Types of Bumper Pool Tables

Bumper pool is a game similar to regular pool. Players use cues to try and hit their set of balls into the opposing pocket. A set of red balls and a set of white balls are used in the game. There are five balls of each color, and one ball on each side is marked as a cue ball. Bumpers are arranged in the center of the table and on either side of the pockets.

Slate vs. Wood

Bumper tables are less than half the size of pool tables. They are built in slate and non-slate editions. Slate tables come with a slate bed underneath the felt. Non-slate tables usually have a wood bed underneath the felt. Slate tables are more expensive and sturdier than non-slate tables.

Bumper Numbers

Standard bumper pool tables have 12 bumpers. However, there are versions with 14 and 16 bumpers per table. These bumpers can be used to bank balls into the pocket, but they can also be hard to get around.

Combination Game Tables

A combination game table is shaped like an octagon. It can be used as a poker table, bumper pool table and a dining table. These tables tend to be smaller than regular bumper pool tables and can be changed by switching the tabletop. This type of table is often harder to play on than a rectangular table because there are more sides for the ball to bank on.

Coin-Operated

Coin-operated bumper tables are the same size as standard, rectangular bumper tables but require coins to be played. However, unlike the standard tables, coin-operated bumper tables don't have open pockets from which balls can be retrieved. Rather, every time a ball gets pocketed it goes into the bowels of the machine, where it stays until more money is deposited for another game.