Billiards Accessories to Help Make Your Game Razor Sharp.
First look at the accessories for the pool cue.
Chalk- Using pool chalk will prevent the tip from slipping when it strikes the ball. You need to make sure that you buy chalk made by a well-known manufacturer. Low-quality chalk can ruin the tip on your billiard cue.
Bridge Head and Sticks - These are used to steady your shot. You can find bridge heads made from plastic and aluminum or brass and wood.
Pool Cue Rack - Pool cue racks are wall mounted or floor racks to hold the pool cues while not in use. They are made of solid oak, mahogany, walnut or maple. The more expensive models may also provide a storage area for your billiard balls, billiard rack, and other accessories.
Pool cue cases - A cue case will give you an easy way to carry your pool cue with you and will protect your pool cue from moisture, temperatures, accidental dings and dents, scratches, and bending. Soft cases will provide the least amount of protection.
Joint Protectors - These will protect the joint of your pool cue to prevent moisture and rust and dirt build up. They can also protect your cue should it accidentally get dropped.
Tips - All cue tips will eventually wear out and need replacing. You can also get repair and maintenance kits for your cue tips.
Accessories for the Pool Table
Billiard Racks - Billiard racks are available in triangles for games like eight ball or diamonds for three ball or nine ball games. These are essential for racking the balls before you play a game of pool.
Brush - These are horsehair brushes to help keep the felt in good condition. It will also help remove dust and the dust from chalk to keep your table looking good.
Pool Table Covers - A pool table cover is a necessity for a pool table. It will protect your table from the humidity, fading, and dust when it is not in use.
Billiard Cloth - Billiard cloth is also called felt. The felt on your pool table will eventually wear out and need to be recovered. You can have this done professionally or you can buy a kit, which will take you step by step to recover your own table.
Rail Rubbers - The rail is the edge of your pool table's playing surface. You can replace them yourself. If you choose to replace them yourself you must be sure to order the cushion, which will fit your table.
Some of the accessories listed are essential to your game room, while some are not. If you don't have extra pool cues for guests, you will not have any need for a pool rack. You should be able to look at this list and decide whether or not the accessory is essential for your needs to complete your poolroom at home.
Shooting pool
Why do you play pool?
The History of Billiards
How this game came to be.
The History of Billiards dates back many centuries, with mentions of a game similar to pool in the writings of Shakespeare as far back as the early 1600s. In fact, the first pool cues were not invented until the late 1600s, so the modern day game, while dating back over 300 years, is not as old as many people would think. At the same time, the basic idea of the game does date back quite far. The development of modern day games has happened over time, with so many variations on the typical game being created that it's difficult for even professionals to keep up with ever iteration.Basically a British game from the start, the major improvements on pool tables and the pool cue was quick and constant throughout the early 1800s, making the game an up and coming competitive activity that has turned into an international phenomenon, resulting in worldwide competitions. From the late 1700s through the early 1900s, the dominant game in Britain was played with only 3 balls, while the preferred game in the Americas was a four-ball billiard game with 4 pockets until around 1870.
Games played with pool cues such as 15-ball, 8-ball, and straight pool were invented later on, and tournaments of different kinds were played almost annually from 1878 to 1956. Today, people collect the pool cues and antique pool sticks used in these old fashioned games, displaying them as prized showpieces in their game rooms or their billiards businesses.
The size of pool tables has also changed through the years. For example, the 4-pocket table used in the four-ball billiard game popular in the Americas in the 1800s was typically 11-12 feet long. Now, compact tables, which are often found in homes that cannot accommodate full-sized billiard tables, are 7 feet long. On the other hand, professional tables are 9 feet long.
Today, a lot of value is placed on personalized pool cues, as well as perfectly leveled and felted pool tables, as these are considered to be treasures of the trade. Having a unique pool cue is essential to many who feel that they play better using their own equipment. Pool tables are often preferred based on their age and upkeep, including the condition of the felt and the perfection of the level of the table. Often, it is seen as unprofessional to even attempt a game on an uneven pool table. As you can see, pool has a long and rich history, which can make for very interesting reading in its full recollection.
