In general, shuffleboard tables are long and narrow. The average height of a table is 30” and width of the playing surface is 20”.

But the lengths on quality tables vary widely, from 9 foot recreational tables to the official tournament size of 22 feet.

The right shuffleboard table size therefore depends on a few factors, including available space, budget, and desired playing style.

In this post we’ll look at the main shuffleboard length categories and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Small Recreational Tables: 9 to 12 Feet

On Sale

Atomic 9’ Platinum Shuffleboard Table with Poly-coated Playing Surface for Smooth, Fast Puck Action and Pedestal Legs with Levelers for Optimum Stability and Level Play

$699.99 −$122.50 $577.49

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If you have limited space the best options to consider are 9’ and 12’ shuffleboard tables. These tables are perfect for tight spaces in homes or apartments.

They also work well for bars or venues that want to add multiple tables into a single space.

Shuffleboard tables in the 9 – 12 foot range include budget friendly options.

These are entry-level tables that will make a great addition to any game room and allow for hours of full fledged shuffleboard matches.

Budget friendly tables in the 9 – 12 foot range typically include composite materials and allow for quick assembly.

One example of an entry-level and all around fun table is the Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard table (affiliate link).

This is a perfect entry level shuffleboard table.

Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table

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You still get a thick hardwood playing surface, coated in polyurethane, with a stable set up and the 1-2-3 traditional scoring design of standard shuffleboard tables.

With sturdy legs and durable construction, this table will work well for kids or adults.

Another budget-friendly option in the 9 – 12-foot range is the Hathaway Challenger Shuffleboard (affiliate link) table with dark cherry finish.

This table has a urethane finished playing surface and built-in storage cabinets.

Both tables above include butcher block playing surfaces, carpet lined gutters and plenty of stability for most players.

But there are plenty of high-end, high-priced options in this category as well. That’s because the length is only one factor in shuffleboard construction.

The rest of the equation comes down the quality of materials, craftsmanship and added features.

Just take a look at the Oxford from McClure Shuffleboard Tables.

This table is handmade to order and features hard rock maple construction with climatic adjusters. It also retails for over $8,000.

Note: Climatic adjusters keep the table level with micro-adjustments in addition to standard leg levelers

Keep in mind that playing on a 9 – 12 foot table is different than playing on a full length table. If this is the size you have in mind, the style of play will need to be slightly more delicate and precise.

Plus, you will need to use the right kind of shuffleboard powder or wax.

Specifically, this shuffleboard table size range requires a controlled blend of shuffleboard powder, rather than the high silicon content speed blends.

Bottom line, whether you want to add an affordable entry-level shuffleboard table to your game room or a handcrafted showpiece, there are plenty of great options in the 9 – 12 foot range.

Note: The actual playing surface of a shuffleboard table is about 16” less than the length of the cabinet.

Medium Length Shuffleboard Tables: 14 – 16 Feet

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Playcraft Woodbridge 14' Espresso Shuffleboard Table

$1,995.00 −$246.00 $1,749.00

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The mid size range for shuffleboard tables is from 14 to 16 feet in length.

These tables are better for serious players or homeowners who expect a lot of use but still have some space restrictions.

Shuffleboard tables in this size range are still plenty long, though, and will certainly give you the feel of playing on a full sized table.

A beautiful medium length shuffleboard table can really make a room.

Also, with tables like this you can use faster waxes and have a little more room for creative shots.

Of course these tables are considerably heavier, require more space and take longer to assemble.

But you also take a step up in quality and cost with tables in the 14 – 16 foot range.

For instance, a 16 foot shuffleboard table like the Venture Ambassador is a premium quality build with all the features you would expect from a high-end shuffleboard table manufacturer.

The Ambassador is still only 16 feet.

That saves you 6 feet compared to a full length table but with all the benchmarks of a top end table that will suit the needs of novice to highly skilled shuffleboard players.

A medium length shuffleboard table is usually the perfect addition to a bar or open game room space.

Full Length Shuffleboard Tables: 18 – 22 Feet

On Sale

Playcraft Telluride Espresso 22’ Shuffleboard Table

$7,050.00 −$378.49 $6,671.51

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The next level up are tables in the 18 to 22-foot range.

The official length for shuffleboard tournaments is 22 feet. But an 18 foot table is going to feel pretty long for most of us.

If you are able to accommodate (or afford) a table in this size bracket, then you will be adding a truly unique piece to your room, whether at home or in the bar.

You need a lot of space for a full length shuffleboard table. How about right in the kitchen?

These tables are showpieces, with fine features, high-quality hardwoods, well-made structural components and plush finishes.

You really can test your skills on a full length shuffleboard table. And you’ll need to make sure you use the right kind speed wax to reach the other end.

If you’re interested in a full length table, keep in mind that these tables may weigh several hundred pounds and require 4 or more people to install and assemble.

They come in several pieces and are shipped in multiple containers.

As you can see, there is a big difference between a 9 foot table and a 22 foot shuffleboard table.

With so many options within that range, hopefully you can find the best table for your space.

Once you do, you’ll have no shortage of guests at your home or bar.

The post What to Know About Shuffleboard Table Sizes appeared first on Bar Games 101.

However, as with many other popular bar games, table shuffleboard started from humble beginnings and has a history that dates back to the 1500s.

Although the game has evolved and become more serious over the years, the core elements that defined it have remained the same.

Today, the social game brings people together and is played by people of all ages. Some ardent players organize tournaments from time to time, introducing minor changes to add an extra challenge.

In this post, we’ll discuss the interesting history of table shuffleboard, starting with a basic overview of the game.

An overview of the game

To play table shuffleboard, you need an official shuffleboard table that measures 22 and 20 feet in length and width respectively. You can also choose to use unofficial tables with different dimensions.

However, the table must have a smooth-finish and stand about waist-high.

One end of the shuffleboard table is divided into three sections, with markings to designate a scoring area.

The sides and ends of the table also have alleys, making the surface similar to a bowling alley lane and gutters.

Players have to push a colored puck down the long and smooth table towards the scoring area on the opposite end.

The shooting is done with the hand directly, with each player trying to get their puck into the scoring area while pushing their opponent’s into the alley. Players also have to keep their pucks from falling into the alley.

For a complete overview of the game, check out our complete guide on how to play shuffleboard.

Back in the 15th century, the locals in England played a game of sliding a large coin, known as a “groat,” down a table. This game was called slide-groat or shove-groat.

Later, when the large coin was replaced with a silver one, the name of the game changed to shovel-penny or shove-penny. This activity was a favorite way to pass time in the great country houses of Staffordshire, Winchester and Wiltshire:

Among the domestic pastimes, playing at shovelboard claims a principal place. In former times the residences of the nobility, or the mansions of the opulent, were not thought to be complete without a shovelboard table; and this fashionable piece of furniture was usually stationed in the great hall.

From “The Sports and Pastimes of the People of England, 1854“

Shuffleboard matches were also played by English settlers in many of the colonies. In fact, the game was well-liked by English soldiers and colonists alike.

English settlers also brought knowledge of the simple, fun and competitive game to America.

The love of the game was not limited to the upper class, with history revealing that shuffleboard was popular among the peasantry as well.

Gambling on the game was also commonplace. Royal Privy Expenses show that King Henry the VIII lost 9 pounds to Lord William in 1532.

While the king could play table shuffleboard whenever he pleased, he banned soldiers and commoners from doing the same on the grounds that the activity was too distracting.

The King pointed out that the game prevented soldiers from concentrating on their training.

However, instead of curtailing the game, this move propelled shuffleboard to greater fame and popularity. It was finally time for the game to make its way from the parlors where royalty played to the taverns and pubs where commoners gathered.

Shuffleboard Comes to America

When English settlers introduced shuffleboard in the United States, the game gained popularity in bars along the East Coast.

Rather than enjoying the classy reputation it had in England, religious people regarded it as an activity in which sinners were engaged.

Actually, Arthur Miller wrote about the game in less favorable light in his play “The Crucible.”

However, the mention of the game created a written record to show that by 1692, table shuffleboard had been introduced into the New World.

