Billiard Room Etiquette

Whether you are in your friend's basement, the local bar, pool hall, or an upscale billiard room, there's a code of behavior that you can follow that will make you a welcome and respected guest or customer.

1. Respect the equipment

Pool tables, billiard balls, and cues are not inexpensive toys. It is costly, specialized equipment that calls for professional handling and care.

• Don't lay the cue across your shoulders and wrap your arms around it. Did you ever wonder how all those warped cues got that way? When you're not shooting, hold the cue vertically.
  
  
• Don't turn the chalk upside down on the rails. It makes a mess and can even stain wood rails.
  
  
• If you smoke, don't bring your cigarette to the table. Cigarettes sitting on rails leave burn marks. Cigarettes in your mouth drop ashes onto the table. Not only does that make a mess, but a lit ash will burn the cloth.
  
  
• Don't bring drinks or food to the table. Food crumbs make a mess and spilled drinks can damage wood and cloth. Drinks on rails leave stains and could easily be knocked over onto the table bed.
  
  
• When racking, don't slide the rack all over the table. This puts extra wear on the cloth. You can lift the rack slightly off the table and still move the balls into position over the foot spot.
  
  
• Don't sit on the edge of the table to make a shot. A balanced table enhances the game, so why chance screwing it up? Use the mechanical bridge if you can't reach a shot from a standing position. Also, rivets from jean pockets can scratch a table's finish.
  
  
• Don't use hand powder, even if it is provided. It makes a big mess. A pool glove serves the same purpose, is clean, and you can take it with you wherever you play.

2. Respect other players

Pool is a competition, but it is also a social activity. The other players want the same opportunity you do to plan and execute shots without rude interruptions.

• Don't shark. If what you are doing would distract you while shooting, it probably distracts other players, too. Here are some common sharks. Avoid them!
  
  
  • Doing anything vocal while your opponent shoots (talking, coughing, clearing your throat, humming, whistling, etc.)
  • Making noise while your opponent shoots (dropping stuff, chewing loudly, cracking gum, tinkling ice cubes, tapping fingers, etc.)
  • Moving deliberately within the shooter's field of view (lighting a cigarette, chalking your cue, walking near the table, making sweeping hand or arm movements, etc.)
  • Standing at the table, especially behind the target pocket.
  
  
• Don't coach other players unless they ask for advice. Unsolicited coaching is also a shark.
  
  
• Don't turn lights on or off while someone is shooting.
  
  
• Don't criticize someone's game and don't make excuses for your own misses.
  
  
• Don't hustle.

3. Respect the room

It's nice to find things where you expect them to be in a pool room. It's also nice not to be greeted by trash and cigarettes littering the floors.

• When finished playing, return all equipment to where you got it. This includes cues, mechanical bridge, racks, balls, and chalk.
  
  
• If you smoke, use the ashtrays. Don't flick your ashes onto the floor or worse, throw your cigarette butt on the floor to step on it. Remember not to bring your cigarette to the table when it's your turn to shoot.