Poolautomaat

A poolautomaat, often referred to as a billiard table or pool table, is a piece of furniture used for playing cue sports such as billiards, pool, and snooker. These tables are characterized by a flat, smooth playing surface, typically made of slate or a composite material, which is then covered with a napped cloth, most commonly green felt. The playing surface is enclosed by cushions, known as rails, which are covered in the same cloth and are designed to bounce balls back into play.

The playing surface is marked with a set of lines and pockets. Pockets are usually found at each of the six corners and in the middle of each of the longer sides of the table. The size and configuration of the pockets and the table itself can vary depending on the specific game being played. For instance, pool tables typically have six pockets, while carom billiards tables have none.

Poolautomaat tables are designed to provide a precise and consistent playing experience. The flatness and smoothness of the surface are crucial for the accurate roll and trajectory of the balls. The cushions are engineered to have a specific rebound characteristic, influencing the angles and spin that players can achieve. The game is played with cue sticks, which are used to strike a cue ball, which in turn strikes other balls on the table. Poolautomaat are found in homes, bars, clubs, and dedicated billiard halls worldwide.