As the years passed, the game grew in both fame and popularity, making its way into the public scene in many ways.

In 1848, a case came up for trial in New Hanover, Pennsylvania. The case of “The State v. John Bishop” sought to establish whether shuffleboard was a game of chance or one of skill.

The outcome of the case was to have a major impact, primarily making a determination whether or not it could be played at bars that did not have gambling licenses.

After considering the facts, the judge ruled that the game was not a game of chance but rather one of skill. The ruling was music to the ears of a tavern owner who had been charged for operating a public gaming table.

In a clear departure from its crude beginnings, the game developed in a remarkable way when American cabinetmakers like Hepplewhite and Duncan Phyfe made finer inlaid cabinet work on shuffleboards.

These tables were meant for wealthy homes in the city of New York.

By 1897, metropolitan newspapers in New York City were giving table shuffleboard as much publicity as baseball and prizefighting.

There were highly publicized tournaments featuring top players, with hordes of faithful fans following players to watch tournaments in New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia and other places.

The fan base included prominent personalities drawn from the business, political and theatrical circles. Table shuffleboard continued to spread across the country.

On the West coast, for example, Jim Corbett, an ardent shuffleboard player, requested a tavern owner by the name Croll to fix a table in his California pub in 1904. Croll’s son would later claim that this was the first table in that part of the country.

Prohibition and Subsequent Revival

During the 1920s, the game was prohibited. This move saw many taverns and saloons closing down and shuffleboard tables gathering dust.

When the Great Depression came, several taverns and restaurants replaced dining tables with shuffleboard tables in an effort to attract customers. Although most people did not afford to eat out, they flooded the bars to play a game of shuffleboard.

As much as these were turbulent economic times, the period led to the growth of the game. In fact, these are the years during which many shuffleboard leagues were formed.

World War Two further contributed to the development and spread of the game. The availability of the activity to strong and disabled, old and young as well as the skill, competitiveness, diversity, fun and seriousness of the game brought a most necessary release during the stormy period.

Troops that passed through seaports along the East Coast would stop by taverns and clubs to play shuffleboard. As they headed home after the war, the troops took the game with them, helping to spread it to different parts of the country.

Shuffleboard in Hollywood

With time, Hollywood took up the game, mainly for purposes of publicity. However, several Hollywood celebrities got to like the game, with a number of them acquiring their own shuffleboards.

The 1950s presented a period of what was perhaps shuffleboard’s astronomical growth. Majority of shuffleboard manufacturers started sponsoring tournaments, making the tournaments bigger than ever. One of these tournaments attracted total of 576 teams.

Tough Times

The 60s and 70s were a challenging time for the game. There was increasingly aggressive competition among the main manufacturers and suppliers.

Other challenges included difficulty in getting sponsorship for the sport, lack of standard rules and organization and internal discord across the game.

During this period, table shuffleboard did not attract a younger crowd, with people in this age group turning to television and other activities for entertainment.

While some people were afraid that the game was on its death bed, there are those who committed their time, talents and efforts to revive the sport they loved.

By the mid-80s, the dedication began to bear fruit, with the sport coming back to life and similar efforts being seen in the 90s.

The Future of Shuffleboard

Although communication, cooperation and organization had played a central role in reviving the game, the world of Shuffleboard has woken up to the realization that new young shooters will play an even more important role in the continuity of the game.

In different cities and towns around the nation today, established shooters have made it their priority to develop the talents of novice players and nurture their eagerness and passion to participate in leagues and tournaments.

Provided this remains a priority, there is no doubt that shuffleboard will be on the growth path.

National Shuffleboard Hall of Fame

The NSHF remains committed to recognizing excellence for everyone in The World of Shuffleboard who deserves it.

There have also been keen efforts to finance and build a place to preserve the history of the game so that future generations will have accurate knowledge and appreciate the rich history of table shuffleboard.

To this date, a total of 12 people have been inducted into the National hall of Fame, with a good number undergoing the nomination process currently. Those in The Hall of Fame are PeeWee Ramos, Billy Chiles, Bob Miles, Glen Davidson, Bill Melton, Sol Lipkin, Mickey Mickens, Earl Kelly, Denny Busch and Jim Foran.

Table shuffleboard is not only a fun and challenging game but also one with an interesting history.

From the palaces of England in the 1500s to bars across countries, the game has been a source of entertainment and enjoyment for hundreds of players and fans. Table shuffleboard has grown in leaps and bounds to become available in bars, gaming facilities and stores that have these tables installed.

Today, you can get a fine, handcrafted table and have the same fun in your own home.

The post A History of Table Shuffleboard appeared first on Bar Games 101.

We’ve stated this before: Shuffleboard is one of the best bar games going.

Once you know how to play shuffleboard and have played a few times, you will understand why.

Now that more people are discovering shuffleboard in bars, it is also becoming popular as the ideal game table for the home or office.

Luckily, there are plenty of affordable shuffleboard tables on the market today. And many of the production tables are reasonably priced and of decent quality.

But if you’re looking to add more than just a standard game table, and truly appreciate how quality construction and attention to detail can enhance the game, you might want to learn more about a handmade or custom shuffleboard table.

Here, we’ll look at three examples of beautiful handmade shuffleboard tables to whet your appetite.

In my opinion, these shuffleboard tables would be the centerpiece in any modern-day game room.

And each table featured below represents a different design aesthetic: vintage mid-century modern, rustic elegance, and modern architectural design using reclaimed materials.

Plus, these tables are all hand built in the USA.

Common Features of Handmade Custom Shuffleboard Tables

Before looking at the individual tables, here’s a quick overview of some of the features these tables have in common.

Aesthetically, these tables are all beautiful. But it’s the materials and construction that make them special.

Materials

Unlike mass produced game tables made from composite materials, handmade shuffleboard tables manufacturers use solid materials like wood and steel.

Common types of wood for the cradle of the table include oak and walnut, while the playing surface is commonly made from hard maple. The base and rails are often constructed from steel or solid wood.

You may also find genuine leather lining the gutters and protecting the rails, along with unique finishes like specialty polymer coatings on the playing surface.

Customization 

Most handmade tables are also made to order and customized with logos, different colors, and specific lengths to accommodate players looking for home, office or official tournament play.

Price Point

Finally, as you might expect, a high quality handmade shuffleboard table comes with a hefty price tag.

If you’re looking for something of this caliber, be ready to spend from $6,000 – $10,000 as a starting point.

Now let’s look at three examples of beautiful and high performance handmade shuffleboard tables.

Three Examples of Beautiful Handmade Shuffleboard Tables

1. Kush Gadsby

Kush Shuffleboards are handcrafted in Chattanooga, TN.

The Gadsby is a beautiful handmade shuffleboard table with a vintage mid-century modern design.

The playing field of the Gadsby features Appalachian Maple wood stained dark red and lined with brass colored vinyl.

The cradle is made from black walnut. The middle section of the cradle is wrapped in diamond pleated white leather to add to that mid-century aesthetic,

With a steel base and brass coated steel rails, this table has a lot of style and plenty of durability.

The Gadsby comes in several lengths, ranging from 9.9 feet to 16.9 feet.

The height of the table 33 inches, with a standard 20 inch playing surface. The full width of the table is 29 inches.

The Gadsby includes added features like an abacus scorer and genuine leather. You can further customize this shuffleboard table with a logo and other enhancements.

This shuffleboard table starts at $9,950.00.

2. Hudson Sedona Limited

The Hudson Sedona Limited is a rustic looking shuffleboard table made from high quality materials. As you’ll see, there is a lot of craftsmanship going on here.

The legs and cradle of the Sedona are constructed from solid white oak. And the wood is hand distressed to give it that rustic look. The interior of the table is covered in genuine leather.

The Sedona Ltd also features a hard rock maple playing surface finished with a proprietary polymer coating for extra smooth gliding and added durability.

The Sedona is available in several lengths, from a rec-room or apartment friendly 9 feet, to the full 22’ tournament size. The maple playing surface is a standard 20 inches. The total width is 33” with cradle.

This table includes nice accessories like leg levelers and climate adjusters. Customization options include length, adding your own logo and selecting your leather color of choice.

