Author: Games for Fun Crew

Fun

Indoor Games for Families: 3 Family Games to Play At Home…Kid-Friendly & With Unique Twists (Part I)

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date November 20, 2020

Nothing says fun indoor games for the family more than home game room products. In this special at-home feature, we’re taking a look at popular games that have been altered to make playing at home more fun, and they’re also kid-friendly

Perhaps you’re one of the many families who have played all the games in your home game room so much that you don’t even wanna look at them anymore. You might be experiencing A.H.B. (At Home Boredom) and are searching for ways to reignite the fun. Don’t fear…Games For Fun is here to help bring you a roomful of entertainment in your time of need!

What we’ve learned during the pandemic is that there are ways to stay entertained even when the entertainment gets, well, stale, to say the least. One of the easiest and most effective ways we’ve been able to combat at-home boredom is by tapping into our creative side with unique twists on popular indoor games. By adding or removing a rule, your home game room can take on an entirely new personality! In part 1 of this article, we’ll be talking about variations of billiards, foosball, and ping-pong. And in part 2, we’ll be talking about air hockey, shuffleboard, and darts. You name it, we’re playing it!

Teach the Family How to Play A Game of Billiards At Home…With A Korean Twist

We’ve written about billiards before. This game might be considered a “simple” game to play in homes all across America, and that’s why that billiard table might be collecting dust as we speak. But adding a cultural twist to this well-known pastime could give you a run for your money. Korean billiards, known as “danggu” in Korea, isn’t really what you would call a “simple” or “popular” game in America. In fact, there’s a general lack of danggu tables in this country.

Traditionally, this four-ball billiards or four-ball carom is played on a pocketless table with four billiard balls, usually two red and two white, one of the latter with a spot to distinguish it (in some sets, one of the white balls is yellow instead of spotted). However, this article explains that this version of the game is played with two red object balls, one white cue ball, and one yellow cue ball (or sometimes both cue balls are white, with one having a red spot).

Each of the two players is assigned a white or yellow cue ball; whether the opponent can use it as an object ball is a difference between the version you want to play. A point is scored when the shooter caroms on two balls. A carom on only one ball results in no points and ends the shooter’s inning.

How can you recreate this game at home? Your pool table could be used in the place of the danggu table. American billiards requires players to knock the pool balls into six evenly placed pockets. In danggu, two white cue balls and two red balls are used on a table similar to an American pool table — but with no pockets. To achieve this “pocketless” table, simply stuff the pool table pockets with some sort of cloth to block the balls from going in, or place disposable cups upside down on the pockets to cover them. To keep the cups from moving around, tape them down if they don’t fit snug. A yellow ball can replace one of the white cue balls to avoid confusion.

If a player hits both red balls on a single hit with one of the cue balls, the player receives one point. A player is allowed to continue to hit until he or she misses a ball. A wooden box mounted on the wall with score chips helps keep score. Chips are deducted from the amount set at the beginning of the game.

Another great thing about this game is that the number of people allowed to play doesn’t matter, as long as it’s an even number. So the whole family could play! If there’s an uneven number, you can do rounds and the winner can play the next family member.

When the Family Is Bored at Home Try This Foosball Game Variation

Multiball foosball is basically the same as standard foosball, except instead of 1 ball being served, multiple balls are served each time. In this case, 3 balls are served each time. A point is given to the person who scores the most goals. Only 1 point is given each time, even if one player scores all three goals. The game progresses until someone reaches 10 points.

Wanna add more crazy to the already-crazy? Introduce the idea of Crazy Multiball to the family. In this game, you layout maybe 9 or 11 balls at the center (you can use as many balls as you want, but really it needs to be an odd number to avoid ties.) After a countdown from 3, the players try to get as many of the balls as they can into the opponent’s goals. The winning player is the one who scores the most goals.

Some more ways you could make this game even more fun is by using weighted balls to increase the overall challenge of the game or try playing a one-handed game where each player can only use one hand of choice and hands cannot be swapped during a game.

Ping-pong for Kids vs. Ping-pong (After Hours)

The name in itself is already fun, but start incorporating some new rules and it takes this traditional table game to the next level. Let’s start off with the kid-friendly variation of ping-pong. Rotating ping-pong requires a minimum of three players. The players respectively position themselves on either side of the table. The side with more players is the first to serve.

The principle of the game is to hit the ball while circling the table. When a player misses a ball, the latter lays his or her paddle on the table. If a player who is still in the game bounces the ball on the bat, the eliminated player can rejoin the game. Once there are no more than two players, they get involved in a match to decide the winner.

If your family is composed of all adults, or maybe the kids have gone to bed, here’s a rather popular version of ping-pong: beer pong! The idea of this variation is to throw a ping-pong ball into a plastic cup filled with drink, which your opponents then have to drink. Essentially, each time the ball lands inside the cup, the opposing team has to drink its contents. The cups are positioned in a triangle on both sides of the ping-pong table and must be touching. The player designated to shoot keeps his or her elbow behind the edge of the table. It’s possible to replace the cups at any point in the game. All you have to do is position the cups where they would have been if they hadn’t slipped over.

To add more variation to this game, fill the cups with various beverages (water, iced tea, beer, vodka, apple juice, and more). The team which manages to reach all the opposing team’s cups wins the game. As a tip, opt for an outdoor ping-pong table, which is much more hard-wearing and suited to such ‘boozy’ leisure pursuits. You could still use it indoors, it’s just likely to last longer since it’s built to withstand the conditions of the outdoors.

Indoor Family Games Don’t Stop, They Only Get More Creative

Between Korean billiards, multi foosball, and rotating, beer-drinking ping-pong which game variation was your favorite? Which one are you most excited to try at home? Remember that being at home doesn’t mean you can’t have fun as a family!

For more inspiration on how to have fun, check out the Games For Fun blog. Each month, we discuss various gaming topics from home game room ideas to popular games you can play in the fall. And be sure to stay tuned for the second part of this blog where we’ll be talking about ways to make air hockey, shuffleboard, and darts more fun when playing at home. You name it, playing it (after we give it a lil’ twist for extra fun).

Tags Games to play at home, kid friendly

Ping Pong

Common Hand Signals Used During Matches: Understanding Ping-Pong and Tennis Hand Communication

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date November 6, 2020

Whether we’re focusing on ping-pong or regular tennis, understanding the players’ hand signals can make the sport more enjoyable to watch (and, hey, you might even improve your skills on the court)

In the world of sports, athletes use the body to communicate many important things, and the hand signs we see being used so colloquially during a tennis match is just as important. To start things off, many people are aware that table tennis is different than tennis, but the details of those differences is another topic for another time. Today, the Games For Fun team will be discussing what the hand gestures mean in tennis — both ping-pong and regular tennis. We’ll be citing two articles for accuracy and professionalism — PingSunday’s “Important Hand Signals for Doubles Games” and “What Are The Hand Signals Doubles Players Use on the Tennis Court?” published by MyTennisHQ.

To start things off, PingSunday (AKA “the best place to learn table tennis”) provides answers to some good questions about tennis hand signals. Questions such as whether the hand signals are the same for everyone and if there is a universal signal used and understood by professional players are all addressed in their article, and we’ll be addressing the same.

