Table Games
Is pool not really your thing? Though billiards is one of the most popular table games you could play, it’s not the only option. In this section, we discuss a wealth of other table games and other pool games you can try out.
Snooker
If eight- or nine-ball doesn’t do it for you, why not try snooker? Snooker is played on a larger table than eight-ball, and the objective is to sink the balls in a particular order. There are 15 red balls and 6 balls of other colors. You alternate between sinking a red ball and then a colored ball, starting from the lowest value to the highest.
Bumper Pool
You could also try bumper pool, which is a pool game played on a smaller, octagonal table with bumper obstacles near the pockets and in the middle. The objective here is to sink your balls in the pockets on the other side of the table, using bank shots.
Ping Pong
Also known as table tennis, ping pong is really just a miniaturized version of tennis, with similar rules and a ping pong table divided by a net. In this game, a lightweight ball is hit back and forth to either side of the table by players with paddles. The winner is the first person to reach 11 points.
Arcade Games
For hardcore gamers with a taste for vintage video games, nothing beats having a full-sized, stand-up, coin-op arcade machine in your home for that air of authenticity. If you don’t want a stand-up machine, try to find the sit-down versions. The best thing is that you don’t have to wait for your turn or toss in endless quarters!
Pinball
If you’ve got an arcade game in your rec room, then you really ought to get a pinball machine to complement it. You can find pinball machines in almost any theme you can imagine, though many of them are based on popular movies, TV shows or other pop-culture characters.
Foosball Tables
A games room isn’t complete without a foosball table. Table-top soccer makes a great addition and breaks up the monotony of just playing pool. Add a dart board to a nearby wall and you’ve got the makings of a pub in your basement!
Air Hockey Tables
If you have the space, add an air hockey table for a fast-paced and exciting game. A thin coating of air is generated over the table surface via tiny holes, allowing the disc (puck) to just barely float. Players use plastic paddles to strike the disc across the table, attempting to score on their opponent.