The Sedona starts at $9,200.00. There is a 5 – 6-week lead time, as these tables are each made to order.

Find the Hudson Sedona on sale in all lengths from The Shuffleboard Federation.

3. District Mills A-Frame

This is a beautiful shuffleboard table made by District Mills, a fabrication shop based in Los Angeles that uses reclaimed wood and other salvaged materials to produce game tables, skateboard decks and much more.

The A-frame is made from reclaimed oak, although it is also available in walnut. The woods are salvaged from things like old train cars and barns. The A shaped legs are constructed from high strength steel that is spray-coated black for a sleek industrial appearance.

This handcrafted shuffleboard table is available in several lengths, including 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 20, and tournament size 22’.

As a nice added feature, the table legs are threaded to make them adjustable for different surfaces.

This table is 28” wide and 30” high. You can order the A-Frame with fixed or removable legs.

The price starts at $5,725 for the shortest option and up to $14,925.00 for a full length table with customization and walnut construction.

There is an 8-week lead time for this handmade shuffleboard table.

The post Handmade Shuffleboard Tables: Beautiful Craftsmanship in Action appeared first on Bar Games 101.

It’s really the perfect bar game. Yet shuffleboard is still much less common than games like pool and darts.

Don’t get me wrong. I love pool and darts too. But I always get particularly excited when I discover a pub with a shuffleboard table.

Luckily, shuffleboard is gaining popularity as a bar game. And a growing number of bars across the U.S. now feature beautiful full-length or recreational size tables for their patrons.

You just need to know where to look.

To get you started, we’ve cobbled together a list of 11 Awesome Bars with Shuffleboard Tables.

This is a short list, and we’re just scratching the surface here. But whether you’re looking for the gastropub or dive bar experience, there’s something in this list for everyone.

Want to learn how to play shuffleboard? Check out our complete guide!

1. The Dram Shop – Brooklyn

The Dram Shop in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn is a Texas-inspired gastropub with a nice beer selection, plenty of bourbon and whiskey offerings, and a satisfying bar menu featuring sandwiches, house fried tortilla chips and their famous double-patty burger. They also have the essential bar games, including shuffleboard, pool and darts.

Check it out:

The Dram Shop
339 9^th Street
Between 5^th and 6^th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
http://www.dramshopbrooklyn.com/

2. The Brass Union – Boston

The Brass Union is a fun watering hole located northwest of Boston in Somerville. They pour a nice variety of strong cocktails and offer several of your favorite bar games. Of course, we’re featuring it because of the beautiful shuffleboard table, but you can pass the time playing other games like Jenga and Rock’em Sock’em robots too.

Check it out:

The Brass Union
70 Union Square
Somerville, MA
brassunion.com

3. Ballard Station – Seattle

The Ballard Station is a cool Seattle pub with a nice selection of beers on tap and an assortment of creative Northwest-inspired cocktails. The train themed interior features exposed brick, raw wood, and railroad crossing signs, making it the perfect place to spend some time playing your favorite bar games like darts and shuffleboard.

Check it out:

Ballard Station
2236 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
http://theballardstation.com/

Barrington Billiards 9' Allendale Shuffleboard Table With Scratch-Resistant Playfield and 8 Puck Set

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4. The Twisted Tail – Philadelphia

The Twisted Tail is a southern inspired gastro pub and juke joint with an eclectic mix of whiskeys on the menu. They also have a charcoal grill for some high-quality gastro pub food. This is a perfect place to work up an appetite with a few rounds of shuffleboard.

Check it out:

The Twisted Tail
509 South 2^nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
http://thetwistedtail.com

5. The Golden Gate Taproom – San Francisco

The Golden Gate Taproom is a bar gamer’s paradise, offering two regulation shuffleboard tables, three skee-ball games, two foosball tables, new and vintage arcade games, and pool tables. Plus, they have over 20 screens showing live sports and plenty of beers to choose from.

Check it out:

The Golden Gate Taproom
449 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA
http://www.ggtaproom.com/

6. Blake Street Tavern – Denver

A true rocky mountain sports bar, Blake Street Tavern is located in downtown Denver, just two blocks from Coors Field. Along with two shuffleboard tables, Blake Street also has pool, skee-ball, foosball, and Golden Tee. It’s a great spot to grab some food and play a few rounds of shuffleboard before catching a Rockies game.

Check it out:

Blake Street Tavern
2301 Blake Street
Denver, CO
http://www.blakestreettavern.com

7. Gracies Bar – Salt Lake City

A Salt Lake City gastro pub with a lot to offer, Gracie’s has a great selection of bar games, including pool, a beautiful shuffleboard table, and darts. Also, Gracie’s has live music and boasts a view of downtown Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.

Check it out:

Gracie’s Bar
326 South West Temple
SLC, UT
http://www.graciesslc.com

8. The Warehouse – Charleston, SC

You can play pool, foosball, or shuffleboard . . . fueled by all the cans of PBR you can consume. The Warehouse in Charleston, SC offers a low-key atmosphere for wine, craft cocktails and beer along with a nice selection of bar games. 

Check it out:

The Warehouse
45 1/2 Spring Street
Charleston, SC
http://wearewarehouse.com/

9. There Be Monsters – Portland, OR

There Be Monsters in Portland, OR is a funky neighborhood joint with plenty of local brews, a unique selection of British inspired American pub food (‘Brimerica’) and, of course, a shuffleboard table.

Check it out:

There Be Monsters
1308 SE Morrison Street,
Portland, Oregon​
https://www.tbmpdx.com/

10. The Boundary – Chicago

Here is a neighborhood grille and tavern in Wicker Park. The Boundary underwent a renovation in 2016 and now features a beautiful exposed brick interior, fireplace, and 21 HD screens to watch your favorite team. They also boast a high-quality shuffleboard table and run shuffleboard leagues on Tuesday or Thursday nights from 7 – 9pm.

Check it out:

The Boundary
1932 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL
https://www.boundarychicago.com

11. Sisyphus Brewing – Minneapolis

A great joint in Minneapolis, Sisyphus Brewing has a nice selection of tasty homemade brews available in their taproom. This bar also features weekly live comedy shows, a beautiful rental space for private parties, an outdoor patio, and two shuffleboard tables.

Check it out:

Sisyphus Brewing
712 Ontario Avenue W. #100
Minneapolis, MN 55403
https://www.sisyphusbrewing.com/

——————————–

If you happen to be in one of the above-mentioned cities, you now have a shuffleboard destination. But there are so many more hidden gems with shuffleboard tables in cities across the US.

Do you know of any others? Please let us know!

The post 11 Awesome Bars with Shuffleboard Tables appeared first on Bar Games 101.

The first time I encountered a shuffleboard table at a bar, I was a little confused. It was a beautiful long wooden table. But it was covered in dust.

This waxy substance was all over the table. It would move around and spread in different directions as the pucks glided through the powder towards the opposite end of the table.

After each game, the players would sprinkle some more of this saw dust-like material on the table. They seemed like they knew what they were doing. They even scooped some up during the game and dropped it on certain spots before they shot.

I thought it was peculiar. But as it turns out, this dust is a critical element of the game.

It’s actually called shuffleboard powder. And there are a few interesting bits of info about shuffleboard powder that any serious barroom shuffleboard player or table owner should know.

Here’s what you need to know about shuffleboard powder (or wax, dust, etc.) to enhance the performance and longevity of your shuffleboard table. 

Shuffleboard Powder is Part of Routine Table Care and Maintenance

Shuffleboard powder is one of the key ingredients in keeping your table in tip-top condition. Here’s a very simple breakdown of where it fits in the process.

First, you should clean a shuffleboard table on a regular basis. And, to do this, you can use a specialty shuffleboard table cleaner to remove dirt and grime off the playing surface.

Then, for added protection and performance, you can coat the table surface with a light application of silicone spray. This spray lowers the surface tension of the table. That’s why the powder spreads so easily. Applying the the spray before the powder is essential for a fast and smooth glide.

The powder is the finishing touch. You should always apply shuffleboard powder lightly and evenly over the silicone-coated playing surface. If you use too much powder, it will pile up and slow down the pucks on the table.