Are Hand Signals The Same For Everyone?

If there was a universal language, life would be easier, right? With sports, it’s the same thing. While there are two forms of communication done in a table tennis match between partners — verbal communication for the tactics and hand communication for the service — this article will focus on the latter.

When communicating in doubles (a game with two-on-two players as opposed to the traditional one-on-one) your hand signals help your partner determine the serve so when the ball returns to them, they can prepare the shot. For tennis players, these gestures are used by the player at the net to indicate where the server should hit the serve and where the net player will move after the serve. But, while it’s easy to communicate specific hand signs with someone who you’ve played with long enough, what happens when you’re paired with a new partner?

First things first: The order of the signals is the same whether the team is serving or receiving; the first signal is where the shot is meant to be hit, while the second signal is meant for where the net-man is going to be after that shot is hit. Second: We keep in mind that, generally speaking, each pair will naturally develop a unique set of signals. This means that one set’s hand communication might differ from yours. But there are hand signals that are used across continents that will generally be understood to mean the same thing even with minor variances.

Common Hand Signals + Their Meanings

With these hand signals, we’re focusing on how to communicate the type of serve to your partner once the ball returns so they can prepare the shot. And, of course, we’ve aptly nicknamed each signal for your convenience (AKA entertainment). The following is a general breakdown of what each finger means, first in table tennis:

thumb = short ● index = long ● pinky = short underspin ● fist = no spin

Now, with this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the basic hand signals for all who are interested in what’s going on with that table tennis.

Here’s a rule of thumb (pun intended): Communicate your hand signals to your partner under the table when playing table tennis or behind your back when playing regular tennis. Your hand signals are essentially giving away your next move.

Thumbing It Up: In table tennis, signaling a thumb lets your partner know that you’re going to serve a topspin serve. According to this article, when you impart topspin onto the ball, “the forward spin increases the downward pressure on the ball, so that after it bounces on the table it will stay low and accelerate forwards.” The purpose of serving a topspin is for the topspin to rebound in an upward direction when the ball makes contact with your opponent’s racket. The direction of your thumb will communicate what direction to serve the ball. For example, tilting the thumb to the left means the ball will be served to the left, so on.
What’s Your Point: The index finger down is used for backspin serve and is also used by professionals. The backspin serve is a very difficult serve to return, this is why professionals and Olympic players all over the world use it to win points in a match.
Little Piggie: When the little finger is used, this means a short backspin server. The purpose of this serve is to make the first bounce close to the net so the second bounce on the opponent’s side is also short and near the net, too.
SMF (Shaking My Fist): The fist means no spin server. According to this article, no-spin serves are effective at the higher levels because if you serve no-spin, while it’s easier to read the degree of spin (since no-spin always has the same degree of no-spin!), it’s not as easy to drop it short. Nor is it as easy to put extra backspin on the ball, since there’s no backspin on the incoming ball to reverse – you have to create all the backspin yourself.

Now, this is when things could get a bit tricky for someone who’s interested in learning both table tennis hand signals and regular tennis hand signals. Some of the same fingers are used in both games, but have different meanings and are used differently. Let’s take a look at what some signals mean in regular tennis below that we’ve seen before with table tennis. These hand signals we’re discussing for regular tennis will be used to indicate different things, such as where the net-man will be moving after the serve lands in the box to the return direction.

With the fist, we get the Fist Bump which means stay. This indicates that the net-man will be holding his ground and covering the line.
The pinky also makes a reappearance in tennis, with the return cross. This article explains that a return cross is important because it takes the server’s partner out of the point, and takes away the ability of the server to hit down on the ball.

Table tennis and regular tennis are no match for the one who understands tactics, serves, and the like. So, you think you’re ready to cut the racket and get on the court?

Our goal is to understand these common hand signals so the next time we find ourselves watching a match, we’ll know what’s going on. Maybe you’re not ready to hit the ball as we mentioned at the outset, but your knowledge of hand communication will likely enhance your involvement in the match that you’re watching.

Interested in home game room products to start practicing your tennis skills at home? Check out ping-pong tables, accessories, parts, and more from Games For Fun. We have everything you need to get started, and more!

Tags blog, Ping Pong

Holidays

4 Kid-Friendly Games To Play In The Fall

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date October 21, 2020

Fall is the delightful season of ocherous leaves, chilled nights, and, of course, fall games. The reality is that a good time is just around the corner no matter what time of the year we’re in, and fall-friendly games are kind of a thing (kind of). So, how can you make the most out of this upcoming fall season? With social distancing still in effect, we’re considering some of the most fun games to play during the fall.

With the fall season comes pumpkins, so you can be sure that there will be at least one fall-friendly game that features a pumpkin. Fall is also a season of the turkey, so games centered around the big bird are bound to make an appearance. And as we highlight some of these fall-friendly games, our main goal is to inspire everyone this fall to step outside their mittens and scarves and give some of these games a try!

Candy Corn Relay ● Capture the Turkey ● Penny Toss ● Pumpkin Bowling game

CANDY CORN RELAY

There’s more fun to be had with candy corn than just eating it (we know that’s a bold statement to make, but trust us with this one!). The Inspired Tree House is here to teach us about this sweet kid- and fall-friendly game that uses candy corn as the main attraction.

What You’ll Need Candy corn (who’d have thunk), a spoon and bowl, yellow, white, and orange construction paper or plastic cones (or other objects that could be used as “obstacles”), and tape and scissors.

How To Play First, set up your relay course. Make “candy corn” cones out of construction paper by cutting strips of orange, white, and yellow construction paper and taping them together to form a cone. You could also use regular plastic cones or other objects that can create an obstacle. Next, you want to set a bowl of candy corn on one end of your course and an empty bowl on the other end. The first child in line scoops a few pieces of candy corn out of the bowl and maneuvers through the course to dump it into the empty bowl. He then runs his spoon back and gives it to the next person in line. The next person repeats the action, taking another scoop of candy corn and maneuvering through the course to dump it into the bowl. The aim of this game is to continue this process until all of the candy corn has been scooped from one container to the other!

Variations If you only have one child playing, turn the game into a race against the clock where the child must scoop all of the candy corn from one container to the other before the timer rings.

Tips & Tricks Try mixing up the types of movements the kids use to get through the course (ex: only tip-toe through the obstacle course, walk on knees, or crawl using only one hand).

CAPTURE THE TURKEY

While the fall season grants us the opportunity to stuff our faces with all things turkey, it also gives us a reason to replicate the heavy-bodied, ground-feeding birds — an excuse to look and act wild without anyone pointing a finger. In this classroom-friendly article, the fall-friendly game is used to teach us the importance of teamwork and how to strategize while implementing simple yet helpful physical exercise.

What You’ll Need 18 “eggs” which are just small or medium-sized objects that are easy to grab (ex: bean bags, oranges, tennis balls), pinnies/jerseys that are three different colors for teams, an exercise mat, 3 hula hoops, and 8 cones.

Set Up Place the three hoops equal distance apart on the ground. Place six “eggs” inside each hoop (these are the “turkey nests”). Place the 8 cones and the exercise mat at the opposite end of the ground/playing space. The cones and the mat will be used for physical activity when the students are tagged by the Mama or Papa turkey.

