Ever spotted a Pool Table with no pockets and thought, “Wait, how do you even win?” The short answer: carom billiards tables have no pockets. Instead of potting balls, the goal is to score through clever collisions. This game is all about precision, strategy, and angles, and it’s far trickier than it first appears.
Most people are familiar with pool and snooker, both built around sinking balls into pockets. Pool tables typically have six pockets, while snooker tables are larger and more demanding, with tighter pockets. But then comes the carom billiards table, a surface with no pockets at all. Instead of chasing shots into holes, the game focuses on control, rebounds, and smart positioning.
If you’ve ever wondered what billiard table has no pockets, the answer is carom. The missing pockets aren’t a mistake; they’re deliberate. Without them, the game becomes a test of geometry and skill, forcing players to think several steps ahead. Imagine playing chess on felt, every move is about set-up and precision, not luck.
The objective is deceptively simple: your cue ball must hit both other balls in one shot. This is called a “carom” or “cannon.” Nail it, and you earn a point. Easy to say, tough to master. Think of it as threading a needle while the thread is rolling away, it takes focus, accuracy, and practice.
Carom keeps things minimal. Instead of juggling 15 balls like in pool, you only play with three: a red object ball, a white cue ball, and a yellow (or spotted white) cue ball for your opponent. With so few balls, mistakes stand out, every shot has consequences.
Straight Rail is the original and simplest version. You score by making your cue ball touch the two object balls in a single shot. It’s easy to explain but tricky in practice, especially when trying to keep control of the ball positions. Many French billiards rules were built from this classic format.
Balkline was introduced to stop players from scoring endlessly with repetitive shots in one corner. The table is split into zones, and players must score outside those lines. This rule change added excitement and pushed players to develop sharper strategy.
The king of all carom games is three-cushion billiards. To score, your cue ball has to touch at least three cushions before striking the second object ball. The level of creativity required makes it a fan favourite worldwide. Watching professionals pull off these shots is like watching magic, it’s breathtaking.
A carom billiards table is usually 10 feet by 5 feet, with a height of about 32 inches. That’s slightly larger than most pool tables, and the extra size adds to the challenge. You need to think bigger, plan longer shots, and be incredibly precise.
Top-level carom tables often come with heated slate. Why? It keeps the cloth dry, prevents slow rolls, and ensures balls glide smoothly. For professional players, this consistency is everything, even the smallest detail can affect a game.
Unlike pool, carom tables use a worsted wool cloth. It’s smooth, tight, and napless, giving balls maximum speed and reliable rebounds. This fast surface makes every shot more dramatic and every mistake more obvious.
It’s the most popular version of carom, where the cue ball must hit three cushions before connecting with the second object ball. It’s a true test of creativity, spin control, and calculation.
No, you can’t play regular pool on a pocketless table. Without pockets, there’s nowhere to pot balls. A carom table is designed exclusively for carom billiards games.
Carom billiards is massive in countries like France, Belgium, and Spain. In the UK, snooker takes the spotlight, but there’s still a niche community of players who love the precision and challenge of pocketless billiards.
Ever tried moving a sofa and thought it was heavy? Try a Luxury Pool Table, these beauties weigh anywhere from 600 to 1,200 kilogrammes. That’s more than a small car! Curious why they’re so heavy, what materials add the bulk,...
Ever tried moving a sofa and thought it was tough? Wait until you meet a Luxury Pool Table. Short answer: yes, they’re seriously heavy, and they cost anywhere from £5,000 to £50,000+. Their weight isn’t just for show; it’s a sign...
Ever spilled a drink mid-shot and thought, “Uh oh, my Pool Table’s seen better days”? Refelting a luxury pool table costs £250–£750, depending on size and felt quality. Stick around to learn why pros matter, which felts last longest, and...
Ever wondered if a Pool Table could cost more than your car, or even that kitchen remodel you keep putting off? Short answer: luxury pool tables range from £2,000 to over £50,000. Why such a leap in price? It all comes...
