Pool and Game Tables Originated From Croquet, Can That be True?

It is interesting at times to look at something that has been around for as long as we can remember, something we may not think of often, and discover its history. Today there are many different types of game tables on the market, but did you know that game tables originated from outdoor games that were played on the ground? And that game tables have been around for hundreds of years?

Now, the exact origination of table top games is unknown, but the first definite reference to a game table is in 1470, when French King Louis XI owned a variation of a pool table. Though where it originated is unknown, the top three possibilities are England, France and Persia, and the earliest table games were ancestors to modern billiards or pool. William Shakespeare’s play, Antony and Cleopatra (1606-1607), mentions this game with the line “let us to billiards.”

So how did it all get started? Believe it or not, a version of a game that is still enjoyed today at many family BBQ’s, croquet, is where it originated. Versions of croquet have been around for hundreds of years and were quite a popular form of entertainment. But it was seasonal. To play year round at court, the game was moved inside. Though we can only speculate, there was probably some member of a royal family that had a bad back, and all the bending over to knock the balls was not doing anyone a favor. The game was downsized and placed on a table. With the problem of the balls rolling off, it probably did not take long to add edges to the table, and then by the 1600’s rubber was added to the edges to protect the wood and give extra bounce to the balls. Thin, green (the color of grass!) cloth, usually felt or wool, was then added making a players shot more accurate, and, I imagine, it reduced the amount of random rolling that would occur on wood. In the early 1800’s, wood was replaced by slate, making the tables sturdier and smoother.

In croquet, the object was to shoot your ball through a series of hoops, and then knock a wicket at the end of the course. Many of the early game tables also had objects to knock a ball through, and some did not. In the second version the object was often to knock your players ball with the cue ball and then have it bounce off the side to strike another ball. This type of cue sports (called Carom billiards) are still around today and are played on billiard tables without pockets. But early on, it did not take long for holes to be added to the tables as a replacement to obstacles with a net under the hole to catch the ball. As a matter of fact, King Louis’ billiard table had one hole in the center. This evolved over the years to two holes, one at each end, and eventually into the six pocketed pool tables that are common today.

With the dawning of the innovative 20th century, many other types of game tables were invented. After all, if you can play croquet indoors on a table, what else? Well, hockey was brought indoors to a frictionless table surface in the early 1970’s, and air hockey was born.

When it comes to soccer, you can probably guess that it was first invented in England. In 1922, an avid fan wanted to provide an indoor game that replicated the sport he loved. Though there were similar table games to foosball as early as the 1890’s.

Table tennis also originated in England in the 1880’s. Upper-class Victorians, looking for after dinner amusement, would use everyday items to act as the equipment needed: books for a net, a cork for a ball and a cigar box lid as the racket. Ping Pong grew in popularity quite quickly. Within 20 years there were books written about the game, and the unofficial first world championship was held in 1902.

Today game tables are found in homes, clubs, schools, pubs and offices around the world, bringing hours of enjoyment and relaxation to millions of people. Some of the tidbits of history and trivia are fascinating and can explain some of the idiosyncrasies found in the different games (such as how snooker got its name). And though there is still a lot I do not know about many of these games, one thing I do know, I will never look at croquet the same way again!

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Outdoor Ping Pong Tables: Tips on Buying

If you’re new to buying ping pong or table tennis equipment, or maybe just new to the sport in general, choosing the right outdoor ping pong table can seem a bit confusing. Sure, you want something suited to you and your family’s needs and use, but also you’d probably like something that is resilient and built to last-especially if it’s primary purpose will be to endure the elements outdoors. Below, we have put together our best tips on buying an outdoor ping pong table to help you on your way.

Size

The size of an outdoor ping pong table really depends on whether or not you plan on moving it in and out of the outdoors. Some people choose to leave their ping pong table outside all year long and just make sure it’s covered. The ability to do so also depends on your climate-for example, if you get snow or not. Typically, however, the size of the ping pong table should be a standard size, perhaps a tad smaller and more lightweight for convenience.

Materials

The materials of an outdoor ping pong table is really “the guts” of buying the right table that will last your family and household a long, happy time. There are basically three different types of ping pong table surface material: metal, wood, or synthetic laminate. The better the quality and durability-naturally-the bigger the price tag. Do remember if you opt for wood, to ensure that the waterproofing is top of the line as well. It takes very little to warp untreated wood.

Waterproofing

Another aspect to consider if you choose on leaving the outdoor table outdoors most ir not all of the time, is whether or not the table surface, legs, and mechanisms are thoroughly waterproofed. If not, you will be basically sporting an indoor ping pong table outdoors, that will be ruined in no time. Though water-resistant is sometimes an option, it is recommended no matter how often your outdoor table will be outdoors-unless you live in an exclusively dry area of the world-that you opt for waterproof. All it takes is one thunderstorm or deluge to trash a water-resistant outdoor ping pong table.

Level of Play

Though most of the deterioration that sun, water, and elements can wreak on an outdoor ping pong table can be avoided by quality materials and waterproofing, an expert table tennis champion should have doubts of outdoor ping pong tables in general. If you are purchasing your new table for casual family or party play, then an outdoor ping pong table might be perfect for your uses; however, the table will over time warp due to sun and the elements. If you are a champion bent on bettering your game, the warping and general deterioration will limit and greatly inhibit your progress.

Cover No Matter What

No matter whether you have opted for the top of the line, high tech outdoor ping pong table for your home, or have settled upon a more modest table for casual use; if you plan on keeping your table outdoors-even minimally-you should always buy a quality, protective cover for the surface of your table. This will stretch out the life of your outdoor ping pong table, and maximize your investment with little trouble at all.