How To Play Split the participants into three teams, each wearing a different color pinny. One member from each team will be chosen to be the “Mama” or “Papa” turkey while the rest of the team are gobblers. The Mama or Papa turkeys stand inside their nests and are responsible for protecting the nest and tagging gobblers who try to capture their eggs. The gobbler’s job is to take eggs from the opposing team’s nests and place them in their turkey’s nest. The gobblers can take only one egg from a nest at a time. If they are tagged by the Mama or Papa turkey, the egg stays where it is and the gobbler must go to the physical activity arrangement and perform the designated physical activity (ex: 10 jumping jacks, 5 push-ups, jump rope). The goal is for a team to collect all 10 eggs.

Variations This specific game is fall-friendly but could be switched to other holidays by changing the name of the taggers.

Tips & Tricks To ensure that others have a chance to be the Mama or Papa turkey, the game can be played with a time limit of 2-3 minutes per round, rather than ending the round when a certain amount of captured eggs.

PENNY TOSS

This fall-friendly game, also known as Pitching Pennies or Penny Pitch, is simple enough for children but could be challenging enough for adults. Though this article explains everything you need to know about the game to cater to children, it could be tweaked to suit adults.

What You’ll Need A dishpan (or baby bathtub or kiddie pool), water, open plastic container, and, of course, pennies!

How To Play Fill a dishpan, baby bathtub, or kiddie pool halfway with water and place an open plastic container carefully on top of the water so that it floats. Have each player stand 3 feet from the dishpan, tub, or pool. Give each player the same number of pennies and have them take turns tossing pennies at the floating container. For each penny that lands in the container, one point is awarded. The player with the most points after all the pennies have been tossed is the winner.

Variations If you have one child playing, they can keep track of how many pennies land in the container in a row. For adults, increase the challenge by using a normal-sized pool and various coins. The points could be based on the coin that was tossed, and the winner could keep all the coins.

PUMPKIN BOWLING GAME

Bowling in itself is a gnarly game. Fall is a gnarly season. Put the two together and you get a gnarly fall-friendly bowling game! With this pumpkin bowling game, it’s exactly what it sounds like — it’s just plain bowling with a fun seasonal twist!

What You’ll Need 10 plastic 2-liter bottles, sand (or other solid objects like marbles or beans to fill the bottles with), and pumpkins.

How To Play Use empty 2-liter plastic bottles filled with a little sand or other weighty, fillable objects to make the bottles harder to knock over. Set up the pins about 30 feet away from the rolling line. Give each player 3 pumpkins to throw at the pins and keep score. The goal is to knock down all the pins.

Variations For adults, you could also make this game more enjoyable and challenging by blindfolding the tosser or having them balance a cup of pumpkin seeds on their heads while trying to toss the pumpkin.

Games, Fall, and More Games For Fun

If you feel like these are games you would like to play during the fall, give them a try. Remember that these are all kid-friendly but could be adjusted to suit an older audience. All it takes is creativity, a willing crowd, and sweater weather to set the theme! If you’re interested in more games that could be played during the fall, be sure to reach out to us at Games For Fun. Our assortment of indoor-friendly games — from machines to tabletop games — will also give you one more reason to stay inside during the chilled nights.

Tags Fall, Games, kid friendly

Fun

The Most Unique Game Room Ideas That You Can Add Into Your Game Room

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date October 9, 2020

If you’re looking to get some inspiration for your home game room, don’t fear — we at Games For Fun are presenting you with some of the coolest game room ideas in this blog. After this, we don’t doubt that you’ll be fully equipped to a) win over the kids b) win over the neighbors c) win over the spouse or d) simply win.

Outdoor Fun…Indoors

Swingin’ into the fun! Have you ever considered how fun it’ll be to have an indoor slide added to your home game room? It sounds a bit intense, but it’s totally doable (and, did we mention, it’s also really gnarly). In this article on Home Beautiful, a twisty slide is added to a game room for a visually unexpected, edgy addition. See you later, Six Flags! If adding a slide into your game room isn’t considered a unique game room idea, we don’t know what is!

Slide to the left! On that same note, if you don’t have enough room to build a slide, opt for an indoor swing instead. No matter how much space you have to use, we believe that any space is enough space for a good time (and creative takes on the standard game room). Adding a swing will make the game room feel more personalized and unique. Plus, the swing set is always our first stop at the park anyway…right? Whether you are going for a hammock for a peaceful game room, a wooden chair for a fun outdoor vibe, or even a tire for a more rustic look, adding a swing could make for an extra awesome game room.

George of the Jungle…Gym. There are also few things that are more exciting than having a jungle gym inside the house and, more specifically, adding that jungle gym into your game room. Whether you add a rope wall, ladder, or something else, these outdoor activities can add some pizzazz to your home game room.

Leisure Activities

Let’s go to the movies. Sometimes, having fun doesn’t need to be competitive (but, at the same time, you want to still have the option to challenge someone to a game of ping pong or billiards). If you want to create a unique game room, why not add a movie projector? This creates a well-rounded space dedicated to entertaining so your guests could either be hands-on and play some games, or relax and watch their favorite movie.

Slam dunking in the fun. There’s the Pop-A-Shot electronic basketball game, and then there’s the real deal. We’re talking about mounting a basketball backboard onto a wall to create a half-court and to also out-awesome some of the most awesome game room ideas. This one might require some space or a high ceiling, but it’s worth trying it in smaller spaces with open flooring.

Bars and games. It doesn’t get much better than that. We’re all familiar with pool halls — dim-lit atmosphere with beer and billiards (or something close enough to that description). There’s no denying that booze and games are quite an entertaining combo. That’s why some of the coolest game room ideas we’ve come across are designed with a bar department. You could do a victorian-style bar, a modern, sleek, and dark bar, or create your own style from scratch!

Themes! Themes! Themes!

Sports heads. So, maybe you can’t decide on which of your favorite sports team to showcase in your cool home game room renovation. Why not showcase all of them with a sports-themed game room. Deck out the walls in notable colors and mascots, and add accompanying accessories such as color-coordinated chairs, large rugs that boast your favorite team, neon signs, wall posters, and more! And when it’s game day, you know where everybody in the neighborhood will be going to watch the game.

Gaming up the game room. If you’ve never thought about increasing your home game room appeal by giving it a game theme, think again. This Minecraft-inspired home game room comes equipped with distinguished colors, a variety of wall art, matching sofas, and the actual game for the cherry on top. If this sounds like a cool game room idea, but you don’t know where to start, we’ll help. If you plan on drawing inspiration from this cool game room idea, start with your favorite game first:

If you can’t think of one, go with the first game that popped into your head for easy selection.
Pinpoint the game’s primary colors (ex: Mario is Red, blue, white, and gold).
Start figuring out what kind of furniture you want in the game room. Things like sofas, stools, tables, rugs, pillows, throw blankets, and even curtains, cups, coasters, and lighting could all add to the theme.
Think about placement. If you intend on including your favorite game into the game room, be sure there’s enough room for the game machine in addition to the other elements. The last thing you would want is to purchase items only to find out that you don’t have enough room to fit everything. Save yourself the hassle and measure, plan your space, and create a list of what can fit.