Shuffleboard powder helps the pucks glide down the table. Without the powder, there wouldn’t be much gliding at all. The game would be much less fun.

Also, what’s great about this powder is that it allows you to fine tune the action of your pucks on the table.

Types Shuffleboard Powder: Tailored to Table Length, Speed and Control

Product

3 Pack of Sun-Glo #1 Speed Super-Glide Shuffleboard Powder Wax

Twin Pack of Sun-Glo #2 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

Twin Pack of Sun-Glo #3 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

Sun-Glo #4 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax 16 oz

Sun-Glo #5 Shuffleboard Powder Wax (16 oz.) (Pack of 2)

Speed / Table Length (General Guidelines)

Fast Powder for longer tables (18 - 22ft)

Still Fast, 14 - 22 ft tables

Medium Fast, 14 - 20 feet

Best for 12 - 18 feet tables

Slower powder, best for 9 - 12 foot tables

Buy On Amazon

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Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Product

3 Pack of Sun-Glo #1 Speed Super-Glide Shuffleboard Powder Wax

Speed / Table Length (General Guidelines)

Fast Powder for longer tables (18 - 22ft)

Buy On Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Product

Twin Pack of Sun-Glo #2 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

Speed / Table Length (General Guidelines)

Still Fast, 14 - 22 ft tables

Buy On Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Product

Twin Pack of Sun-Glo #3 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax

Speed / Table Length (General Guidelines)

Medium Fast, 14 - 20 feet

Buy On Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Product

Sun-Glo #4 Speed Shuffleboard Powder Wax 16 oz

Speed / Table Length (General Guidelines)

Best for 12 - 18 feet tables

Buy On Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Product

Sun-Glo #5 Shuffleboard Powder Wax (16 oz.) (Pack of 2)

Speed / Table Length (General Guidelines)

Slower powder, best for 9 - 12 foot tables

Buy On Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Shuffleboard powder is made from different materials. For example, the fastest types of powder are made from pure silicone beads. As you can imagine, this means the pucks will fly down the table with maximum speed and very little resistance.

But pure silicone based shuffleboard powder also requires a long table. This means a table that is at least 18-22 feet. 

Using powder like this requires a high level of skill and finesse to control the pucks and place accurate shots. As such, it’s really only for pro-level players. But is there even such a thing in the world of shuffleboard?

Yes, there are pros, semi-pros and competitive tournament shuffleboard players. And these players all use either silicone based powder or some blend of silicone with another material, like ground corn, when they want to add a little more control.

But for the rest of us, a medium speed powder will usually do. This is what you’re most likely to find at a bar or other casual shuffleboard playing environment.

You can use medium speed shuffleboard powder on a wider range of shuffleboard tables, ranging from 14 – 22 feet. These powders consist of a blend of materials. Maybe a little silicone with some sand and cornmeal, for example.

Next are the slow speed powders. These powders are designed to provide maximum resistance while allowing for enough glide to play on tables between 9 – 12 feet.

Slow speed powders are made with very little, if any, silicone. These powders are necessary to maintain control on smaller tables. But they provide a lot of resistance and would likely ruin your game on a full length table.

To see an example of how the powders are classified according to table length, speed and skill level, check out Sun-Glo powders.

They make 7 different shuffleboard powders. The powders are numbered from 1 -7 in order of speed, with 1 being the fastest.

ZieglerWorld also makes the full range of shuffleboard powders and waxes, with high-quality ratings from serious players and long term table owners 

In general, the #1 category powder is made from pure silicone ball bearings and intended for professional use on full-length tables. The #7 is the slowest shuffleboard powder. It’s designed for small tables and max control.

Try Mixing the Powder

Every shuffleboard playing environment is a little different.

Table Shuffleboard Powder Sand - Sun-Glo Sampler Six-Pack

Try a sampler and mix speeds for a custom blend.

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You never know how temperature, humidity or other factors might affect the table. These factors all affect the type of powder to use. 

Also, there’s usually a mix of skill levels in a group. For this reason, it’s helpful to keep a few different types of powder on hand.

Try different ratios and mixtures. You might find the optimum balance for your speed, table and type of play. Experiment a little to see what works best.

What about all the powder that’s pushed into the gully?

A lot of shuffleboard powder ends up in the gully during a game. Players can use this excess powder to cover dry spots during the game.

Hathaway Shuffleboard Brush, Dark Cherry Finish

Use a shuffleboard brush to keep it clean.

$16.95

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But there is still a lot leftover. And this powder starts to add up after a few games.

One bar-owner I know has a simple solution to clear the powder out of the table gutters: A gutter scoop!

Amerimax Home Products 8300 Getter Gutter Scoop, Red

Use a gutter scoop to remove wax, sand and powder from the gully.

$3.48

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Just slide it along the gullies after every few games. And you can even recycle the powder for later.

So far, that’s about as much as I know about shuffleboard powder. 

It’s definitely necessary; it improves the quality of play and increases longevity of the table. It could even be called a defining characteristic of the game. 

And as you learn more about how to play shuffleboard, you can also learn how to customize the type of powder based on the desired speed of play, level of control and length of table.

The post Shuffleboard Powder: What to Know About This Magical Dust? appeared first on Bar Games 101.

You can use this table of contents to navigate to each section of the guide:

Intro

Table shuffleboard is one of my favorite bar games.

One of the reasons I love it so much is that pretty much anyone can play shuffleboard. And most people also love it right away.

The rules are of the game are simple, but playing it well requires a deft touch, keen accuracy and calculated strategy.

Some people see a shuffleboard at a bar and decide that the game looks strange or complicated. They decide it’s not for them. If that’s you, you’re missing out.

Don’t worry. After reading this guide, you’ll know everything you need to know about how to play shuffleboard.

So the next time you find a bar with a shuffleboard table, you’ll be ready to join in the fun.

How to Play Knock Off Shuffleboard

The classic way to play table shuffleboard is known as “Knock Off”. Whether you’re playing at home or see people playing at a bar, this is most likely the game you’ll be playing. 

Knock Off can be played with two or four people. Or can you just play solo and practice.

Here’s a snapshot of how to play Knock Off Shuffleboard:

Knock Off Shuffleboard with Two People

• You and your opponent will stand at the same end of the table.
• Decide who gets the red pucks and who gets the blue pucks. There are eight pucks total. These are also called weights.
• Now decide on how many points to play to. The standard numbers are 15 or 21.
• You will alternate turns sliding your pucks towards the opposite end of the table.
• Your goal is to shoot your puck as far down the table as possible without falling off.
• Your puck must slide beyond your opponent’s farthest puck to score. It must land in a scoring section, of which there are three. However, if the puck hangs over the far edge, it is worth 4 points (known as a “hanger”; more on that below).
• Only one player can score per round. 
• You can also knock your opponent’s pucks off the side or end of the table. Hence why it’s called Knock Off.
• You can also make contact with your own pucks to push them into better scoring positions.
• After shooting all 8 pucks, you have completed one round.
• Both players now move to the opposite side of the table to review the puck locations.
• Do not touch any pucks until both players agree on the score for that round.
• After determining the score, begin the next round from this end of the table.
• Rounds continue until one player reaches either 15 or 21 points.

Knock Off Shuffleboard with Four People

Knock Off shuffleboard is also fun with four players.

First, choose your teams of two.

You and your teammate stand at opposite ends of table, each standing next to an opposing player.

You stay at your end of the table for the whole game. No alternating sides in this one.

Otherwise, it’s the same as the two person version.

You and your opponent alternate slides towards the opposite end.

Try to slide your puck into scoring positions. Only the farthest puck(s) of the same color will count. You can also knock pucks off the table.

And, in team shuffleboard, a bonus is that your partner can offer some guidance from the other side.

After you agree on the score for that round, the next team begins their turn, shooting from their side of the table.

Four person games are usually played until one team reaches 15 or 21 points.

Playing doubles is a great way to enhance the social aspect of the game and get more people involved.

How to Keep Score in Table Shuffleboard

As mentioned, most games end when a player reaches 15 or 21 points.

