SECTION 1 EQUIPMENT

Measurements displayed in brackets state the metric equivalent to the nearest millimetre.

1. The Standard Table

(a) The Playing Area

The playing area is within the cushion faces and shall measure 11 ft 8½ in x 5 ft 10 in (3569 mm x 1778 mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/- ½ in (13 mm).

(b) Height

The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion rail shall be 2 ft 10 in (864 mm) with a tolerance of +/- ½ in (13 mm).

(c) Bottom Cushion and Top Cushion

The two shorter sides of the table are defined as the Bottom (also known as Baulk) and Top Cushions of the table. Where a cloth with a nap is fitted to the table, the smooth grain of the nap runs from the Bottom Cushion to the Top Cushion.

(d) Baulk-line and Baulk

A straight line drawn 29 in (737 mm) from the face of the Bottom Cushion, and parallel to it, running from side cushion to side cushion is called the Baulk-line. That line and the intervening space is termed Baulk.

(e) The "D"

The "D" is a semi-circle marked in Baulk with the centre of its straight section in the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11½ in (292 mm).

(f) Spots

Marked at each corner of the "D", viewed from the Baulk end, the one on the right is known as the Yellow Spot and the one on the left as the Green Spot.

Four spots are marked on the centre longitudinal line of the table:

  1. one in the middle of the Baulk-line, known as the Brown Spot;

  2. one located midway between the points perpendicularly below the faces of the Top and Bottom Cushions, known as the Blue Spot;

  3. one located midway between the Blue Spot and a point perpendicularly below the face of the Top Cushion, known as the Pink Spot; and

  4. one 12¾ in (324 mm) from a point perpendicularly below the face of the Top Cushion, known as the Black Spot.

(g) Pocket Openings

There shall be a pocket at each of the four corners of the table and one each at the middle of the longer sides.

2. Balls

  1. A set of balls comprises of 15 Red balls, and one each of the following coloured balls: Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Pink, Black and a White.

  2. The balls shall be of an approved composition and shall each have a diameter of 52.5 mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.05 mm.

  3. The balls shall be of equal weight where possible but the tolerance between the heaviest ball and the lightest ball in a set should be no more than 3 g.

  4. A ball or set of balls may be changed by agreement between the players or on a decision by the referee.

3. Cue

A cue shall be not less than 3 ft (914 mm) in length and shall show no change from the traditional tapered shape and form, with a tip, used to strike the cue-ball, secured to the thinner end.

4. Ancillary

Various cue rests, long cues, extensions and adaptors may be used by players. These may form part of the equipment normally found at the table but also include equipment introduced by either a player or the referee. All extensions, adaptors and other devices to aid cueing and/or sighting must have received prior approval from the relevant governing body.