Lights, camera…actually, just lights. Natural light is great, but so is ambient lighting designed and situated for optimum coolness. Adding LED lights throughout your home game room could set the tone for whether you want to be a winner, or not. Lights could be used in just about any way to turn any standard game room into the ultimate light show. You could add lights behind fixtures for a unique silhouette glow, trail lights across the ceiling walls and floors, add big and bold neon signs, get changing lights for a taste of the rainbow, take advantage of lights that project images such as the night sky or unique designs, and even add candles if you’re into a more relaxed form of entertainment. You could choose to use all the methods listed, or just one. But the goal is the more lights, the better.

Go Big Or Go Home

So, what’d you think about our list of awesome game room ideas? Some might have been over-the-top and some might have been a bit out of the average Joe’s budget, but, in the event that you have the resources to try out one of these cool ideas for your home game room, make sure to take photos! Now, what are ya’ waiting for? You’ve seen these awesome game room ideas and have been inspired. Now take that inspiration and create something cool for your home game room.

Tags game room

Pool

The History of Pool: Who, How, Where, and…Billiards?

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date July 30, 2020

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you happen to be a history buff who also happens to be a fan of games such as pool, you might have wondered about the history of pool. If this is the case, this article is for you (well, for everyone, really…but mainly for you).

We often hear terms such as billiards and pool used interchangeably to describe a cue game. Even though these two games are very similar, there are distinctions in their history and how they are played now. Questions such as who invented the game of pool, how old is the game, where is it most popular, and how does it relate to the game of billiards (if it does) all stem from understanding the history of pool.

As a leader in the billiard and home game room products industry, Games For Fun is not only interested in providing you with high-quality products, but we also want to make sure that you are knowledgeable about the products you will be purchasing. If you are looking to expand your home game room with a pool table, you could start with first learning about the history of pool and how having that knowledge could inspire your home game room decisions![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

The History of Pool: Differences Between Pool and Billiards

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Before we get into the specifics of the history of the game of pool, we want to emphasize that there is actually a difference between pool and billiards. We have considered this in the past in our article titled The Difference Between Pool, Snooker, and Billiards, but we want to reiterate some key points for good measure.

First, keep in mind that billiards, or cue sports, include all sports that are played with a cue stick and billiard balls on top of a table covered with cloth and with leather (or rubber) borders. Billiards is thus divided into 3 sub-categories: pocket billiards or pool; carom billiards; snooker. The term “pool” is used to refer to billiard games that use pockets (hence the term “pocket billiards”). So, one of the main differences between pool and billiards is that pool is a type of billiard game. They are not enemies, they are more like father and son, so to speak.

When it comes to table differences, pool tables are at least 3.5’ x 7’ while billiard tables are much larger with a minimum size of 5’ x 10’. The cloth on a pool table also makes the balls travel slower while the cloth on a billiard table makes the balls travel at a faster speed.

Also, billiards is played on a table that has no pockets while the game of pool is played on a table with six pockets. Why the difference in pockets when both games are so often interchangeable? They’re interchangeable by common general misinformation, not because they are actually legitimately interchangeable. This “without” pockets thing is pretty important (kind of like jeans with pseudo-pockets…it makes a difference). The reality is that you could technically play a game of billiards on a pool table, but you will soon learn that the pockets get in the way and could potentially ruin the game. This leads us to the next point of differences in how a game of pool is played versus a game of billiards.

A game of pool is played with 9 to 15 object balls plus an additional cue ball depending on the type of pool you’re playing. Billiards uses 3 balls—one red ball, one white ball with a spot, and one white ball without a spot, and these balls are larger than pool balls.

Objectives: The main objective of billiards is to score points (known as counts) by bouncing one’s own ball off of the other two balls on the table. Points can be scored through potting, in-offs, and cannons. The game is normally played in a race to reach a certain number of points or as a timed game. Meanwhile, in 8-ball pool, there are seven solid and seven striped balls and one 8 black ball. In order to win, the player must pot his specific balls (solids or stripes) then finish with the black 8-ball. In 9-ball pool, only nine balls are on the table. Each player pots the balls in order of number. The person to pot the 9 ball wins.

Now that we got the primary differences of a game of pools and billiards out of the way, we can focus on the history of pool.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Who Invented the Game of Pool: How and Where

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]History often tells us about the people involved in certain inventions, events, and more. When it comes to the history of pool, the game remains the same! You might read different information regarding when the game of pool was invented. For example, this article called The History of Pool Table says that pool tables were discovered in the fifteenth century and was played by kings in those times. “It was practiced in Europe and at first was played as an outdoor game,” the article says. Yet, in another article called The History of Snooker and Pool, they say that the earliest recorded playing of a recognizable form of billiards was in France in the 1340s

However, despite these discrepancies, both articles note that the game of pool that was originally played as an outdoor lawn game soon became an indoor game with wooden tables and green cloth to resemble the grass on which it had been previously played.

On that same article about the history of the game of pool (and snooker), we get a brief history rundown on how the cue stick and table and what prompted the improvements we know today:

The stick was called a mace and was made of wood. When the cue-stick was developed, it replaced the original mace. The cue was only used by men while ladies continued to use the wooden mace. The tables were originally formed with all the edges covered that prevent the ball from falling.
After the Industrial Revolution, the game of pool became famous in England and across the world. Players started to increase various functions of the cue and started to put leather tip cues for hitting the ball perfectly and providing some extra technical shots. The wooden tables were replaced by slate material because wood started warping soon and was not durable.

Though there is no name directly linked to who invented the game of pool, King Louis XI of France (1461–1483) is known for having the first indoor billiard table. Talk about being a game for the nobles![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Where to Find the Perfect Pool Table

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We see how the history of the game of pool has still remains enjoyable to-date. We can also see that the game of pool has made quite some strides from wooden sticks and grass to, well, wooden sticks and “inspired” grasslike surfaces. The game of pool is most popular in the United States and Canada, played with a white cue ball and fifteen consecutively numbered colored balls. So it is no shock that if you walk into a “billiards” bar, you will likely encounter a pool table.

Games For Fun is proud to carry an array of pool tables available in our showroom and online. If you are interested in pool tables after reading this article, reach out to us for more information! Our team can provide you with everything you need to know about the game of pool. If you would like a history lesson in addition, just be sure to refer back to this article!

If you are not in the area and would prefer to have your questions answered via phone, give us a call at (909) 885-3604.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

SOURCES:

https://www.gametablesonline.com/blog/difference-between-billiards-pool-snooker/

https://www.history.co.uk/history-of-sports/history-of-snooker-and-pool[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tags The History of Pool

Pool

Talking That Talk: Unique Home Game Product Terminology

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date July 21, 2020

Interested in understanding home game product terminology like a pro? Well, don’t just leave it to the professionals…we can give you some of that knowledge from the comfort of your home, and we are doing that today.

Tip tapper…pea bottle…ferrule. What do these words all have in common? Well, they all do sound a bit interesting and, aside from the unplanned double consonants, these words are very specific to home game room products. These words also are not the easiest terms to understand at first glance unless you are seriously into billiards and the gaming industry as a whole. Today, Games For Fun is excited to create this beginner-friendly list of interesting home game product terminology so that you can start your gaming knowledge off right.