What Should You Consider When Purchasing a Custom Pool Cue?
There is more to Pool Cues than what most people think.
Have you taken up the game of pool as a hobby and want your own pool cue so that you are ready for a game anytime, anywhere? Customized pool sticks can really make a difference in your game, mainly because they are constructed to fit your needs. Also, you may play with more confidence using your own pool stick because it is unique and designed to your liking, all the way to the design on the stick itself.When you purchase your own pool cue the size, including width and length, is important to consider. Pool Cues should feel comfortable for you to handle, never too small or too large, and feel manageable. A pool stick needs to be the correct length, not too long for your arm span and not too short; this provides the leverage needed to hit the cue ball accurately and measure out the angle needed. Many pool cues are about 5' 7", though this can be adjusted slightly. There are even compact pool cues that can be used in tight spaces, or for very small individuals.
It is even more important to make sure that your pool stick is the right weight for you to use. Most pool cues fall into the weight range of 18 to 21 ounces, although there are some that come slightly heavier or lighter. A 22-ounce pool cue would be a heavy one for most individuals but may feel more substantial in a larger hand or to someone taller and heavier. A lighter pool stick may be ordered for young and growing players who are small and just learning.
The pool stick, on top of all those other attributes, needs to be properly balanced, with the right amount of weight in the right places so that it is not pulling back to hard against your shot or dragging too heavily on the table as you line up the cue with the ball. The balance of your pool stick is certainly important in the ability to become a successful pool player.
Overall, if you are going to order a custom pool cue, you can demand all of the proper proportions for your piece, though you can also find many similar used or new cues that are similar to the needs you have. If you order a custom cue, though, you can opt for a design that makes your pool stick unique so that you can feel confident in the use of your equipment and always identify your own things.
There's a New Trend in Collecting: Antique Pool Tables!
Antique Billiards Table collecting is on the rise.
A number of people like to grace the game room that is so common in newer homes today with a pool table, going to billiard stores and purchasing a new table, as well as pool cues and other accessories for show and sometimes even for actual use. However, in terms of collecting, there is a trend toward the antique, even in pool tables and accessories. Many homeowners have begun to purchase antique pool tables and castoffs from bars and game houses, where newer pool tables are being pulled in to replace older tables. That includes pay tables that require quarters to play.Aside from the tables themselves, antique pool sticks are commonly collected today and displayed in the game rooms of homes and offices. A pool cue that dates back to the beginning of the game can be a great display piece, though it is a rare occasion that someone would actually use such an item to play a game. These pool sticks can be valuable and can be kept for show or sold for profit, especially if you have a large collection of antique pool cues.
Even some billiards locations will display antique pieces, like an old pool cue, in a case, as part of the décor and design element. At the same time, you may find that a neighborhood watering hole employs an antique pool table in the small bar for the use of its regular patrons, adding some atmosphere to the tiny location as well as creating a comfortable, aged setting for the neighborhood hangout. Added to the design, you can include other vintage bar furnishings to complete the style.
There has always been a human desire to collect aged items, and antiques are often seen as a way to add character and value to a space. Up until recently, there was no way to do so in a game room because this was a new kind of design and there were no antiques for such an area. Now, with pool tables and pool sticks having been around for hundreds of years in various iterations, modern pool tables have begun to range in age to what can be considered "antique", as can the pool cues. Therefore, you can count on the ability to use vintage items including bar stools and antique pool tables and accessories to grace the walls and counters of your game room.
Give Your Pub Style with Beer Pool Table Lights
They aren there for more than just looking nice.
Most new homes today have two living areas, especially if it is a two story home. The first is a family room or formal living room, and the second is a rec room or game room, where you can relax and enjoy a game or two. Often, the décor in the game room will include something like a pool table or foosball table. In decorating around these furnishings, a lot of homeowners want to create a pub style, making the home feel incredibly bar-like for a funky atmosphere. Adding pool table lights can really make this style come to life for your décor.A pool table light can take on many shapes and styles but usually involves a dim overhead light that hangs low over the pool table to emit a perfect light for judging angles and geometric patterns that affect the game. In addition, the mood lighting often comes from beer pool table lights, neon signs that hang on the surrounding walls and cast bright colorful lights on the room in patterns that add atmosphere and character to the room. While neither is more important than the other, it may be more important to you to have one over the other first as you build your game room design.