15 points is the standard number used in official tournament play.

Many people still play to 21 points though. Unless the bar or house shuffleboard rules differ, the number is up to you.

In knock off, the first player or team to reach 15 (or 21) wins.

There is no “win-by-two” in the classic game of table shuffleboard.

Shuffleboard Points

• Points only go to the furthest puck (or pucks) of the same color.
• The shuffleboard table has three scoring sections. The first zone awards 1 point per puck. And all pucks must completely clear the center foul line to be eligible for points.
• On most shuffleboard tables, the foul line is across the middle of the table. If your puck does not clear the foul line, it is out of play. Remove it from the table.
• The second and third scoring zones award 2 and 3 points respectively. A puck must be completely within a scoring zone, not touching the preceding line, to be eligible for those points.
• If any part of the puck is on the preceding line, it is only eligible for points in the lower section.
• When it’s too close to call, try to get above the puck to look down. From this angle, if can you see even a sliver of wood between the puck and line, it will score in the higher points zone. Do not shake the table or move any pucks when leaning on the table.

A Hanger is Worth 4 Points

• A “hanger” scores when any part of a puck extends beyond the edge of the table end. Even if it only a sliver is over the edge at the end of the table, it is still a “hanger” and worth 4 points.
• If the puck falls off the edge before your opponent’s shot, it’s out of play and does not score.
• Players can agree to make hangers “safe” by pushing the puck back towards the table. (This is a common shuffleboard courtesy and included in the official shuffleboard rules.)

If you cannot tell whether the puck is a hanger, here is a simple trick:

Place a puck on its side and press the top end against the end of the playing surface. Now slide the puck along end of the table.

If this puck makes contact with the disputed hanger, you know part of that puck was hanging over the end of the table.

It would be worth 4 points.

Table Shuffleboard Rules of Play

Now that you have a basic understanding of how to play knock off shuffleboard and how to keep score, here’s a deeper dive into the rules that apply to standard games. 

Before the Match

1) Games are played to 15 points

While you can also play to 21, or any other number for that matter, an official match is played to 15.

The first player or team to reach 15 points wins.

2) Before the first round, determine who shoots last in the round by flipping a coin.

Shooting last (the “hammer”) is an advantage. It allows you one final chance to move (or remove) pucks in your favor.

In subsequent rounds, the player who scored in the previous round now shoots first. If nobody scored, alternate based on who just shot last.

3) Stand next to your opponent and shoot towards the opposite end.

You should alternate shots (i.e. red shoot, then blue shoots) until all 8 pucks have been shuffled. If playing doubles, your partner stands at the opposite end of the table and you do not change sides.

4) Stand with at least one foot behind the table.

You can lean forward and even use the cradle for support, but one foot must always remain planted on the ground behind the shuffleboard table.

Scoring Points

5) A puck must be completely within a zone (1, 2 or 3) to score

If any part of the puck is on the preceding line, it is only eligible for the lower points of the preceding section. If touching the foul line, it is out of play. You can get a better view of whether it’s on the line by standing above and looking down on the puck.

6) If any part of the puck hangs over the end of the table, it is worth 4 points

Also known as a “hanger”, these shots can be “made safe” (i.e. pushed back towards the table a little) by agreement of the players.

7) Do not touch any pucks after a round until you agree on the score for that round

When the round is complete, walk to the other end of the table and tally the score.

Do not move any pucks until both players have viewed the pucks and agreed on the total points for that round.

If the leading pucks are tied, and it is not clear which is furthest, there is no score for that round. Again, for this situation it is best to get above the pucks and look down to assess which one is furthest.

Basic Shuffleboard Game Etiquette

8) Do Not Shake or Move the Table

You can lean on the table with your non-shooting hand for support, but do not move or shake the table in any way.

Shaking or moving the table during a shot is a 1 point penalty and the violating player or team shoots first in next round.

9) Do not distract your opponent

When it’s not your turn, you should always stand behind your opponent when he or she is shuffling.

Like golf, you should not obstruct an opponent’s line of sight or distract them. Also you may not touch the table while your opponent is up.

10) Only hold one puck when it’s your turn

Before playing, all pucks should be visible and counted in the trough.

When it is your turn to shuffle, only hold a single puck in your hand. Do not hold another puck in your non-shooting hand.

11) Do not hold a puck or take a puck from the trough while your opponent is shooting

All pucks must stay in the trough and only picked up when it’s your turn to shoot.

12) Do not touch the table surface when shooting

You can lean on the cradle for support but do not touch the actual playing surface.

You cannot touch the playing surface when an opponent is shooting either.

13) If you see a dry spot on the board, you can add some powder

This can be done during your turn.

14) In team matches, do not walk past the foul line to check puck positions

But as mentioned, your teammate can tell you where your puck sits and give advice from the other end of the table.

In singles matches, you can walk to the other end to take a look at the exact location of your pucks when it’s your turn. Do not do this while your opponent is shooting though.

15) Taking longer than 30 seconds to shoot is “slow play”

It’s okay to take your time. Yet according to tournament rules, taking more than 30 seconds to shoot is “slow play”.

The clock starts once your opponent’s previous shot has come to a complete stop.

In tournament play, the first time you exceed the 30 second time limit you get a warning. The second time results in a 1 point penalty.

Not everyone applies a strict time limit during a friendly game. But it may be helpful if you have others waiting to play and need to speed things along at the bar.

16) In Team Matches, you can take 1 timeout per round, 3 timeouts per game

When playing in teams of two, you can take official timeouts to confer with your partner. Official rules say this can only happen after you’ve reached 10 points.

You can take 1 timeout per round but no more than 3 timeouts per game. The 30 second time limit does not apply during timeouts.

Fouls and Penalties

17) If your puck leaves the table surface, it is out of play

Even if your puck makes a miraculous recovery and bounces back, it is still considered a dead puck and out of play.

18) Flipped pucks are not out of play

A puck that flips over upon contact is not out of play. Turn it right side up and carry on.

19) Wait until  your opponent’s puck comes to a complete stop before shuffling

This is an important one. Do not slide your puck until your opponent’s puck has come to a complete stop. This means there is no more forward motion.

If you shoot while your opponent’s puck is in motion and knock that puck off the table, you incur a penalty. You must return your opponent’s puck to its original position (or as close as possible), and your puck will be removed from the table for that round.

20) If you shoot first by mistake, you must stay in that order

If you have the hammer in a round but shoot first anyway, you must stay in this order until the end of the round. But your opponent can agree to restart in the correct rotation.

21) No switching colors during a game

If you pick up and shoot the wrong color puck, you may replace it with the correct color. But you may not switch colors at any point once the game has started.

22) After the Game . . .

Wipe the board down and apply a light dusting of fresh powder for the next match. Winner stays on.

Other Ways to Play Shuffleboard

Although knock off is by far the most popular way to play table shuffleboard, there are several other fun games you can try out.

Here are three of our favorite games other than knock off. Keep in mind that the basic shuffle board rules mentioned above apply unless otherwise noted.

Crazy Eights

Crazy Eights is a fun game for a couple players or larger group.

Each player shoots all eight pucks. You begin with 4 of the same color, shooting them all at once.

Then you aim for the first 4 pucks with the next color, shooting each individually.

Your goal is to knock each of the first color pucks off the table and keep at least one or more of the second color pucks on the table in order to score.

Every player gets to finish the frame and the highest score that is equal to or greater than the agreed upon game points (e.g., 1-points, 15-points, 21-points, etc.) is declared the winner.

How to Play Crazy Eights Shuffleboard

• The players decide on a number of points that you must reach in order to win. This can be any number the group decides (i.e. 1 point, 5 points, 15 points, 21 points, etc.).
• Each player starts with all 8 pucks (red and blue) per turn.
• For each turn, you start by shooting all 4 pucks of the same color with one hand. That’s a single shot with 4 pucks in a group.
• All of the first 4 pucks must cross the long foul line (closer to the opposite end) and remain on the table.
• If any single puck does not cross the line or falls off the table, your turn is over and the next player is up, shooting from the opposite end.
• If all 4 pucks cross the foul line and stay on the table, shoot the next 4 pucks one at a time.
• Your goal is to knock off all the previous pucks from the table.
• Only pucks that stay on the table after the first color pucks have been knocked off will score.
• If any of the first 4 pucks remain on the table, there is no score. Either way, the next player is now up.
• Every player gets a turn to shoot 8 pucks in each frame. Even you reached the designated points total, all players still have a chance.
• If you shoot last (the “hammer”) and score equal to or more than the designated points, you win. If you there is a tie with another player, those players will shoot an additional round to determine who wins based on points in that round.