When it comes to home game room products, knowing what certain terms mean could turn you into a home game room connoisseur (or at least you could fake it until you make it). You could leave the terminology to the professionals like our team at Games For Fun, but if you simply want to get that knowledge from the comfort of your home and on your own terms (pun intended), we have got you covered in this article!

Whether you are a professional gamer or you are a prospective gamer who is interested in acquiring more hands-on gaming knowledge, our goal of this article is to define some terminology. When you are ready to revamp your home gaming room, you will not be totally lost in the woods. Keep in mind that when we say we are going to define gaming terminology, we are not talking about video games. This is strictly for defining home game products, so video game terminology will not be included. Let us take a look at some common home game terminology based on popular home game products, ranging from pool to darts.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Pool Products Terminology

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]Most people have played a game of pool at least once in their life, and if they have not played it, they have probably observed people playing it. If you own a pool table or are planning to own one, check out these related words below:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Bridgehead: Unrelated to both a bridge and head, a bridgehead gives you that extra reach for those hard-to-reach shots. The bridgehead is meant to slide onto your bridge stick (we can never get enough terminology). It will attach with a screw so it won’t slide up and down, essentially allowing you to be locked in for your next difficult cross-table shot. Think of this part as your little helper when trying to make a shot.
Tip Tapper: Sounds like some cool lingo from the 1920s, right? The pool cue Tip Tapper is a compact accessory tool with small spikes on one side. It is designed to keep the leather fibers of your cue tip loose, thus limiting the number of potential miscues and allowing your tip to hold to the chalk better.
Pea Bottle: This is not about peas in a bottle, though the aesthetic might allude to peas in a bottle. A pea bottle is from an Old Geezer game called Pea Pool (or Kelly Pool), a type of billiard game that uses small numbered balls referred to as “peas” along with a shaker bottle referred to as the Pea Bottle. How to play the game is another story, but at least you know that terminology now if you overhear someone talking about a pea bottle.
Ferrule: Right underneath the tip of your cue stick is the ferrule. The ferrule is often white but can be black as well. This part of the cue stick is used to help reinforce your tip as well as limit the vibrations felt when you shoot. For the novice pool player, the ferrule is not something that is often thought about. However, league players and world champions do not want a ferrule that will affect their shot due to inconsistency.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Foosball Products Terminology

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Rubber Bumper: The rubber bumper is placed on the foosball rod between the player and the washer to dampen the impact of the player hitting the side of the cabinet.
Bearing: A well functioning Plastic Foosball Rod Bearing is essential for a smooth and enjoyable game of foosball. This is the part that allows the foosball rod to spin freely with as little friction as possible so that your little guys could have the best possible chance of striking the ball.
Washer: If you need to do some laundry, this will not exactly clean your clothes. The Plastic Foosball Rod Washer is designed to go between the bumper and the bearing on a foosball table. Its primary function is to reduce the amount of bounce that the rod has when pushed against the side of the foosball table. The plastic washer also prevents the bumpers from leaving black residue on the walls of the table.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Table Tennis Terminology

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Strut: There are variations of a strut, but with this particular part, we are not talking about strutting yourself. In table tennis, this is specific to the Kettler brand. The locking strut’s function is to lock the tabletop in an up position. The non-locking strut is designed to help keep the legs in place and guide them when closing and opening your Kettler ping pong table.

While there are loads of other home game room terms with the variety of home games available, at least starting with a few terms could hopefully help. What do you think about our selection of pool and billiard, foosball, and table tennis terms? Have you heard some of these before, or maybe you have used them in the past? No matter your reason, there is never such a thing as having too much knowledge!

Maybe you could some of your non-gaming friends and strut your stuff during a game of pool. We want you to know your games just as much as we know them. So, remember, if you have any questions regarding what a specific word means, we would be happy to help you in our showroom in San Bernardino. Not only can we help you define home game product terminology, but we could show you what the product looks like and demonstrate how it works. Visit us right off of the 215 freeway on exit 43 for West 2nd Street!

If you are not in the area or would prefer to stay indoors, simply give us a call at (909) 885-3604 and we will answer any home game questions you may have.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tags Home Game, Terminology

Air Hockey Darts Foosball

The Most Basic Guide To Winning 5 Popular Games: Billiards & More

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date June 23, 2020

If you’ve ever wondered how to win some of the most popular games in the gaming world (or at least not lose drastically) then you’ve come to the right place. At Games For Fun, you know we love a good game of, well, anything! Even our facilities that occupy 26,000 square feet are filled with nothing but game room supplies, accessories, and repair parts. We’re serious about our games. But is it really just fun and games when you’re always the one losing

Today, the Games For Fun team will be discussing techniques, common mistakes, and general guidelines for winning (or losing) popular games from air hockey to table tennis. More specifically, we’re going to talk about a top mistake and a top tip that could either make or break your winning chances for a variety of games. Rocky theme song…cued. Let’s get to winning![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Mistakes To Lose Any Game, Tricks To Win Any Game

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]We recognize that playing a game can only be so fun if you don’t really know what you’re doing. How is Billy able to execute a bank shot every time we play a game of billiards and how come every time I throw a dart, it lands nose-first into the ground two feet in front of me? We hear your concerns, young grasshopper, and the Games For Fun team is going to address how you can successfully win any game in this article (A.K.A get better at winning any game or increase competitive skills).[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Billiards

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]The game with the cue stick and cue ball.

Having been in the billiards industry for 35 years, we’re familiar with common mistakes in billiards. What would we say is the most common mistake a person can make while playing billiards?

👎 Don’t raise or drop the cue! Regardless if you are a beginner or expert, every billiard player learns quickly that angle is everything. In order to get the perfect shot, you must have your cue set up properly. An unleveled cue will result in an inaccurate aim. Raising or dropping your cue stick before shooting is going to alter your precision; it’s important to keep it even and balanced throughout your shot. One way to ensure you don’t make this mistake on a particularly tough angle is by using a bridgehead.

👍 One of the most widely accepted methods for bank shots uses the diamonds on the table—the series of light-colored dots running down the rails of the table. Keep in mind that pockets are also considered diamond markers. These “diamonds” help you visualize the angle at which you need to take your bank shot, increasing your accuracy and consistency. Plus, they’re easy to use, no matter where on the table you’re playing. The object in using these diamonds is to aid in making mirrored angles. In other words, if you shoot the object ball into a diamond at a 45-degree angle, it should bounce off the rail at the same angle but in the opposite direction. As long as you shoot straight and with adequate speed, you’ll perfect this move with ease.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Air Hockey

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]The game with the table and the puck.

👎 Don’t have a defensive stance! According to this article, leaning your shoulders forward and your torso over the table on defense is by far the most common error in air hockey. In the article, it’s estimated that 80 percent of players, across all skill levels, have incorrect stances on defense. The reason leaning over the table is such a bad mistake is because you won’t be able to block certain shots effectively because forward leaning makes moving backward more difficult. Blocking the shot must be the first priority, but blocking is most easily achieved when you have proper defensive mechanics, which includes being able to move freely.

