Making the space for a game room in my house has had a positive impact on my family. Instead of coming home after work and school and going our separate ways, we now congregate in the game room to watch movies, play video games, and play American-style pool. It’s been one of the best ways to spend time together, despite our busy schedules.
Finding a pool table that would fit into our game was a priority: not only do my wife and I enjoy playing pool, but the kids are getting into it as well. You wouldn’t think pool is a kids’ game, but they’ve all taken to it pretty quickly and easily. We also play more games on our pool table than just traditional billiards. Playing different billiard games requires different sized balls and some other equipment, but it’s also a way to keep the games interesting and new.
Carrom billiards
This game doesn’t use the pockets on a traditional American pool table, but it’s just as fun. Anywhere from two to four people can play carrom, either alone or in pairs. If you’re playing singles, you sit across from your opponent; if you’re playing in pairs, the person opposite you is your partner. Carrom is like a cross between pool and air hockey (another game the kids love). The object of the game is to sink all of your pieces (if you break first, your color is white and your opponents’ color is red). Instead of hitting the pieces head on, you flick them. It’s a surprisingly tough game to learn, but once you get the hang of it, games can get quite heated. You can find carrom supplies and information about the game at the Carrom Centre.
American pool
After working in the states for ten years, I picked up a taste for American pool games — and we bought an American pool table that we could modify for other games. American billiard balls are a little larger than English pool balls, and the cues are a little smaller — but you still need skill to play. There are several variations of the game, but eight-ball is the most common; the basic goal is to choose your ball, “solids” or “stripes,” and to sink the eight-ball last into a pocket you call. If you sink the eight-ball before all the other balls have been sunk, you lose a point or “scratch.” You can also scratch for sinking the cue ball.
Snooker
Snooker has an interesting history: it was played by English soldiers in India during the 1800’s and was brought back to the UK. It’s a deceptively simple game — you have to score points by sinking each ball in order. You can also score points if your opponent fouls by hitting the wrong ball or sinking the cue ball.
Playing billiard games can be a costly hobby — all the equipment for each game can get pretty steep — but it’s one we’ve enjoyed for years. And it’s an investment that has made it easier for my family and me to spend quality time together, which is worth more than money.
Aside from always hitting the joystick, Richard is loves to write and blogs on behalf of Sears and other trusted brands.
