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The Pool Table
Author: john
Bars and recreation venues in rural or urban areas offer to their visitors the excitement and the sportsmanship of a famous table-played game, called pool or billiard. On the billiards table's totally flat surface, pool game fans strike, with the use of a specially designed long wooden stick known as "cue stick," colorful balls moving them around the table's area. Pool games attract a variety of publics from around the world, who enjoy the exhilaration of calculating angles and estimating how many strikes it will take them to accomplish their winning goal.

Pool tables are mainly separated into two categories, called carom and pocket tables. In fact, the word "billiards" when standing alone refers to the carom games played on a table without pockets, as opposed to games played on pocket billiards which people recognize as "pools" or also known as "snooker" tables. In Britain and Ireland though, the word "billiards" denotes the "English billiard" exclusively, which is the version of the table with the ball pockets. The difference between the two types is that carom billiards tables do not have six openings –four at each table corner and two at the middle of each of the table's largest sides– in which the pool player is called to direct the colorful balls on the surface of the table by striking each one of them, or more than one at a time, with a white ball. The white ball acts as the "mediator" between the cue stick's point and the round surface of the colored ball the striker aims to hit. If the striker manages to hit the white ball with the right speed and from the right angle then it will in turn hit the colored one which will be directed to fall into one of the tables' holes. Pool table fans generally refer to pocket billiard games, such as 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool and one-pocket.

Found in many sizes and styles, billiards or pools are tables in a rectangular shape and are generally twice as long as they are wide. When someone refers to the number of a pool table's foots this actually denotes its longer sides' length. Mainly a function of space, the pool table's length varies. English billiard tables, for example, are 12 feet long, while bars typically offer 7-foot tables. Pool halls tend to have 9-foot tables for more professional players, whereas the once commonly found 10-foot tables are now considered collectible items. Finally, the "felt" or "baize" is the cloth that covers the pool table's exposed surface and he higher its quality the faster the balls run on its completely flat surface.

While the word "billiard" has presumably originated from the French word "billart," which means "mace"–an implement that was the predecessor of the modern cue–the game did not remain constricted in Europe. Evolving from an outdoor to an indoor game, billiard became known as "pool," which originates from "poolrooms" where people gambled off their money betting on horse races. Since billiard tables were commonly found in this type of venue, pools became a synonym of billiards and gained fanatic supporters in every continent.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

John Gibb is the owner of pool table resources , For more information on pool tables check out www.pool-tables-resources2k.info

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billiards13

Billiards
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Play Pool Better: Top Ten Ways to Improve your Billiards Game
Author: Reno Charlton
Billiards is an old and much loved game, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. This is a game that people of all ages play; even the younger kids can play now on special child-size tables that are widely available. It is also a game that, although once more popular with men, is now keenly played by both sexes. You can play pool in all sorts of environments, from restaurants and bars to halls and homes. It is also a game that can be as relaxing or competitive as you want to make it. Some people like to enjoy a friendly game over a drink after work, others like to unwind with a few games on their home pool table, and some like to join leagues and clubs and play to win.

1. Understand billiards in general

Whether you are young or old, male or female, a relaxed player or a competitive player, the chances are you want to play as well as you can. Being able to play well is all part of the fun of playing billiards, so it is important to learn the rules and strategies of the games you are interested in, and then try and improve your game on a continual basis. Improving your billiards game is particularly important if you want to play competitively; however, it is also important even if you enjoy friendly games – after all, it's not much of a challenge if you can't put up much of a fight against your opponent…plus, practicing the game is far too much fun to miss out on.

2. Practice the game

This is one of the key aspects of improving your billiards game – the importance of practice can't be stressed enough, and many pros will tell you that getting in practice is the singularly most important part of becoming adept at billiards. Some people practice for hours each day – which, of course, is not practical for everyone. However, getting in some regular practice at your local pool hall, bar, or even in the home, can be a big help.

Having easy access is the best way to enjoy practicing this game. If you have to go to the pool hall or bar, you don't always have the energy and motivation, particularly if you have been at work all day. This could mean losing out on a lot of valuable practice. However, setting up your own billiards table at home means that you can practice at any time in the comfort of your own home. Setting up a pool table/billiards room is relatively simple and very affordable these days, and once you have your room set up you won't have to pay for games at the bars, halls or clubs – and you can enjoy a fantastic area in which to entertain, relax – and, of course, practice.

3. Don't forget the cue

Your cue is a pivotal part of your billiards game – after all, you won't get far without it! You should ensure that you buy a cue that is of good quality. However, strange as it might sound, you also need to find a cue that you can relate to. Remember when Harry Potter went to get his first wand in The Philosopher's Stone, and he just knew when he had the right wand? Well, this is the sort of feeling your should aim for when you buy your pool cue. Hold the cue, get a feel for it, and make sure that you are comfortable with every aspect of the cue. Many professionals state that using the same cue for every practice and real game is a big part of their success, and if you are going to be playing with the same cue you have to make sure that it is one you are perfectly happy with.

