Home >> Games & Cards >> Games

How to Set Up Pool Table Marks

Pool tables feature felt tops traditionally laid over slate to allow the balls to roll smoothly. This surface also provided enough friction that spin can be used to alter the path of the cue ball. A felt top that is scratched or torn must be replaced, and once the new felt is put in place, it will require re-marking with spots. Fortunately, the rails of pool tables are manufactured with dots that, in addition to helping players aim their shots, make it easy to properly place marks on a new layer of felt.

Things You'll Need

String
Scissors
Adhesive tape
2 pool table adhesive marks

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the second dot from the end on one long side of the pool table. Secure the string to the center of the dot with a piece of adhesive tape.
- 2
  Run the string across the table to the center of the second dot from the end on the opposite side of the table. Cut the string and secure the end in the center of the dot with a piece of adhesive tape.
- 3
  Repeat steps 2 and 3 at the other end of the table, securing string between the dots located second from the end along the long sides of the table.
- 4
  Cut and tape a piece of string to the center dot on one short edge of the table.
- 5
  Pass the string down the length of the table and cut and secure it with tape to the center dot on the edge at the other end of the pool table.
- 6
  Place an adhesive mark beneath the point where the long string intersects one of the two short strings at the end of the table where a player will line up a shot to break the racked balls. This mark, called a head spot, denotes the farthest point forward from which a break shot is allowed to be taken.
- 7
  Place an adhesive mark beneath the point the long string intersects the other short string. This mark, called a foot spot, denotes where the lead ball in a rack should be placed, as well as any balls removed from pockets due to a scratch.

Games