary to mention that there are quite a few different games that are played on billiards tables. The word Billiards has a couple of meanings. It is used correctly to describe the table. All tables can be referred to as billiards tables, regardless of the game played. It also covers two varieties of games, Carom and English Billiards.

Carom Billiards is played on tables that have no pockets, using three balls, a red, a white and a yellow ball. Carom, means cannon; hence the game is played and scored by making cannons. This is where the three balls all make contact within the one shot. To add degrees of difficulty to the games you may have to have your cue ball also make contact with one, two or three cushions within the shot. The most popular form for Professional events is the Three Cushion game. To give an example, the player has to cause their cue ball to make contact with three different cushions at some point within the shot – cue ball to hit the red then three cushions then the opponent’s cue ball. If you own a table regardless of size or having pockets, just try it. The scoring is one point per cannon. A run of 4 or 5 points is regarded as very good. Having seen the game played, I can assure you the players are very clever. The tables are usually 10 foot by 5 foot for tournament play.

I have previously written about some of the different billiards games that are played around the world, most of which we can play here in Australia. So it begs the question, what cue to use?

The selection of a cue is personal, but I’ll give you some things to look for.

Better quality Snooker cues are made using either a Maple or Ash shaft with a hardwood butt. What is referred to as a machine splice cue the butt is joined to the bottom of the shaft. Whereas, in the case of a handmade cue, the butt is overlayed over the shaft up to four places. The Ash cue is preferred by the majority of Professional players. In general, quality cues sold through billiards outlets are manufactured 57 inches (145cm) in length and weigh 16 to 18 ounces (454 to 510g). Snooker cues should taper evenly from the butt end to the tip and have a slightly rigid shaft. Some manufacturers will make a cue to personal specifications, but unless you have intentions of pursuing the sport to a higher than club level, the cost may be prohibitive and to no avail. Some suppliers of cues will alter the cue to your measurements, but this could also alter the balance.
I am often asked about the length a cue should be for snooker.  Again, we enter into the ability a player has or wishes to attain to.  For 98% of the playing public the standard length cue you purchase will certainly suffice. For the 2% of players that go on to good

I get asked all the time what I would look for if choosing a billiards table or a pool table. Over the years, I have heard people say things like ‘does it really matter, because a billiard table is a billiard table’. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There are a number of things to look for so you end up with a good quality product on your floor. Keep in mind the purchase of a billiards table is two-fold, one being the quality and the other, the playability.

To achieve the preferred results of quality and playability there are a number of components that you should be aware of. Let’s deal with the quality first. Now, quality we’ll put into two categories: material and workmanship.

Most tables made for home use will be manufactured from timber, usually polished as they are also a piece of furniture. The first thing to ascertain is what timber has been used. Hardwoods are the best. They will give longevity, which will give value for money with a better re-sale value. The two main parts where hardwood is most important are the legs and cushions (rails). The legs for stability and cushions for playability. It won’t matter how fancy the table looks you won’t play a single shot on any carving.