4. Join a league or club

You could find that joining a pool league or billiards club or team can help to improve your game. This is not only because you will be able to get in some regular practice, but also because you will have a network of support. You can pick up tips and advice from other members of your team or club, and these can really help you to improve your game. Plus taking part in friendly competitions can help to give you that competitive streak, which in itself can help you to develop and improve your game through pure motivation.

5. Start simple

If you are something of a novice at pool then the trick of improving your game is to start simple and work your way up. There is no point trying to jump straight in to the most complex games. A game like 8 ball or better still 9 ball can help you to practice shooting and can help to condition your body in order to improve your game. Positioning and action is everything when playing billiards, and these simple, basic games will help you to improve both through practice.

6. Observe, observe, observe

We all need a mentor if we want to do something really well, and billiards is no exception to this rule. You can pick up some really useful tips simply by watching the pros and the very experienced. Whether it's the latest world champion playing on television or whether it's your best mate who's known as a real whiz with the cue, you should pay careful attention when the experts are in play. Try and study their positioning, their actions, trick shots, and the way they play.

7. Use training balls

You can now get billiards training balls, and these can prove invaluable to someone just learning how to play or wishing to improve their game. These balls have a clear target to aim for, so when you are trying to pot the ball you will know exactly where to aim. Using these training balls can help to condition your mind when you are playing, and pretty soon you will be able to hit the mark without the specially marked balls, and you can enjoy potting your object ball every time.

8. Use online tools

There are plenty of online tools available to help you improve your billiards game, such as virtual pool. Although these games can't help with the improvement of your physical stroke, they can give you a good idea of game rules and strategies, which are things that you must familiarise yourself with in order to start improving your game – if you don't know how to play properly you can't learn how to play better.

9. General tips

As well as the above quite specific tips on improving your pool game, there are also some general tips that you should bear in mind when you are actually in the process of playing or practicing billiards. Hopefully, these tips will help you to develop and improve your game so that you can play to the best of your ability. These general tips include:

• Cue Shot: Make sure that your stroke is smooth and consistent. You should place your other hand on the table, making it as stable as you can, and then allow the cue to slide through this hand as smoothly as possible – it is a good idea simply to practice the stroke before you start worrying about practicing with the billiards balls.
• Keep the cue ball in sight: When you are aiming, you should be looking at the cue ball and not the object ball. Aim to strike it just below the centre, and stay focussed on the cue ball as you shoot.
• Arm positioning: When you are playing, you should keep the arm you are shooting with close to your body, and your elbow should be bent at a ninety-degree angle. Let your shoulder do the work as you shoot – this is where the action and movement should stem from. Do not be tempted to use excessive force, as this will simply spoil your shot – simply keep it smooth and controlled.

10. Enjoy it!

One thing to keep in mind when trying to improve your pool game is – it is a game! Don't let yourself get stressed or frustrated; simply enjoy it and enjoy practicing it. Billiards is a great way to relax and unwind, and shouldn't be something that you get stressed about. As with many things in life, practice makes perfect. You won't become a billiard pro overnight – it can take a while to become adept at the control, concentration, and movement required to shoot pool successfully. But you can have great fun whilst you are getting there.

About the Author

Reno Charlton is an experienced freelance copywriter and an award-winning children's author from the United Kingdom. You can read more of her informative articles on pool tables and billiard accessories at http://www.pool-and-billiards.com.

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Laser Sharpen Your Billiards Aiming
Author: Billiadrtips E-Zine
Star Wars comes to billiards with the new laser markers that make a lot of homemaker tasks easier. The laser beam is housed in a device that looks like a tape measure or a flat can-like container. Both project a perfectly straight line on any surface without leaving a mark.

They are handy for hanging pictures and laying tile, but wait until you see what you can do with one on a pool table!

Correct a Defective Center ball Hit

Knowing you are hitting the exact center of the cue ball is imperative to a good stroke and accurately hitting your object ball. Even if you have to rely on English for a specific shot, you need to know you hit your exact target on the cue ball.

Most of us know that when we miss a shot and it bounces off the horn of the pocket, it is because we were off just slightly on the pinpoint we were targeting on the cue ball or the object ball.

This is the last spot you have control over to make the shot you are planning. So how do you know you are aiming at a pinpoint and not a dime-sized spot on the cue ball?

Let the laser show you.

Set up the laser this time on the end rail so it points down table from diamond to diamond. You should probably use a stool to get your laser up to rail height without the potential of knocking it onto the floor because it was sitting on the rail. You will be shooting from the other end of the table towards the laser.

In either case you will have a thin red line that runs the length of the table. That is your target line for a shot with the cue ball. Also notice the laser runs the line up to the top of your cue ball, When you line up the shot make sure your cue is aligned with the red line.

A double check on your aim is to quickly glance up from the spot on the cue ball. If your shooting eye is directly over your cue which is aligned along the target line, you will get a flash of red as it looks directly into the laser.

