Billiards and Pool Equipment

The main equipments used in English Billiards are the table, the cue stick and the balls. Since the 1600s the equipments have been evolving. Ivory balls were in common use, up to the beginning part of the 20th century when synthetic resin balls took over, rendering the ivory balls obsolete. The International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) govern English Billiards tournaments around the world and has detailed specifications for the rules as well as equipment specifications. There are differences in the sizes of the tables used in English billiards, pool and snooker. Ball sizes also vary as also the number of balls used in the specific game. Professional cue sticks also have to adhere to specified materials used in the construction and the dimensions. The game is highly technical and needs players to concentrate on their game. A billiard player must know about the angles of the corner pockets as well as the side pockets. Understanding how the cue works and the movement of balls when hit helps players in scoring.

English Billiards Standard Table

Unlike pool and snooker tables, an English billiards table has a specific size measuring 11ft 8.5 inches long and 5 ft. 10 inches wide. Height of the table is fixed at 2 ft 9.5 to 10 inches measured from the ground level to the top of the cushion rail. There are six pockets in all: four at the corners and two at the longer sides of the table. The angle of opening and dimensions conform to World...

Billiards Player and the Equipment

The best equipment does not contribute to a player winning or losing chances. Ultimately it is the expertise of the player, his talent for the game, sharp thinking ability as the game progresses and ability to understand geometry and visualization that help him use the equipments to his best advantage. The importance of the right equipment, however, cannot be minimized. To progress to profession...

Ball and the Cue

Balls used for professional game are selected to conform to specified dimensions and weight. The diameter of a ball is fixed at 2-1/16 inch and must have the same weight of around 155 to 160 grams with a tolerance of 0.5 grams per set. The balls are selected for their properties of hardness, resilience and friction coefficient. Billiard cues are made of ash and are typically 40 inches in length...

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Billiards and Pool Equipment

English Billiards Standard Table

Billiards Player and the Equipment

Ball and the Cue

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