If you play a lot of pool, your overhead pool table lights are going to be the most important aspect of your design. The quality lighting will be necessary in proper judgment as you go to make difficult shots on the pool table, judging the geometric path a ball will follow based on your striking angle. If you don't have the overhead pool table light, it will be difficult to accurately determine the exact angle at which to hit the cue ball.
On the other hand, if you are more about entertaining than actually playing the game or have a foosball table rather than a pool table, you may want to consider adding the beer pool table lights gracing your blank walls first, adding atmosphere and character to the room with the colorful lights so that you and your guests can simply relax and enjoy the space. You can always add in the overhead lights later.
To build a game room that reflects you and your style, you can build your own in-home pub with pool table lights so that add efficiency as well as environment for your entertainment space.
Past Legends of Pool
These people dominated the table.
One of the more well known faces in pool was that of Steve "The Miz" Mizerak, who passed away in 2006. He was a fan of straight pool and won the US Open for four years running from 1970 to 1973. This feat was followed by a win of the 9-ball competition in 1978. His face is memorable because he and his pool cue were seen in the movies Baltimore Bullet and The Color of Money. Like so many who make pool a way of life, Mizerak's pool stick was his means of survival and best friend, and it was highly coveted by collectors after his death.
Danny Diliberto was another legend who trusted fate to his pool cue, choosing Straight Pool as his game of choice and beginning his championship career with a city championship in Buffalo in 1960 and a progression to the US Masters in 1963. By 1967, he had defeated many players and their pool cues and finally beat the world champion of the time, Joe Balsis, taking the title as his own, in Miami, Florida. He continued his pursuits, winning other tournaments in Nine Ball, Eight Ball and One Pocket games during the late 1970s and early to mid 1980s.
Luther Lassiter, who died in 1988, was another world champion pool player, whose nickname was Wimpy and who is known for his game of Nine Ball. He is widely considered to be one of the best Nine Ball players in history and was inducted into the Billiards Congress of America's Hall of Fame in 1983. He attributed his success to an uncanny hand-eye coordination, which enabled him to wield his pool stick in an expert manner from an early age. Over time, he learned to use his ability to hustle and then to win championships with pool cues.
One of the most important aspects of the game for all of these famous players was a pool cue that was comfortable to use - the right length and weight and well balanced for ease of maneuverability. With this and plenty of experience, these people became famous players whose names are still on the tips of billiards lovers' tongues today.
Here are some videos highlighting Steve "The Miz" Mizerak's career, and highlighting one of the most colorful and dynamic personalities in the sport of pool.
Steve Mizerak video tribute
Steve Mizerak vs Lou Butera
"The Master"
Various Billiards Links
Other Sites With Useful Billiards Information.
- Wikipedia's Billiard Page
- Wikipedia, the Internet's #1 free online encyclopedia, provides a decent article about the history and equipment used in the game of Billiards.
- Billiards Digest
- Online Pool Magazine that provides all the latest information on the game including tournaments, equipment, game play tips, and a forum for dicussing all things Pool.
- Candystand's 8-Ball
- The classic game of Billiards, with a Wrigley's Gum theme! Lots of fun to play with 8-Ball, 9-Ball, or Straight Pool.
*Adobe Shockwave Player Required* - My Stumble Upon Page
- My Billiards Blog at Stumbleupon.com
Various Billiard Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Many people believe that playing the game of pool is an art form. Another art form is photography. And with that I present some really nice photographs featuring billiards as the subject.
Ghost Sign
Chevrolet Bel Air
POOl1
W.H. Clearwater - po...
amsterdam billiards
Pinnekes biljart
Billards
255/365 knock em dow...
This billiard table...
cue
To a world of Decade...
Tia Shoots Pool B 2...
