Mini/half sized tables

[Woppit]

I've posted this int tables section but willa sk here too in case more people look at this bit! Right here's my situation; i'm well into snooker but have never played, and as of now i'm rubbish even at pool (though making good progress). I need a lot of practice at the most basic of things and as i have some spare cash and a long uni-free summer ahead, i'm looking at buying a £150 mini-table from Argos. I know it's too small to play meaningful snooker on but i just want something to practice on at home really, and have a bit of fun with mates etc.

Has anyone any experience of them - my Dad is trying to put me off. He says they wobble etc - is this true?

Any advice much appreciated, cheers Sam

[LWB]

Well playing on these would be better than nothing, but I'd say quite far from the real thing. If you've got £150 I'd suggest buying your own cue if you haven't already, and getting in to a snooker club.

Yes you will be rubbish at snooker the first time you play, and you'll need a fair bit of practice and some words of wisdom to improve, but you have to start somewhere!

[RonnieJunior]

Starting on a small 6x3 table is fine - Hendry started on one just like it. If it's good enough for Hendry... And I'd take LWB's advice. If I were you I'd buy a second hand table from ebay for less than a 100 squid and the rest towards a new cue. Remember, the price of a cue doesn't really matter, as long as you like it. Good luck.

[Woppit]

Thanks for your replies boys that's very helpful. I'll see if i can find a mini table (to be honest i also want to get one anyway for fun matches with mates down the chuch hall) but regarding snooker clubs, i don't know anything about them, how do they work? How would I start playing being an utter novice?

Cheers, Sam

[RonnieJunior]

I use to go down the church to play pool with the BB every Friday - Ah, the days...

Most clubs work under an hourly system, where you pay at the end of your time. Price varies but you'd expect to pay 3 or 4 squid an hour - my mate plays with championship pockets on a table for 1.50/hour!! It's UNREAL (lucky git, Dave)

When you first go the club you buy a membership which is anywhere from around 5 squid upwards, and lasts you the year. Most do a day membership aswell though for a pound, where you just sign in the 'book'.

You usually get deals on too, so be on the lookout for posters or ask the barman/lady...
cheaper memberships at Xmas and tables lower priced before 6 o/clock.

If I were you I'd go in with a couple of your mates or your Dad like I did when I first went and ask about a STUDENT membership, and get a table and play for a few hours. The first time I went I remember thinking, "the table are huge!" lol.

Hope that helps!

Some let you on without having a membership (just say you're a member already )

RJ.