When you pull the trigger you should see the cue ball roll right down the red line, bounce off the end rail and return down the red line to hit the end of your cue.

Just because you have it redlined, doesn't mean you have to stroke the ball hard, just accurately.

Straighten out Your Cut Shots With A Laser

Following the little red line also works well with cut shots and placing that laser behind a corner pocket can give you many practice opportunities. To start with, set up the laser so it points straight out from the center of the pocket at a 45-degree angle and directly into the side pocket. Now, take a mirror you can stand in the side pocket and point it so the reflected laser line lines up with the original from the laser.

Center an object ball on that line.

The line will fade out beyond the object ball, but you can imagine the line's position on the target side of the ball. But with the mirror, the reflected line will go right up to your object ball and reflect the line up the contact side of the ball. Use that line to establish the contact point for your cut shot into the corner pocket.

This is where you need to use care. See the line in your mind. Its location is something you want to memorize. It is your contact point.

Now try a shot.

Once you get this down so you can consistently deliver the object ball into the center of the pocket, shift the laser and mirror to change the angle to 30 degrees.

The possibilities are endless; try as many angles as you can, move the ball along the line to change the distance. Try a full table length cut shot. Try the same shot angles with a side pocket. Just follow the red line, you will be amazed at how good you can get.

Over time, you will find yourself looking for the pinpoint of your target and not just a general spot. If you set this drill up correctly, you will find center ball hits become a lot easier and you will resist over cutting or under cutting your cut shots.

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Reg Hardy, The Monk's Apprentice has been working with lasers; you can learn a lot about your stroke using a thin red line.

The use of lasers to improve billiards skills is a neat topic.

I've dealt with it a lot more extensively in the new e-Book, "Billiards Basics Blueprint" along with the basics of stance, grip more on aiming and the mental game of billiards.

Check it out ==>http://www.billiardsbasicsblueprint.com Billiards Blueprint , It is more than you would expect.

Reg Hardy is publisher of http://www.billiardscrossing.com Billiards Crossing , the net's only members only site dedicated to billiards.

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billiards11

Billiards
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What's It Like On The Receiving End of Billiards Mentoring
Author: Billiadrtips E-Zine
What is it like to be on the receiving end of mentoring to improve your performance in pocket billiards and at the same time, participate in life changing coaching?

You are the reason for all of the things you are going through. Once you accept that, you are then ready to make the changes that will take you to the next level and far beyond. Many billiards players find themselves blocked from moving to the next level. They seem to stay in the same place year after year. Do you find yourself at one of these stagnation points?

I recently took part in the Monk 101 Four Points To Power program and found it was

· Professionally personalized programs for success · Structure to keep me focused, on track, clear, accountable and successful · Support to sharpen skills, clarity and awareness · Direction on material and technology to support top quality growth · Opportunity to hone critical thinking skills, analyze situations and co-create strategies to effectively deal with them on the table and off.

It did not require face-to-face meetings, it did not rely upon judgment of my performance before beginning the program and it did not require an exorbitant investment of time and money.

Working with The Monk I learned many things about myself and was able to make some positive changes. I now find I can:

· Accept Criticism--If given with respect, offered in private, critique could change your game.

· Submit To Correction--You know you did wrong and you are sorry, but until you are shown how to correct the problem, it is subject repetition.

· Learn By Following--Learning can be defined as the act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skills. But you only gain understanding when you follow someone's example.

· Get Yourself Free--Learn to deal with the bad habits you keep dragging around. Be accountable to your master.

· Gain Consistency--Make Your game more reliable and uniform in a variety of circumstances and varying degrees of distraction.

· Increase Confidence--Learn the Four Strokes of Pool, how to shoot them and how to use them to win.

· Win More Games--When you can get your attitude in line with your skills, you will find more often then not you will be in the winners' circle.

· Gain Recognition--"From our perceptions we turn in our performance. If with faulty perceptions we act, we think, and we perform, calamity comes upon us. If from right perceptions we act, we think, we perform, success is ours."

· Improve Your Life--The Enlightenment Stage is the goal of true champions. Those who reach this level are truly free from the ruling forces of the senses and can live life to the fullest. You won't know the true meaning of your life until you connect to that which gave you meaning.

Truly, if you can become one with the nine precepts outlined above, we can change our world. The Monk 101 Four Points to Power program is your chance to change the mind set that holds you back in this great game. Our perceptions build our mindset. From our mindset we act, think and perform.

The true value of this program goes far beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge; you can do that with a book. The Monk 101 Four Points To Power is designed to help you reach the stage of true enlightenment, and real understanding.

Even in pocket billiards, you can't sink a shot with knowledge, you'll never gain good position if your shot is based on what you know -- understanding gives you great power, both on the table and off.

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Reg Hardy, The Monk's Apprentice, writes mostly on billiards topics, primarily for www.billiardscrossing.com Where Good Players Get Better .. His Billiards Crossing website features over 170 billiards resources. A 7-day Trial Membership is $4.95

"Get a handle on your mental game at http://www ,billiardsmindmender.com

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