Tia Shoots Pool A 29...
Biliardo
Biliardo
8-Ball Blur
Corner Pocket
Billiards Shop Windo...
Amazing Billiards Shots
Be Amazed!
Billiard Strategy, Techniques, Tips, & Tricks
Various discussions about different strategies to improve your game of pool.
Here are various forum topics, each one providing a different tip to helping you improve at the game of billiards.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byBilliards Supplies
Everything you need. From Pool Cues, Billiard Balls, Pool Table Lights & More.
Pool Cues
Tempest SC Series Pool Cue Model SC-2
Billiards Balls
Sterling Designer Marbleized Pool Ball Set
Sterling Designer Glowing Pool Ball Set
Pool Table Lights
Sterling Economy Solid Brass Table Light, 3 Green Shades
Billiards Instructional Videos
Amazing Tutorials Aimed at Helping You Improve Your Game
The Finishing Touch
The Finishing Touch (The End Game) is one of the most valuable DVDs you could ever possess for tightening up your one-pocket end game. This 'premium' DVD is 45 minutes long and duped from the original 1997 beta master tape filmed at Accu-Stats studio, directed by Pat Fleming and produced and presented by Grady 'The Professor' Mathews. Grady is one of the most articulate and comprehensive instructors in the game of pool and billiards and in this DVD he offers an outstanding dissertation on one of the most important aspects of one-pocket The End Game. In this video, Grady demonstrates with 52 shot scenarios the easy and natural options that continually show up in one-pocket when you get down to the last ball or two and both players need them. You ll no longer find yourself hanging your hopes on exotic or unnatural shots. The Professor shows you how easy it is to get out of those seemingly impossible situations while setting yourself up for the kill. Learn how to use tickies and umbrella shots and how to get your opponent s ball out of his pocket. Kick three or four rails for the hook, and much, much more. Additionally, two powerful drills are offered at the end, which are sure to boost your consistency and confidence. If you re a one-pocket player, don t be the only fool skipping this class!
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 12/23/2009) 
Championship Nine-Ball!
This 'classic' DVD is 45 minutes long and duplicated from the original 1982 master tape presented by Nick Varner, a member of the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and an eight time World Champion. This DVD has great content and is an excellent resource for stepping up your nine-ball game, but the production is consistent with the era in which it was produced. Do not expect the sharp focus associated with modern video taping. In this DVD, Nick Varner walks the aspiring nine-ball player through several game scenarios, emphasizing the importance of the break shot and looking ahead at least three to four balls. Helpful tips are offered to increase your chances at staying at the table and running out. Nick shares his knowledge on how to hit several key shots that will put you way ahead of your competition. You will also learn defensive strategies that will keep you in control of the game and help you stay at the table longer. Practice what Nick preaches, and you, too, can become a champion! Here is an overview of the content: Break Shot; Position Play; Tips; Key Shots; and Defensive Strategies
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
Finer Points of Banking & Safety Play
This classic DVD is almost an hour long and duplicated from the original 1991 master tape produced by Grady, The Professor, Mathews, one of the most articulate and comprehensive instructors in the game of pool and billiards. In it, he cements his reputation as a great teacher of banks and kicks by highlighting and further developing his patented kicking systems. He demonstrates where to hit either the ball or rail and shows you what kind and how much english to use. He teaches several banking systems, including ones for cross-banks, two- and three-rail banks, double-rail banks, english and no-english banks, and reverse-english banks. He explains when and how to determine when you shouldn t go for a bank and how to use the mirror system. He further develops the use of umbrella shots, both offensively and defensively. With this video, your arsenal will expand to include long shot safeties, double-kiss safeties, push shots, jump shots and more! This DVD is a great tool for learning many, many secrets of the champions! Some of the areas covered are: Pass-Through Banks; Frozen Ball Banks; Crossing Banks; Two and Three-Rail Banks; Diagonal One-Rail Banks; Double Rail Banks; English Banks; Reverse English Banks; Umbrella Shots; Using the Mirror System; Push Shots; Long Shot Safeties; Double-Kiss Safeties; Unacceptable Percentages; and Jump Shots.