Points are awarded just as in traditional shuffleboard (1, 2, 3 or hanging 4). To score in a higher point zone, the puck must completely cross the preceding line to count.

For example, if the puck is even touching the line before the “2” section, it only counts as “1”.

Good players will try to knock as many of the first 4 pucks off of the table with each single shot. So if you manage to knock all 4 reds with your first blue puck (quite a shot!), you would have an open table to rack up some points.

Tap & Draw

Tap & Draw, the kinder and gentler version of ‘Knock Off’, is a great 1-v-1 shuffleboard game.

In Tap & Draw you are penalized if you knock your opponent’s puck off the table. You are still trying to advance your pucks into better scoring zones.

But you don’t have the benefit of playing defense or racking up points by clearing out your opponent’s pucks.

How to Play Tap & Draw

• Flip a coin to see who goes first and assign colors (red or blue).
• Decide what number to play to.
• Only pucks that are further down the board than your opponent’s highest scoring puck will count (just like Knock Off).
• You can try to nudge your puck into better scoring positions by tapping it forward without knocking it into the gutter.
• If you knock your opponent’s puck into the gutter, their puck will be replaced in its original position. Your puck will be removed from the table.
• If, when you knocked your opponent’s puck off the table, any of your other pucks were pushed into better scoring positions, they will be returned to their original spots. Your opponent’s puck would be put back in its original spot.
• If you tap any of your opponent’s pucks into better scoring positions, they will remain there.
• Alternate shots with your opponent until all 8 pucks have been shuffled.
• After a single round, go to the other end and count the total score before moving any pucks. Then start the next round from this end.

Scores are counted per the basic rules of shuffleboard.

That is, each puck must completely clear the preceding line to count in the high point zone.

Hangers are worth 4 points.

And you typically play to 15. Although this number is really up to you (21 is also common).

Three Strikes

Three strikes is a fun shuffleboard game for small or large groups of players. This game is not played in teams; it’s every man for himself.

The object of the game is to score more than the previous player.

If you don’t score more than the player before you, you get a strike. After three strikes, you’re out.

The last player standing wins.

How to Play Three Strikes

• Each player shoots 4 pucks per turn.
• The 4 pucks include: 3 of the same color (i.e. red) and 1 different color (blue).
• The 3 red pucks are your scoring pucks. The single blue puck is the “multiplier”. The pucks can be shot in any order.
• You shoot all pucks towards the opposite end as in other games. The scoring zones are the same (1, 2, 3 and 4 for a hanger).
• However, the multiplier is used to multiply the total amount of points.
• For example: If you slide 1 red into zone ONE, and 2 reds into zone TWO, your current score would be 5. But if the multiplier ends up in zone THREE, your final score would be 15.
• Each player must score higher than the previous player’s score.
• Using the same example, if you scored 15 in your round the next player must score at least 16 points. If that player only scores 5 points, he or she gets a strike. The next player would have to beat 5 points.
• If you get 3 strikes, you’re out.
• The last player remaining wins the game.

Three Strikes is a really fun way to practice your skills and get a larger group of players involved.

Basic Shuffleboard Tips and Technique

Like any classic bar sport, it takes time and patience to learn how to play shuffleboard and become a skilled player.

But a little practice and muscle memory will go a long way.

(Related: Learn about the history of table shuffleboard)

The Stroke

A shuffleboard stroke should be soft and measured.

Notice how skilled players have a very slow and controlled motion leading up to the release. Their follow-through keeps the same steady pace.

To reach a basic comfort level with your release, take a few slow and controlled practice shots. Notice how little effort it takes to float your puck to the opposite end of the table.

After mastering the speed of your release, try working on your accuracy.

For instance, practice aiming for different points on the table. This could be different scoring sections, opposite corners or triangular formations.

Remember, game winning shots often come down to millimeters. The ability to place your pucks in better scoring positions with soft and precise shots is key.

Also, spreading your pucks out is a good strategy to use when facing an opponent. It makes it harder to knock many pucks off in a single shot.

The Grip

You should hold a puck with the thumb, index and middle fingers. This is a soft, three finger grip that leaves the other two fingers available for guidance.

The thumb stays on the near rim of the puck, while the index finger is on top cap and the middle finger is at the far rim.

Try to use the ring and pinkie fingers to glide in front along the surface while you slide with the puck. This can help control both the speed and accuracy of your shots.

You’ll soon get a feel for the speed of the table and the right amount of effort needed to cross the foul line and place your puck within scoring position.

As you play more – even over the course of just a couple games – you will develop a consistent pace with better accuracy.

This is when the game of shuffleboard really gets fun.

An Overview of the Shuffleboard Table, Pucks and Accessories

The game of table shuffleboard has some unique physical features. In addition to reviewing the rules of how to play this game, it’s also helpful to know more about the equipment you’ll be using.

Here’s a quick review of essential shuffleboard equipment. Starting with the table.

The Shuffleboard Table

A shuffleboard table has a long and narrow playing surface.

In fact, the length of a full-sized tournament table is 22 feet. That’s over twice the length of a regulation pool table.

The playing surface of an official table is 20′ 8″ long x 20″ wide. And the height of the table to the top of the playing shuffleboard surface is 30 inches.

If you’re at a bar with a full size shuffleboard table, consider yourself lucky. It’s a real pleasure to play at this scale.

But to fit in the tighter spaces of bars and basements, recreational tables can range anywhere from 9 to 20 feet.

There are three general size categories for recreational shuffleboard tables:

• 9 – 12 feet tables for smaller spaces, bars and rec rooms
• 14 – 16 foot tables for a full length feel while saving a few feet
• 18 – 22 foot tables for big spaces and tournament level play

Recreational shuffleboard tables also vary in width. But it’s definitely more fun to play on a table with a surface that is at least 18” wide. This allows for adequate spacing between the pucks on the table.

Check out our guide to shuffleboard table sizes to learn more. 

If you’re looking for a smaller table that doesn’t come with a huge price tag, check out our guide to some of the best affordable shuffleboard tables on the market.

Table Surface

Shuffleboard tables have hardwood playing surfaces. High quality surfaces are usually made from maple and coated with epoxy to protect against dings and scratches.

Most surfaces are also concaved. This means the center line angles inward to keep pucks from wandering off.

If you own a table, clean, wax and spray the surface with silicone on a regular basis to maintain it.

What’s that powder for?

You may notice that powder covers the playing shuffleboard playing surface.

Shuffleboard powder is sometimes called salt or wax.

But the powder is actually made from silicone beads and cornmeal. The powders come in different blends depending on your table length and skill-level.

The powder helps provide a fast, smooth and straight glide. 

You can apply a new coat for each game.

Also, a player can apply powder from the gully if they notice dry spots before a shot.

Learn more in our guide to shuffleboard powder.

Your Shuffleboard Pucks (aka Weights)

Regulation size table shuffleboard pucks are 2.3125 inches wide. Smaller pucks measure closer to 2 inches wide and are better for narrow playing surfaces.

Pucks come in sets of eight: four red and four blue.

Official pucks weigh about 12 ounces, but recreational pucks can range anywhere from 11 – 15 ounces.

Most Importantly, have fun!

If you haven’t played before, hopefully this guide will give enough info to get started with table shuffleboard at your favorite watering hole.

You may have noticed that the game has been showing up at more bars and breweries these days, so why not give it a shot!

Shuffleboard Resources:

Official Rules of Table Shuffleboard

The post How to Play Shuffleboard? The Ultimate Guide appeared first on Bar Games 101.

If you’re the proud owner of a shuffleboard table, you know how important it is to keep the table in good condition. 

