Snooker tables are the largest size pool tables. Their impressive size is commensurate with the huge popularity of the game, which is particularly popular in the UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and Europe, but is also popular in China.
History of snooker
Snooker came into being in colonial India alongside billiards. Billiards was a common pastime for British soldiers. But the game could only be played by two people at a time. To overcome this problem, variations that could be played with more than one player were spontaneously created.
Three variations were eventually created, and in 1875 a British soldier, Sir. Neville Chamberlain created snooker. The name (snooker) derives from the term "rookie", used in English slang at the time for first-year cadets.
Characteristics of snooker tables
The snooker table is one of three types of billiard table, distinguished essentially by their size. Its dimensions are given in Anglo-Saxon "feet" - 1 foot is equivalent to 30.48 cm. Snooker tables are usually made in 9', 10', 12' sizes, which is roughly 3.6x1.8 metres - with minimal variations. The black snooker table available on our webshop is a 10' size model, which is a worthy representative of snooker tables.
The table is usually covered with green poster. The product is fitted with six pockets, four of which are located in the corners of the table, and two more on each of the two long sides of the table. The poster coating the table (because of the tiny bristles) can affect the speed of the ball - depending on whether the stroke is up or down. Take a look for yourself at our webshop's wide range of quality snooker tables!
Balls are pushed with a wooden tool called a cue, similar to a billiard cue. The end of the tool has a leather surface. Several aids are also used in the game, mainly because of the size of the table. The equipment includes twenty-two different balls with point values, except for the white one.
The triumph of snooker
Snooker was officially recognised by the English Billiards Association in 1900. After that, tournaments were first played in the teens and twenties. Later, its popularity declined considerably, to the point that no world championships were held between 1958 and 1963.
Public recognition returned with the first colour television broadcast in 1973. The huge audience and the resulting huge deposits generated a huge income for the sport. The game has regained its lost ground and has become one of Britain's favourite TV sports. World championships have been played annually since 1927. Since 1977, it has been held at the same venue, the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
In our country, snooker tables are only found in larger billiards parlours and the sport's profile is much lower than American billiards. However, television coverage of the game has made it more and more popular in our country. If you're a fan of parlour games, visit our webshop for a wide range of products!