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
Championship Eight-Ball!
This 'classic' DVD is 46 minutes long and duplicated from the original 1982 master tape presented by Nick Varner, a member of the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and an eight time World Champion. This DVD has great content and is an excellent resource for stepping up your eight-ball game, but the production is consistent with the era in which it was produced. Do not expect the sharp focus associated with modern video taping. In this DVD, Nick Varner clearly and explicitly guides the aspiring eight-ball player through a variety of game scenarios, from the beginning of the game to the end. He starts with the best positions for the break and then demonstrates how to determine which balls to take. After the decision is made for either stripes or solids, Nick walks you through the different patterns of play and the importance of being able to look ahead. Pattern play is a key feature in this video, so don t miss out on these important tips for running racks! Of course, defensive strategies are also examined, as well as the rules. Here is a content overview: The Break Stripes or Solids? Pattern Play One More Time a full game of break, ball determination and pattern play Defensive Strategies Rules
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
Killer One Pocket: A Strategic Instructional Video for One Pocket Pool Players
This DVD, by Grady, The Professor, Mathews, contains the 20 most important concepts of One Pocket strategy that all great players must master. Many things are covered in this video that you will not find anywhere else, such as when to play offense vs. defense and the advantages of being unpredictable. You will learn how to run balls at the other end of the table and become more adept with end game situations. Grady will teach you when to put your focus on the object ball, the cue ball or both. Killer One Pocket is a comprehensive strategy training guide, which is just what you need to master the highly strategic game of one pocket.
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
Billiards in Cinema
Movies where the main plot is about Billiards.
Kiss Shot
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
The Baron and the Kid
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Behind the Nine
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Stickmen
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Shooting Gallery
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 12/23/2009)
8-Ball or 9-Ball
Which game is better?
Which game do you prefer, 8-Ball or 9-Ball? I myself prefer 8-Ball just because the games last longer. There was nothing I hated more than putting in money to play a game of 9-Ball and then the game was over in two shots, whether it was me winning or not. But hey, that's just me talking. Let me know what your favorite is.
Which game do you prefer, 8-Ball or 9-Ball.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand by8-Ball is the best.
Bruce_Beerdrinker says:
You said it best. It's not that 9-ball is a bad game, it's just that those games go by so fast. It's not worth playing if you're at a place where you pay per game.
Posted March 26, 2008
riff999 says:
Great lens. I cant wait to try out some of those trick shots.
If you want to play around here, you have to play 8-ball. Very few people know the rules to 9-ball where I live.
~Jane
Posted March 24, 2008
No way, 9-Ball is.
Do You Own a Pool Table?
Or do you go to a pool hall?
If you do go to a pool hall...
... do you use their cues or your own?
Favorite Cue Sport
What do you like to play?
Just curious to see what you favorite game is.
Important Billiards Supplies
Opinions on the most valuable piece of equipment.
Just want to see which of the Billiards Accessories people thinks makes the most difference to how people play the game.
Fancy Billiards Supplies
What do you have?
Many people play pool and have the Billiards Accessories needed to play the game. Others have the equipment but only for display. I'm just wondering if you have any piece of equipment that you will never use, because it's only for display.
Your Thoughts...
...express them here.
Would just like to hear (I guess I should say read) either your opinion on my lens, or just your thoughts about Billiards and Billiards Accessories.
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Reply
- mulberry mulberry Apr 17, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
- Outstanding lens, a great resource and visually appealing!
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- animal_lover79 animal_lover79 Apr 10, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
- I played in an eight-ball league for years and actually did pretty well. I've seen a few major tournaments, and I was also lucky enough to see Mike Massey do his boot trick shot. Great lens!
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- Music-Resource Music-Resource Feb 15, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
- Hi Bob, Supreme Billiards lens. I really appreciate the amount of effort you've put into text development. The vids are very interesting and the polls add interactivity. Excellent job. ~Music Resource~
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- N376 N376 Feb 10, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
- My opinion of this lens is it is TOP NOTCH. Excellent information and well presented.