👍 Hitting the puck off either side of the table instead of trying to make a straight shot is a great trick to increase your chances of scoring. It’s a matter of mathematics and angles. Hitting the puck off the edge of the table right in the center of the table is bound to angle the puck toward the goal. Of course, you have to take into consideration whether your opponent’s hand is blocking the goal or not. Still, the chances of scoring will be increased.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Table Tennis

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]The game with the paddles and the small lightweight ball.

👎 Sometimes, you just have to let go a little bit! What we mean is, gripping the paddle too tight is not gonna help in your efforts to win in a game of table tennis. Because your racket-hand-arm is stiff, you essentially lose control which results in missed balls or opportunities.

👍 You have to carefully watch your opponent’s racket when it makes contact with the ball. Based on the direction your opponent’s racket is moving, you can determine how to angle your racket to compensate. Check out Newgy for a more detailed breakdown of how to properly gauge your opponent and act defensively in a game of table tennis (AKA ping pong).[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Foosball

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]The game with the miniature people and the small ball.

👎 Don’t shoot the ball too soon in an attempt at speed! Especially if you haven’t actually completed the full lateral movement. When you practice the pull shot, you are practicing to get the maximum speed at the maximum lateral movement. But it’s important to note that the speed comes from completing the entire shot stroke as fast as possible, not by short-cuts.

👍 Increase your defense by holding two handles (rods) together instead of one. If you learn to move two of your defense handles together, that will make it hard on your opponent to score. Try using your pinkie and thumb on your left hand to play with your entire defense unit (meaning your 2 defense handles). Make sure your players don’t overlap, spread them out with small gaps between them, and you’ll have the defense of a premier league soccer team. It won’t be easy to master at first, but when you get used to it, you literally become a foosball boss.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Darts

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]The game with the circular target hoisted on the wall with the, well, darts.

👎 Don’t lunge forward with your whole body! This is as straightforward as it gets. We know the desire to “aim” with your whole body is natural, but fight that desire! When you lunge forward, you greatly hinder the accuracy of your throw. Think of lunging forward as the equivalent to trying to accurately shoot a rifle while moving it.

👍 Know your dominant eye and hand. This might sound like a no-brainer, but aiming a dart requires a good amount of hand-eye coordination. Most of us are aware of your dominant hand, but when it comes to your dominant eye, that could be a bit more tricky because it isn’t something we think about often. I mean, how often do you need to do something with one eye? Nonetheless, this is important for winning a game of darts. Dart Sharp gives this good piece of advice: If you don’t know which eye is dominant then try throwing three darts with each eye closed in turns. The eye that you struggle to keep shut is your dominant eye.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Do You Want To Be A Winner?

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]Games For Fun has been in the game since 1984 so we know a little something about gaming, winning, and losing. Next time you’re in an arcade (hello, post-quarantine socializing) and want to win every popular game in that place so that you can become the popular game, remember our top mistake and top trick for each game! Next time you’re at home and you really, really want to prove to your older brother, Billy, that you can play a game of billiards and actually strike the ball without pulling a muscle, remember our top mistake and top trick.

Of course, we recognize that when it comes to anything, practice makes perfect. But practicing while making common mistakes is counterproductive. That’s why we’ve provided this ultimate guide to winning every game—it’s helpful to be aware of common mistakes so you can avoid them and practice the techniques that you know will grant you success.

If you’re curious about our inventory, product sales, or our rental items, we invite you to reach out to us with your inquiries. Our staff would be happy to help you find the perfect game for your home and can offer tips and tricks. We serve folks in the Inland Empire, but if you happen to not be in the area, don’t worry. Just give us a call at (909) 885-3604 and we’ll answer any questions you may have![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tags Guide, Popular Games

Fun

Beat Coronavirus Blues…Fun “Lockdown” Games To Play Indoors

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date June 7, 2020

If you’re suffering from Coronavirus Blues, Games For Fun is here to help! Today, we’ll be talking about some fun things you could do during the lockdown, focusing specifically on fun games that could be played indoors so you and your household can stay safe, busy, and positive during the lockdown!

But, Games For Fun, what is this “Coronavirus Blues” you speak of?

Coronavirus Blues
noun

That overwhelming misery you get as a result of being stuck in your home for weeks without an actual social life or the option to have one except via technology thanks to Coronavirus…thanks Coronavirus…NOT!

“After being on lockdown for over three weeks, she’s got Coronavirus Blues”

So, maybe the term “Coronavirus Blues” isn’t validated by the Oxford Dictionary (or any dictionary, at that), but the Games For Fun team is still making it a thing because, well, it kind of is a thing. And while we recognize that some introverted personalities might love this new stay-at-home adjustment, many of us are going bonkers.

You might be one of those people wondering if there are any fun things to do while on lockdown. Games For Fun understands your concerns, and we’re here to help. That’s why we’ve curated a list of awesome games and activities you could play indoors while waiting for the time to pass!

If you remember our past article about how to stress less, we talked about some of the ways that stress can affect your body. Many would agree that we live in a society where stress seems like it is part of our lives, and it’s even worse now that Coronavirus is causing highly stressful conditions for many people. But, one of the easiest ways to counteract stress is by having fun!

Did you know that having fun actually gives you more energy than it takes away? Our article on having fun highlighted the importance of having fun amidst stressful or overwhelming times. Being on lockdown as a result of a life-threatening virus is rather stressful and overwhelming. So, where do we start with this “fun” thing? Well, aside from disinfecting your entire home, you could always play some games!

In order to live a healthy life, we need to incorporate a balance of work, leisure, fun, and activity. However, with the recent at-home adjustments as a result of the Coronavirus, we know that work, leisure, fun, and activity have been overtaken by leisure for many of us. And a lot of us might be running out of things to do at home or ways to stay busy during the lockdown. Let’s consider some games you can play indoors to maintain positive vibes and an upbuilding home atmosphere.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]Air Hockey. Since the 1970s, air hockey has been a game of friendly competition inside at-home game rooms.

Having an air hockey table in the home is a great indoor game to play during the lockdown and the perfect way to bond with family and friends! If you’ve never played air hockey, but walk by that table every day, now’s your chance to test your skills…you’re home anyway!

Tips & Tricks: As with any game, a good offense is a good defense. Keep your paddle a little further out from the goal. This allows you to react faster as the puck comes your way. Instead of following the puck with your eyes (which usually results in slow reactionary shots), try to track the puck’s projection and move along with it. That positions you appropriately for when the puck comes towards you.

Like all other things, practice makes perfect when it comes to air hockey improvement. If you’d like to up your game this year, we have a variety of air hockey table options to browse.

Darts. A few great things about darts is that it’s a game that can be enjoyed by everyone and it’s a super easy indoor game to play while on lockdown.

Darts have a rich history. As best as we can tell, the practice of throwing “arrows” to hit specific targets started through archery; its long-lasting appeal is felt worldwide. You’ve seen dartboards everywhere–in your favorite bar, in your best friend’s basement, or in the garage hang-out you had growing up. And almost everyone has picked up a dart and hoped that they would hit that bullseye. More likely than not, your dart landed on the wall next to the dartboard, but that’s a different conversation for a different day.

