Most people are familiar with pool in some way, shape, or form. Those who have never actually touched a pool cue have probably seen movies about pool, like The Hustler, The Color of Money, or Poolhall Junkies. But, these days, when people hear the words Bumper Pool, most are at a loss. Which is unfortunate because bumper pool is a very fun game. So fun it can be addictive. So, with this article, I’ll tell you all about the wonderful game of bumper pool, answering any questions you may have. Let’s start with the basics.
Is Bumper Pool Any Fun?
Is Bumper Pool Any Fun?
I’ve already shown my hand on this question. Of course, “fun” is a relative term. But, anyone who enjoys playing any kind of billiard game will love Bumper Pool. And, even people who have never played a billiard game in their life can pick up on Bumper Pool easily.
What is Bumper Pool?
The fact is that bumper pool has very few rules to get your head around. It’s unlike most other billiard games in this way. Plus, the tables are significantly smaller than other pool tables, so they’re ideal for those who don’t have enough room for a big table but still want to play a fun billiard game.
Bumper Pool Equipment
But, I’m getting ahead of myself. First, let’s talk about what bumper pool is.
Bumper Pool Balls
What is Bumper Pool?
Other Equipment
Bumper pool is a unique game played on a rectangular or octagonal table with two pockets, one on each end of the table. The tables, no matter their shape, have a cross section of bumpers in the middle of the table, creating obstacles between the pockets, essentially making straight shots impossible.
Chalk
There are also two bumpers flanking each pocket on the table. Depending on the table, the number of bumpers ranges from 12 up to 16. Bigger tables means more bumpers in the middle — there’s always only two bumpers flanking each of the pockets.
Brush
It can be played with two players one-on-one or four players in teams of two. It’s suitable for ages 12 and up, although with a little help younger kids can play, too.
Setup
Like all billiard games, bumper pool’s roots can be traced back to around the 15th century, when lawn games were moved indoors and onto tables. Most people attribute bumper pool to croquet, which has similar rules and objectives. However, there’s no real consensus on when bumper pool in its modern form was actually invented.
Starting the Game
Bumper pool gained popularity in the middle of the 20th century when pool table manufacturer Valley began making them and selling them to bar owners and homeowners. It continued to be popular right through the 70s and 80s before losing steam in the and 90s.
Continuing Play
These days, it’s pretty rare that you see a bumper pool table in a bar. But, they’re definitely still being made and many people enjoy a good game of bumper pool daily. I doubt that bumper pool will ever really disappear, despite the fact that you won’t see any bumper pool competitions showing on ESPN 2 like other pool games.
Bumper Pool Rules
Bumper Pool Equipment
Jumping
As you’ve no doubt surmised by now, you can’t play bumper pool on a regular pool table (unless you’re willing to drastically alter that table — but please don’t). You need a bumper pool table to play the game. And there are differences in number and style of balls as well as the length of the cues. But, let’s start with the tables.
Multiple Balls in Play
Compared to other pool tables, bumper pool tables aren’t big. But, they come in different shapes, which gives you different overall sizes. You can get a rectangular or an octagonal bumper pool table. No matter which style you go for, the basic rules are the same. Each table presents different challenges, and there’s not really a best choice between the two. Either way, the game is a blast.
Knocking Your Opponent’s Ball
The standard size for a rectangular bumper pool table is 41.5” wide x 57.5” long x 32” tall. You can find them bigger or smaller, but this is generally the best size for home use.
Setting Up Shots
The standard size for a octagonal bumper pool table is 48” wide x 48” wide x 30” tall. These tables are not as long as rectangular tables, but they’re also wider.
Beware the Middle of the Bumpers
Most standard tables have a total of 8 bumpers in the middle of the table in a cross formation, along with 2 bumpers on each side. You can also find larger tables with more bumpers in the middle if you look hard enough.
Bumper Pool Balls
Bumper pool is played with ten balls total – 5 red and 5 white. One red ball and one white ball are each marked with a spot to signify the starting ball for each player. This will make more sense when we go over the rules below.
Worth checking out: If you’re shopping for a solid home table, take a look at the Barrington Billiards 7.5ft Table on Amazon.
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For more on this topic, check out snooker vs pool, is snooker harder, snooker cues for pool, history of billiards, and billiard game types.
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