Billiard games attract a variety of publics from around the world, who enjoy the exhilaration of calculating angles and estimating how many strikes it will take them to accomplish their winning goal. A billiard table will give endless hours of enjoyment. But beyond the basics of a table, balls and a cue, there are a host of accessories that can make the experience even more fun – and improve your game.

For the novice, billiards can be frustrating when you never sink a pot. But there are many training aids that can help. For example, practice cue balls marked with a target will help the beginner to aim, and to observe exactly where they’re striking the white. They also give valuable feedback, leading to quick improvement. Another useful purchase for those starting out is a stance mat, indicating where the feet should be positioned – the most important but most overlooked part of a player’s technique. Or, for a more hi-tech solution, how about adding a laser beam to your cue! A simple attachment onto the shaft, this will project a straight red line, indicating the exact point being hit on the target ball. You’ll never miss again.

The more experienced player has different needs, and first on the list is a superior cue. Cue sticks vary in many ways – their length, the type of wood or other material used for the shaft, the shape and type of tip, and the weight of the butt being just some parameters – and each player has their own preferences. One thing’s for sure, though, which is that it can make all the difference to your game. Luckily, there are thousands to choose from, to find the one that has that elusive “feel”.

A good cue is no good if the balls are poor. Cheap balls chip and mark easily, leading to poor contacts and jumps, which will wreak havoc with your shots. It will also quickly wear away the cloth. Bad balls can be less than perfectly round, meaning that they do not run true, and can pick up static from the table, slowing them down. They can also be the wrong weight, meaning an unrealistic run, and give problems controlling the cue-ball. In short, a high-quality set of balls can transform your play overnight.

Of course, whatever your standard, there are a few accessories that every pool room should have. A plentiful supply of good chalk is a must – a couple of cubes per player is a good guide. A small cue-stick, for awkward and restricted shots, will make life a lot easier. A scoring rack will help you keep track of who’s winning, and make your play more fun. And you will be surprised at how an overhead hanging light will dramatically improve visibility – and lead to better shots. Then there are a couple of maintenance necessities. A brush will keep the surface of your table clear of bobbles, lint and other debris that can disturb the run of balls. A cover, meanwhile – which can be obtained in all sorts of colors, patterns, and materials – will keep the cloth new and free of dust, saving money in the long term.