Shake up the rules of Standard Pool with Bumper Pool Tables

So have you heard of a freakier version of pool for the whole family - bumper pool tables? A lot of information and facts are known to people regarding the usual game of pool or billiards, but most of us haven't played bumper pool and are keen to know how to play.

Bumper pool rules are different than the usual 8 or 9 ball game of pool, the difference being the shape and size of the bumper pool tables is quite unique.

How are Bumper Pool Tables Different to Normal Pool?

As the name suggests, bumpers act as the obstacles while the players try to pot their respective balls. Bumper pool tables that have eight sides can be used for various other games like poker which makes them not only portable but very versatile.

Advantages of having a bumper pool table is that they are very inexpensive comparatively to your flash slate billiards table, and they don't occupy much of your precioous living room space. Master the bumper pool table by having the best defence, technique and strategy with the ideal bumper pool ball placement to snag your unsuspecting opponent!

When we look at the basic dimensions of a bumper pool table, you'll find they are 1.37 metre (54 inches) by 0.76metre (30 inches). Bumper pool tables are usually of rectangular or octagonal shape. The bumper pool table is smaller than normal pool tables and will fit easily into most rooms.

The Table Specs

A major difference is that there are only two pockets positioned at the center of the rails, opposite each other. Bumper pool tables have bumpers placed on it, usually 12 but in some cases 14-16 bumpers are also present. The pockets of bumper pool tables are covered by two bumpers on their edges. The rest of the bumpers are positioned at the table's center in the shape of a cross and one line of the cross point towards the pots. There are five balls for each bumper pool player. The Bumper pool game is played by either 2 players or 4 and can make for a fun night with a few drinks involved!

In the game of Bumper pool, out of the 5 balls, 2 are on the left of the bumper and 2 are on the right side. The one in front of the pot is known as marked ball. Both the players shoot their respective marked balls by banking the marked bumper pool ball on the rail to their right and try to pot it. If either one pots the ball on their pool tables, that player has the chance to pot the remaining balls till the chanced is not missed. If both the players pot their marked balls, then the procedure follows again and the players have to shoot simultaneously again on their bumper pool table, making it different to your general game of billiards.

Master the Art of Bumper Pool

If you want succeed in bumper pool and become the bumper master you must have all the necessary tricks up your sleeve as to where to place the ball in order to have the necessary defence. Octagonal bumper pool tables provide more ease to the players than the rectangular bumper pool tables and many say are more fun. This game is fast paced and do not require as much of a precision based cue skill as required in the normal game of pool, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

Bumper pool tables unlike billiard tables don’t have a cue ball which again makes it unique. If you pot your opponents pot, it's good night nursey and you'll lose the game. All good fun, and a refreshing game from the usual pool game.