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Looking for a fun and exciting game to play in your own home, but
don’t have the floor space for a full size pool table?
Bumper pool game tables
are half the size of traditional pool tables, but the gameplay is
founded on the same basic principles. Bumper pool, however, provides
a truly unique and interesting challenge that will delight pool
sharks and pool hall novices alike.
A standard is octagonal bumper pool table
is in shape, though some tables are rectangular. The most apparent
difference between this and classic billiards are the bumpers themselves:
each table features 8 rubber bumpers, configured in a cross pattern
in the center of the table. Additionally, there is one goal or pocket
at either end of the table, with a rubber bumper on each side of
each hole. These bumpers make bumper pool such a challenging and
unique game: over the course of a match, each player attempts to
shoot his balls into the pocket, while navigating through or around
the bumpers.
Another noticeable departure from standard billiards is bumper pool’s
lack of a “cue” ball. Instead, all balls are shot directly
toward the pockets. Because the bumpers are set up to deter straight
shots, to be an effective bumper pool player one must master the
“bank shot,” using angles and side cushions to sink
balls with calculated precision.
This format presents a number of interesting strategies, as well.
A player is not allowed to shoot his opponent’s balls, but
a clever shot may knock an opponent’s ball out of position,
or position your own ball as a defensive obstacle. The defensive
aspect really sets bumper
pool game tables apart from billiards. If an opponent’s
ball is dangerously close to the pocket, use one of your balls to
knock it to the other side of the table. As games really get going,
the match turns into some hybrid of pool and shuffleboard, as you
try and sink your own balls while playing a cunning defensive game
to prevent your opponent from sinking any shots. Because of this
defensive aspect, it is always a good idea to keep at least one
ball on your side of the table, as a defense measure against your
opponent’s shots.
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