Challenge those in your house to a game of darts. And if you don’t have darts, check out our dart inventory. This isn’t about becoming skilled at one of the oldest known games today…this is about pure fun!

Foosball. This thrilling game allows for two to four people to play at a time, heating up the competition in your home.

As simple as this game may seem, it never fails to create excitement for players of all ages and levels, and it’s still considered to be one of the most accessible and fun games to play to date. Foosball is ultra-competitive, all-age appropriate, and spectator-friendly. And with many people on lockdown, foosball is the perfect indoor game to keep everyone entertained.

Whether you’re just beginning to pick up this hobby or you have been a professional for years, this game will always spark adrenaline and entertainment. If you are looking into a foosball table, you may want to check out our online store. Happy Foosballing!

Ping Pong. Playing table tennis is a great way to spark up the competition with family and friends, or to simply unwind after a long day doing nothing. (Hey, it’s the truth!)

Table Tennis, also known as Ping Pong, began as a simple “parlor game” to enjoy indoors during cold winter months. So, what better game to include in this ‘games to play indoors while on lockdown’ article. The classic game we have grown up to know has evolved to become a popular recreational activity played both inside and outside. From an Olympic sport to a common piece in many game rooms, table tennis has provided entertainment to all types of groups.

This is the perfect game not only for entertainment, but also to test your hand-eye coordination. After all, after sitting at home for so many hours barely moving, your body itself could use the challenge!

Pool. A pool table is a beautiful piece of furniture that can be played by 1, 2, or 4 people at a moment’s notice.

For many players, terms such as billiards, pool, and snooker are used interchangeably to describe a cue game. Even though these games are very similar, there are distinctions in their play. Each of these cue sports brings different types of enjoyment for players, and pool is the most convenient to learn and play, so the entire family could join in. If you’re stuck at home and looking for fun games to play during the lockdown, pool is out of the question. What are you waiting for…grab your pool stick!

Don’t have a pool table, but interested in playing while on lockdown? Games for Fun provides pool table rentals, as well as other indoor games to rent.

Shuffleboard. As the game heats up, this pastime will surely bring out your competitive side!

Whether you have a large group playing, or just one-on-one, shuffleboard requires more skill than luck. While there are multiple ways to play this simple game, the most common is between two players. So, play a Mother vs. Daughter game, Husband vs. Wife, Father vs. Son, Sibling against Sibling, and the like!

Along with pucks, you can find everything you need for shuffleboard on our online store! Check out our shuffleboard accessories here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Games For Fun…During Lockdown

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]From air hockey to shuffleboard, we’ve touched on several fun things to do during the lockdown. Being indoors doesn’t mean you have to be bored or miserable! At Games For Fun, we recognize the importance of enjoying your time with those around you, even if the surrounding circumstances are the most favorable.

Laying on your bed all day, or watching T.V. every day, or counting sheep each day can be mentally exhausting for many and can cause productivity to slow down and can cause many to lose motivation to do even the simple daily tasks. While there is nothing wrong with sleeping or watching TV, how you spend your time throughout your day can affect the rest of your day and your household dynamic.

If you have a few game tables in your home, take advantage of them! If you look back at your favorite memories as a kid, they might include game nights that were most likely filled with family and friends. And, over time, we see board games being stashed away in the closet and video games becoming replaced by the next best thing. Game tables stand the test of time.

Having a game table in the home provides a place for your favorite people to have a good time. If you don’t have a game table or any of the games listed above, or you feel that your space might not be conveniently-sized, we have many games available that can be incorporated into your space seamlessly.

Games For Fun is proud to supply many Southern California homes with games for their family. We know that stopping by our showroom in San Bernardino isn’t doable as of right now, but you could still give us a call, and we can help you find the perfect game for your home and family.

Whether it’s three weeks or three months, Games For Fun is sure that we can all beat Coronavirus Blues together…one fun game at a time![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tags how to choose a pool cue

Pool

MCDERMOTT: THE BEST CUES FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date April 20, 2020

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Maybe you’ve just learned how to pronounce the word “billiards.” Or, perhaps you were born on a pool table and have been holding cue sticks since you came out the womb. Regardless of skill, we at Games For Fun recognize that a person’s pool cue plays a key role in determining the accuracy of their shot.

After being in the billiards industry for 35 years, our team has grown to be experts in every aspect of the sport. And there’s no denying that one of the most important accessories to complete your pool game and pool table aesthetic is your pool cue.

Beginners might wonder, “What exactly is a pool cue?” or “What does my pool cue have to do with the game?” Today, we’re going to either educate you or reinforce your preexisting knowledge of pool accessories. We’ll be focusing on one of our favorite brands, McDermott, and how their cues are changing the pool-playing game.

Be sure to read this article in its entirety because we’ve got a fun activity at the end to test your cue comprehension and pool passion — after all, what’s Games For Fun without a fun game! If you’re racked and ready to go, let’s get to striking![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

What’s in a Stick?

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]In layman’s terms, a pool cue is the stick a person uses to hit the ball into the hole. These sticks are tapered and typically measure about 57–59 inches (about 1.5 m) in length and usually weigh between 16 and 21 ounces (450–600 g), with professionals gravitating toward a 19-ounce (540 g) average. But, enough about the mathematics. Let’s get into the game!

The reason a player’s cue stick is so important rests in the cue tip. In fact, some pool players have invested a lot of money toward customized cue sticks. A person should be able to run their hand all the way down the stick without feeling any abnormalities. And a legitimate high-quality brand cue stick should be almost flawless, with little to no change in smoothness between the tip, ferrule, shaft, and butt.

Regarding the tip of the cue stick, consider this: The tip of your cue stick is the only thing that makes contact with the cue ball. If you can’t make accurate and consistent contact with the cue ball using the cue tip, it’s almost as if you’re playing the game in vain. The type, density, and size of your tip can literally be the difference between a win and a loss.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Why We’re Lovin’ McDermott

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Since 1975, McDermott has consistently raised the industry standard for what billiard players expect from a high-quality pool cue. McDermott products use the latest technology, along with the finest materials in the world.

Quality. Craftsmanship is a fine art. McDermott utilizes a process that includes over 150 separate procedures in the construction of each cue. All shafts start from the finest kiln-dried, hand-selected North American Hard Rock maple and turned 11 times for stability. All forearms, handles, and sleeves are handcrafted from the finest and most exotic woods from around the world.

McDermott Cues come in three separate series: H-Series, G-Series, and Select Series. As we delve into McDermott series and product specifics, keep them in mind, as they will come in handy at the end of this article!

H-Series: The brand new H-Series is the first line of cues ever to feature the fully-adjustable Variable Balance Point (VBP) weight system. This breakthrough is made possible by the new patented technology that combines a full-length carbon fiber core with a rail, on which the weights can be repositioned forward or backward inside the cue. No other cue allows you to have this much control over both the weight and balance.

G-Series: McDermott G-Series cues are known for their quality construction, exotic woods, intricate inlays, and limitless customization options. That’s right, this series is equipped with limitless customization options! This means you have the ability to customize the color, wood, add engravings, and more.