You also know how much everyone loves playing shuffleboard, and you want to make their playing experience as enjoyable as possible. 

This is true whether you own a table for your bar, or for your game room at home. 

Fortunately, there are many shuffleboard accessories that will enhance the experience of playing this wonderful game for you and your guests.

1. A Drink Holder

The first one might seem trivial. But we all know that having a drink handy is very important to the game of barroom shuffleboard.

Yet you never want to place that drink on the rail of the table, as it could easily spill and make a big mess right on the playing surface.

And you might not have space to add another surface in the playing vicinity. 

Your best bet is to find a drink holder that attaches to the rail of the table.

This way you can keep your beers at arm’s length during your game, and the beverages will still be out of harm’s way. 

2. Shuffleboard Table Cover

Yes, shuffleboard tables are made from high-quality hardwoods that are durable and impact resistant.

But they are still prone to wear and tear.

And, as you no doubt already know, these tables are expensive, so you’ll want to at least take some basic measures to protect your investment when it’s not in use.

Hathaway Shuffleboard Table Cover

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One of the easiest ways to do this is with a shuffleboard table cover.

Just like a pool table cover, these are fitted to the dimensions of your table and come in different colors and material types (i.e. leather or synthetic). 

3. Shuffleboard Table Scoreboard

Shuffleboard is a relatively simple game to follow, but it’s still easy to lose track of the score when playing. 

This is especially true in a lively bar atmosphere. And if you’re playing while the game’s on your TV at home, you might get a little distracted in the middle of a match. 

Playcraft Electronic Scorer for Home Recreation Shuffleboard Table

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A nice shuffleboard scoreboard will keep you on track and add an element of structure to the game.

Plus, scoreboards always add a little gravity to even the friendliest of competitions. 

There are a few standard options for scoreboards on a shuffleboard table. 

For example, there is the circular classic design which mounts to the side of the table. There are digital versions as well.

And of course you can simply use the basic abacus style scoring slider. 

Any of these will do just fine. 

4. Shuffleboard Table Powder

Shuffleboard powder (also called wax) is more of a necessity rather than an accessory.

You absolutely need powder to keep the pucks gliding smoothly on the table.

You also need this stuff to add control and/or speed to the glides.

Table Shuffleboard Powder Dust Wax - Sun-Glo Sampler Six-Pack + Talc Bag + Booklet

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And this level of control and speed can be tailored to both the skill levels of the players, and the length of the table. 

For instance, new players on a small table will want a high control blend, while advanced players on a full length table need a speed silicone blend.

Another option is to purchase a variety pack to see what bets suits your playing style, table length and any other unique characteristics (i.e. high humidity).

For a full overview of shuffleboard powder, check out this post. 

5. Shuffleboard Table Maintenance Products

In addition to using the correct powder to enhance the glide and control of the pucks, you will need to maintain the table on a regular basis. 

Sun-Glo Shuffleboard Maintenance Kit

$75.00

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In summary, a regular shuffleboard maintenance routine should include cleaning the table with a gentle multi-purpose cleaner, polishing with a soft-cloth, applying shuffleboard table wax, and then finishing with silicone spray. 

After that, you can apply powder regularly as mentioned above.

Watch this video for a full overview.

6. Official Rules

The game of “knock-off” on a shuffleboard table is a pretty simple and straightforward game.

You simply try to slide your puck further than your opponent’s, and your try to knock them off to score better positions or eliminate them for scoring position. 

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Hathaway Shuffleboard Game Rules Wall Art, Black

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However, like any good bar game, there are some important rules to follow.

And keeping a set of rules handy will keep everyone in line, and avoid disputes over tough calls. 

If you buy a sheet like this one you can frame it and hang it on the wall above the table for quick reference.

We also have this infographic with a quick list of shuffleboard rules. 

7. Artwork and Patent Prints

Shuffleboard Table Patent Print - Unique Playroom...

$12.99

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In addition to a set of rules, you can always add some character to your game room or shuffleboard space by putting some relevant artwork on the walls. 

One cool option is find the shuffleboard patent and re-purpose it as a piece of art to frame and hang on a wall near the table.

It’s a nice way to decorate the room and will generate more interest in the game. 

8. Extra Pucks

Many shuffleboard tables will come with a set of pucks to get started.

And while it’s hard to actually lose one of these during game play (they shouldn’t be bouncing off the table; it’s not ping pong), they do occasionally get misplaced.

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And this is more common in a bar or rec center environment. 

Having less than eight pucks makes playing a solid game of knock-off kind of tricky.

To avoid this, do yourself a favor and pick up a spare set of shuffleboard pucks like these.

Or if you’re looking to improve upon the standard set that came with your table, you can upgrade to a set like this with improved glide and durability for serious competition on the table. 

9. Light Fixtures 

Just like with pool table lighting, you’ll want to find the best way to illuminate the playing surface of your table.

Sometimes a simple overhead light or ceiling fixture will do just fine.

But often the glare may increase or additional lighting in the room might reduce overall visibility for the length of the table.

In this case you can find a light and designate it just for games of shuffleboard.

Check out something like this to mount on the table.

Shuffleboard is truly one of the great bar games. It has a rich history and has remained popular with younger bar patrons.

If you own a table, well done. That’s an excellent investment. 

Hopefully these accessory ideas will help you get even more enjoyment out the game. 

The post 9 Shuffleboard Accessories to Elevate Your Game appeared first on Bar Games 101.

If you’ve played shuffleboard at a bar, you already know it’s one of the best bar games in existence.

And a shuffleboard table also makes an incredible addition to a game room at home.

But owning a shuffleboard table might seem like a major investment.

And, to be sure, there are some beautiful shuffleboard tables out there with handcrafted elements and custom features that come with a hefty price tag; often exceeding the $10k price mark.

The ‘affordable’ bracket includes tables that start at prices around $1000. 

Many of these more affordable shuffleboard tables are in the 9, 12, and 14 foot length range.

These smaller, entry-level tables will fit into tighter spaces, while still providing plenty of length for a real game of table shuffleboard.

Here we’ll take a look at how to select one of these high-quality but affordable shuffleboard tables for your home or bar.

We’ll also feature a few of our favorite options on the market today. 

QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Shuffleboard Tables

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	Our Top Pick Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard One of the highest-quality entry-level tables on the market Beautifully-designed Comes with leg cabinet storage	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Hathaway Challenger Shuffleboard Designed with a dark-cherry finish Silky-smooth playing experience Highly stable and secure	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Playcraft Telluride Pro Shuffleboard Table Stunning design High-quality durability 23-inch electronic scoring system built-in	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Fairview Game Rooms Shuffleboard One of the best-rated shuffleboard tables Very attractive Comes with handy storage sections	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Carmelli Dark Cherry Shuffleboard Table Beautiful cherry laminate design Molded cabinet corners are reinforced for extra durability Plenty of storage in the legs	VIEW ON AMAZON →

What to Look for in an Entry-Level Shuffleboard Table

Before we review some of our favorite entry-level shuffleboard tables on the market today, it’s worth taking a look at some of the factors that you’ll need to consider as you search for the perfect model.

While you might sacrifice some of the pristine wood work and the superior craftsmanship of a handmade table, you can still find a sturdy, beautiful looking table that will deliver countless hours of shuffleboard fun for you and your guests.

You don’t need to make major compromises.

These smaller entry-level models focus on the key elements of a quality functional table:

• the hardwood playing surface with protective polymer coatings
• engineered surface curves for fast and even play
• sturdy frames with leveling systems
• the right gutter widths, pucks and accessories to make for a great game of knock-off

Size

While a standard regulation shuffleboard table will usually be 20 inches wide and 22 feet long, there’s a good chance you don’t have enough room for something that large in your home (or your budget).

With that in mind, it’s worth noting that there are many different sizes available, starting at just 8 or 9 feet long.

Our favorite size for budget-friendly tables, for example, is the 12-foot shuffleboard category.

With this size you can get a mid-size table that will work in many spaces and still deliver the feel of a full-scale game.

