Competition billiards is much more than just a game table. Whether you are a passionate player, a club member, or a tournament organizer, choosing the right model is essential for an optimal playing experience. Dimensions, discipline type, playing space, accessories… so many criteria to consider before making your decision.
In this buying guide, we help you choose the competition billiard table that suits your needs, with expert advice and the know-how of Billards Toulet.
Choosing your billiard table according to the discipline
Each type of competition billiards follows precise rules and standards.
English Pool
- Table with pockets (85 mm opening)
- Official size: 2.10 m
- 16 yellow and red balls, 50.8 mm
- Fast and friendly game, very popular in competition
American Pool
- Table with pockets (115 mm opening)
- 15 numbered balls, 57 mm
- Official size: 2.80 m
- Dynamic game, perfect for fast and spectacular competitions
French Billiards (Carom)
- Table without pockets
- 3 balls, 61.5 mm
- Official size: 2.80 m or 3.10 m
- For purists who love precision and strategy
- Ideal for artistic billiards
Snooker
- Table with pockets (90 mm opening)
- Official size: 3.80 m
- 22 balls, 52.4 mm
- Technical discipline requiring precision and endurance
- Mainly for enthusiasts and clubs with large spaces
Technical criteria to consider when buying a competition billiard table
Space around the billiard table
To properly install a competition billiard table, it is recommended to allow for a clearance of 120 to 140 cm around the table. This distance corresponds to the space needed for cue movement. When planning, consider elements that might obstruct play: fireplaces, bulky furniture, walls. In such cases, it is always possible to work around the problem by using shorter cues of 110 cm or even 100 cm.
Materials used
Each discipline requires specific adaptations: cloth, pockets, cushions. For each competition billiard table, Toulet selects quality materials. For example, depending on the game mode, several cloth brands are available: Iwan Simonis, Strachan or Hainsworth.
The cushion profile also varies depending on the type of game:
- “L”-shaped cushions: English billiards and snooker
- Triangular cushions: American pool
- Quadrangular cushions: French billiards
All Toulet cushions are made of natural rubber for perfect rebound.
The slate, the best material to ensure perfect flatness, can be monoblock 19 mm, or three pieces of 30 mm, 50 mm or 60 mm depending on the dimensions.
The importance of customization
A competition billiard table should also reflect your style and adapt to your interior:
- Table colors
- Cloth colors
- Pockets
- Added markers
- Customized leg shapes depending on the model
At Toulet, each model is tailor-made to combine performance and aesthetics.
Essential accessories for competition
A competition billiard table is not limited to the table itself: to enjoy an optimal and regulation-compliant playing experience, it must be complemented with the right accessories. A billiard table is nothing without the proper equipment, which ensures comfort, precision, and durability.
- Regulation ball sets according to the discipline: French, American, snooker, or pool.
- Billiard cues: chosen according to the level of practice and style of play.
- Cue racks: to store cues and balls elegantly and practically.
- Lighting: essential for perfect and even visibility of the playing surface.
- Protective covers: to protect the table from dust, humidity, and wear.
Choosing a tournament billiard table requires clearly identifying the discipline, the room size, and the expected level of performance. This competition billiard buying guide covers the key topics. Thanks to our know-how and expertise, we support you in your project and offer tailor-made models that comply with official standards.
Discover our range of competition billiard tables now and request a personalized quote from our advisors.