SAN FRANCISCO, Ca., October 30 — So you don’t have a fistful of quarters. And it doesn’t matter if you do, because you’re way down on the list for a good game of eight-ball. Guess you’ll just have to bother the bartender for another round of drinks and some change for that five and plan to wait a few hours for the chance to rack’em, right? Wrong.
How did aristocratic backyards put a party in your parlor? In the Beginning. That lovely emerald-colored felt might or might not remind you of a well manicured lawn, but if it does, congrats. (You’re a historian.) Billiards, after all, started out as ground billiards, which looked a whole lot like croquet until the game moved in the 1400s onto wood tables (colored green to recreate the whole grass motif). The tabletop style caught fire in France in the 1600s and spread to other parts of Europe over the next two centuries; by the 19th century, the working class had caught the bug, and the game started sneaking from its high-end residence roots and into opportunistic taverns.
Innovations
A wider socioeconomic base of zealots brought the need for different — read: more affordable — construction. You can still find tables sturdy enough to double as your average battering ram, but the market has broadened to include smaller, lighter models to fit more modest homes and budgets. And the same trend has hit the market for accessories, like cues, balls, and racks.
What’s In It For You?
Price. Sure, you can still opt for models worthy of the British gentry, but the low end of the cost range puts pool tables in reach for anyone with a big enough space. Or, you know, if you’re tired of that reputation as a lively host, you can always fill that space with a used recliner and yet another TV.
Practice. Ever drooled over ESPN’s pool pros? Maybe you got a little intimidated by that sweet-smiling hustler at the local pub? No need to take those fledgling skills public just yet; just keep practicing that perfect break to your perfectionist heart’s content.
Proportion. Full-sized models have their appeal, of course, but they’re not always practical for tight game rooms or duplex basements. We’ve got solutions, though: six-foot, seven-foot, and eight-foot models that let you take your shot without knocking Grandma’s portrait off the back wall in the process.
Parties. Hey, so who wants to relax at home, turn on some tunes, have a couple of drinks, and shoot some free pool? Right, right. Me neither.
Meet your match:
Not all game rooms, parlors, basements, etc. are built alike. Some would do better with full-sized tables; others might breathe a little easier with smaller frames. Some might prefer the oak or maple look; the more modern might spice things up with black or — dare we say — neon. Burgundy felt, emerald felt, or blue felt; ornate or industrial construction; stately cherry or sleek oak finishes... browse on.
| Top gun: Mizerak Prestige 7 Ft. Pool Table; $599.99 |  Smooth maple laminate, durable playing surface, automatic ball return, rugged construction, and leveling feet for even play. Oh, and since you probably need things like balls, cues, chalks, and a triangle, they’ve thrown all that in too. But we’re drawing the line at free shipping. Okay, we’re really drawing the line at free hustling lessons. | | | Save & Share |  10% off on $1,000!
Take 10% off any pool table over $1,000. Enter coupon code PLTBLE at check out. Coupon valid through 11/10/2006 at | | |
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