Select Series: McDermott Select Series cues are equipped standard with i-Pro Slim or i-3 shafts for high performance at an affordable price. Really, there’s nothing more attractive than an affordable yet high-quality product.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

What’s Your Cue?

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]We’ve discussed the importance of cue sticks and the many options McDermott offers. Using 5 of some of McDermott’s recent products, let’s determine which cue best suits your personality. Your choice could be based on unique features, color, and other qualities!

The i-3. If you like to be in control and know how to finesse, this is for you. Designed for incredible spin and finesse, this shaft is engineered for those who have great control.

The G241. If you’re a classic at heart, but can appreciate some modern elements, this is for you. This has the benefits of advanced technology with a familiar feel as a result of the traditional maple shaft.

The G215. With metallic pink paint and 4 pink pearl inlays, this is for the spunky and bold. If you’re more on the calm and quiet side, beware!

The G502. If people describe you as liking the finer things in life and being adventurous, this is your cue… literally. This is designed with 24 pearl-notched diamond & dot inlays and a lizard-embossed leather strap.

The G407. For the people who like the details. Dark American cherry stain, brass, cocobolo wood, diamond inlays… in turquoise! If you like both look and functionality and aren’t afraid to express yourself, this is designed with you in mind.

Did you guess which cue is best suited for you? Or, maybe you realized the kind of person you are based on your cue of choice. Either way, we hope you learned something new about pull cues and have a newfound interest or reignited love for them just as we do! We also hope you developed a new appreciation for McDermott, their expertise, variety, and zeal for their products![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Where To Get McDermott

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Games For Fun is the largest McDermott pool cue supplier on the west coast! With the brand’s wide selection of cues for players of all levels (beginner, intermediate, and expert), there’s no reason why we wouldn’t like McDermott. And there’s no reason why you shouldn’t, either! With the amount of inventory we carry in our showroom, we don’t doubt you’ll be able to find every style of cue McDermott displays in their catalogs.

Stop by our showroom in San Bernardino to try out any McDermott cue style you like. Our team is happy to help you find the perfect cue for your game![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tags BEST CUES

Pool

How to Choose a Pool Cue

Post author By Games for Fun Crew
Post date March 10, 2020

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’re an experienced player, knowing how to choose a pool cuemeans more than just grabbing what is available on the stand. Each cue is different and will provide you with various benefits during your game.In this article, we’ll go over how to choose a pool cue and the various aspects of a cue to consider when making your selection.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

How to choose a pool cue and items to consider:

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Establish a budget: [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Pool cues come with a wide price range. So, it is necessary to consider how much you will use your cue, what you’ll use it for, and the amount of money you’re willing to spend on it. Plus, with a specific price in mind, you’ll be better able to narrow down your options. The material from which it’s made, its wrap, and the size are all factors that will affect the price of your pool cue. However, at Game’s For Fun, there is a pool cue fit for every player and budget so you can be sure to find one that’s right for you.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Length: [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The length of cues varies slightly, depending on the needs of the player. On average, most cues will be between 57 to 59 inches. A standard one-piece cue will be at 57 inches, while a two-piece cuewill be 58 inches. One-piece cues are great for keeping in the game room. If you travel with your cue, having a two-piece is much more convenient for storage. If you are below average height or need a cue that is suitable for children, the best option is either 36 inchesor 48 inches. And you’re above average height (6’ 5”) you might choose a cue that is 61 inches long.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Weight:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The weight of your cue corresponds with the length of your cue. If you are smaller or a junior player, a lighter cue will be much easier to maneuver. Pool cues typically weigh between 17 ounces to 21 ounces. However, most players prefer either 19 or 20-ounce cues. You must establish the correct cue weight for you, as this will affect your shot. So, be sure to try out your cue before purchasing. Check if the cue feels heavy in your back hand as most of the cue’s weight is in the butt end. This is a good indication that you should opt for a lighter cue. Keep in mind that if the cue is too heavy, you can risk lifting the tip of the cue, which will skew your aim. Nobody wants to scratch like that![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Cue Tip:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Having the proper tip on your cue can transform your pool game dramatically. We carry different sizes and materials to fit every type of cue. Be sure to get the correct tip for your cue, as there are a variety of installment types. Most of our cue tips come in four separate hardness levels: super soft, soft, medium, and hard. Hard cue tips will last longer than softer styles, but they create a more difficult ball spin. Deciding which type of cue tip to get will depend on how often you replace your tip. When the tip begins to wear, it will affect your play.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Choose a Comfortable Wrap:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The wrap is the part of the cue that you hold with your back hand and that with which you’ll have the most contact. So, you must make sure this is comfortable. Wraps might be made of linen, leather, or rubber, and some may not have a wrap at all. And these are not just for looks. Make sure to hold the cue in your hand and choose a wrap based on whichever feels best to you.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]One or Two-Piece Cue: [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]These two varieties of cues are designed for either at-home use or travel. If you believe that you will most often keep your cue at home, a one-piece cue should suffice for your needs. These are not made for travel, but they tend to be a bit cheaper and are your best option for home play. If you plan to travel and compete outside of your home, however, we recommend opting for a two-piece cue as these can be broken down into two pieces for easy transport. Plus, when the shaft begins to warp on a two-piece cue, you can easily replace this and retain the butt of the cue.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Don’t Forget to Take Practice Shots:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]While it is important to consider each of these aspects while selecting a pool cue, the most crucial step is to try out cues for yourself! After all, you can take all our advice, know what the pros say, and do plenty of research– but until you try out a cue for yourself, you won’t know which will best suit your playing needs. So, do not hesitate to come by our store and try out our wide selection of pool cues![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Knowing how to choose a pool cue is made easy with McDermott Pool Cues! Now available at Games For Fun:

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Whether you just picked up billiards as a hobby or you are an experienced veteran, we have hundreds of cues for every level of player. One of our best sellers here at Games For Fun, McDermott pool cues, is among the West coast’s top distributors. These are proudly made in the U.S.A. and are covered by a lifetime warranty. Our staff is happy to take you around our showroom in San Bernardino and show you all of the models we have available.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]McDermott manufactures and distributes some of the best pool cues and shafts in the world. As an American company, McDermott is known for its quality construction, exotic materials, and intricate inlays. These fantastic cues and shafts are for sale and are covered by a lifetime warranty against warpage and manufacturing defect here at Games For Fun.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We are proud to stock just about every cue in McDermott’s catalog. If you see a McDermott pool stick on our website, that means that it is in stock and will ship within one day! And if you’re looking for a custom pool cue, we will work with you to customize a pool cue to your exact specifications.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We hope that this article gave you better insight on how to choose a pool cue. And remember, no matter if you’re a new or experienced player, casual or professional, McDermott brand connoisseur or not, we’ve got you covered! Plus, keep in mind that at Games For Fun, choosing the best pool cue for yourself does not have to be an expensive endeavor. If you are just beginning to play pool, don’t worry about getting the best cue on the market. With our wide selection, you can choose from a variety of styles that can accommodate every level of player, starting at just $12.99. You can check out our entire selection online and at our showroom in San Bernardino. Stop by our store or reach out today and see for yourself all of the possibilities![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tags Pool, Pool Cue