So, ideally, you’ll want a model that’s small enough to fit into your chosen space, but large enough to provide a challenging game for all of your players.

Typical size ranges are: 

• Small Recreational Tables: 9 to 12 Feet
• Medium Length Shuffleboard Tables: 14 – 16 Feet
• Full Length Shuffleboard Tables: 18 – 22 Feet

To learn more, be sure to review our full post about shuffleboard table sizes.

In fact, determining the available space and connecting that the right table length should probably be the first step in choosing a new shuffleboard table for your home or bar.

Scoring System

There are a few common types of shuffleboard scoring systems available.

Some are included with the tables, while other scoreboards need to be purchased separately and installed.

The most popular scoring options are simple electronic attachments, abacus style scoring units, and manual slide scorekeepers.

You’ll find abacus scorekeepers on many of the budget friendly shuffleboard tables. These are classic and functional.

Electronic units come in many shapes and sizes.

A common design is the circular electronic scoreboard attached to the side of the table by a j-shaped rod.

These units come encased in wood or plastic.

Type of Wood

As mentioned above, most of the best shuffleboard tables are made using wood. No surprise here.

But there are many different types of wood available, including birch, maple, mahogany, oak (typically used with high quality frames) and more.

In general, a table with a solid butcher block surface that is made from a hard wood like mahogany, oak, and maple is going to result in the best quality, durability and feel.

Of course, a full hardwood table will also come with a much higher price tag and is more common on top of the line tables from companies like Georgetown, Champion and McClure.

On the other hand, most affordable tables may be constructed using a base of medium density fiberboard (MDF) and laminate veneers.

These materials are lightweight and affordable, although less durable and slightly less responsive.

However, if you can take good care of your table and keep it in a dry space (the most important thing), it will be fine as a core material of your shuffleboard table.

Many of the very best entry-level tables, like the Playcraft Woodbridge (featured below), include other materials like vinyl laminate to reduce the cost, while retaining a solid hardwood playing surface.

Keep in mind that you may also want to choose a wood coloring that matches the décor of your game room.

Surface Coating

Another thing that you may need to consider when searching for the best shuffleboard table, besides the type of wood, is the surface coating used to ensure that your pucks slide well across the length of the material.

A polymer coating is generally the option recommended by experts because it is strong enough to protect your playing surface from dings and scratches, while also retaining a smooth and responsive feel to deliver a fantastic rate of play.

Basic clear sealants simply won’t provide the same level of protection.

Surface Curve

You may notice that some of the higher-rated tabletop shuffleboards on marketplace websites come with a slight curve in the center of the wood.

This is a design feature that’s intended to keep the puck in the middle of the table and stop it from veering off into the gutter with every slide.

If your curve is too steep, however, it can prevent your puck from moving correctly.

In general, any decent shuffleboard table will be engineered with a subtle curve to achieve the correct balance. 

Leveling System

You should also look for a table with a leveling system. In fact, this is one of the most important considerations when purchasing and setting up a new or used shuffleboard table.

Even with a perfect surface curve, if you’re table isn’t level, the game will suffer.

Adjustable leg levelers make playing a lot more fun, and setting up the table a lot easier.

Make sure any shuffleboard table you consider has some type of leveling option.

Storage

Several of the most popular entry-level shuffleboard tables also include storage systems. This usually involves a cabinet that is built into the legs or bottom frame of the table.

Here you can store things like extra shuffleboard pucks (weights), shuffleboard powder, your table cover during play, and any other shuffleboard accessories.

We happen to think the powder (aka wax) is one of the most important accessories. Read this post for a full overview of the different types and uses of shuffleboard powder.

Choosing the Best Shuffleboard Table for Your Space and Budget

Five Top Picks

As you begin your search for an affordable shuffleboard table, you’ll notice that there are many different options on the market today, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

There are options in all size categories, from 9 feet all the way to the full 22 foot category.

As we mentioned, many of the best tables fall somewhere in the middle, as in the 12 or 14 foot lengths.

We already spend some time reviewing the basic characteristics of a decent table.

Now let’s make the process even easier and show you a few of the best options on the market today.

1.     Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard

Playcraft is one of the best-known shuffleboard brands in the world.

Their tables are designed in a range of different formats, to suit people with virtually any budget.

If you’re looking for a high-level table, you can spend thousands on a Playcraft model.

On the other hand, if you’re searching for more of an entry-level solution that still delivers excellent quality, the Woodbridge model is a great choice.

One of the highest-quality entry-level tables on the market, this shuffleboard set is beautifully-designed to fit well in any game room.

It comes with leg cabinet storage for your equipment, and a sturdy design that’s sure to withstand years of play.

On Sale

Playcraft Woodbridge 12' Cherry Shuffleboard Table

$1,595.00 −$100.00 $1,495.00

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2.     Hathaway Challenger Shuffleboard

Designed with a dark-cherry finish for that high-class luxury appearance, the Challenger Shuffleboard is another of the more affordable professional shuffleboard tables on the market.

The surface is coated in a polyurethane coating for a silky-smooth playing experience, and like the Woodbridge, the table comes with built-in storage in each leg.

Not only is this table highly stable and secure once it has been put together, but it’s also easy to set-up too, which isn’t always the case with these luxury tables.

Additionally, the set comes with a 180-day warranty, so that if anything goes wrong with your table, you can simply contact Hathaway and have a new model sent out -free of charge.

The biggest problem is that if you want to adjust the table, you may have a hard time, as it’s hard to alter once put together.

Hathaway Challenger Shuffleboard, Dark Cherry, 14-Feet

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3.     Playcraft Telluride Pro Shuffleboard Table

If you’re looking for a highly professional level of play from your shuffleboard table, then you can’t go wrong with the Telluride model from Playcraft.

Though this set is more than double the price of the other options that we’ve mentioned so far, it makes up for the expense with a stunning design, high-quality durability, and 23-inch electronic scoring system built-in.

Available in two different colors to suit your interior design strategy, the Telluride can even be purchased in a 22-foot model, for the complete shuffleboard experience.

If you consider yourself to be a serious and committed player, then this is the board for you.

Playcraft Telluride Pro-Style Shuffleboard Table with Electronic Scorer

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4.     Fairview Game Room Shuffleboard

One of the best-rated shuffleboard tables that we’ve seen, the Fairview Game Room table is 12 feet long – enough for a great game with the whole family.

Unlike some of the Playcraft options mentioned above, you won’t have a choice of sizes when you buy this table, but you will be able to decide whether you prefer a chestnut finish or a Mahogany effect.

Either way, you’ve got one very attractive table.

Like most modern shuffleboard tables, the Fairview Game Rooms model comes with handy storage sections built into the pedestal legs.

What’s more, Fairview Game Rooms sets themselves apart from other brands by providing completely free shipping.

Fairview Game Rooms 12' Shuffleboard Table

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5.     Carmelli Dark Cherry Shuffleboard Table

At only 9 feet in length, the Carmelli Dark Cherry Shuffleboard table is one of the smaller sets that we’ve mentioned on this list.

However, there’s still plenty of space on the table for the family to enjoy a riveting game or tournament.

The beautiful cherry laminate design means that this shuffleboard table will look fantastic in virtually any setting, and the molded cabinet corners are reinforced for extra durability.

Featuring plenty of storage in the legs, and game pieces included as standard, the Carmelli table gives you everything you need for a great game of shuffleboard at home.

What’s more, you even get a portion of wax so that you can maintain your table too!

Carmelli Dark Cherry 9 Foot Shuffleboard Table

$1,378.16

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Enjoy Your Game!

If you’ve been looking for a way to play shuffleboard in the comfort of your own home, and you don’t have a local bar or pub that you can sneak off to in your spare time, then the best thing you can do is invest in a shuffleboard table.

For most of us, this means pinpointing an affordable, entry-level table that will hold up over time.

In addition to the cost, your choice of which set will appeal most to you will depend on various factors, including where you plan on playing and how much space you have.

However, we hope that our quick guide has given you the extra information you need to make a confident decision about your shuffleboard purchase!

The post How to Find the Best Shuffleboard Table (Plus 5 Top Picks) appeared first on Bar Games 101.