Factory Direct Billiard & Games Blog

What are the rules of foosball?

6/6/2025

Foosball, also known as table football, involves two teams of two (or occasionally one-on-one) players using a foosball table to kick a ball into the opposing team's goal. The goal is to score more goals than your opponent.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the rules:
1. Starting the Game:

A coin toss determines which team gets to serve first or chooses their side.
The serve involves placing the ball on the table and striking it with a rod.
In some foosball games, the ball is dropped into a serving hole.

2. Serving:

Either team can hit the ball once it has touched the table.

If the table doesn't have a serving hole, the ball is placed on the table and struck.

If the table has a serving hole, the ball is passed through the hole onto the table.

3. Gameplay:

Players use the handles on the rods to move the players on the table.

The goal is to score by kicking the ball into the opponent's goal.

You can pass the ball between your players to set up shots.

No spinning: Players cannot spin the rods more than 360 degrees.

4. Scoring:

A goal is scored when the ball passes through the goal hole.

An own goal (hitting the ball into your own goal) is also a point for the opposing team.

If the ball goes directly into the goal from the serve without being touched, it's not a goal.

5. Winning:

The game is typically played to five goals, or sometimes up to ten.

A match usually involves playing the best of three or five games.

6. Other Rules:

No jarring:
Players cannot shake or move the table to try to dislodge the ball.

Time limits:
There are time limits on how long players can hold the ball on their rod before passing or shooting.

Dead balls:
If the ball gets stuck, it's considered a dead ball and is placed in play at the nearest serving point.

Out-of-bounds:
If the ball goes off the table, it's placed back in play at the goalie area of the team last scored upon.

7. American vs. European Rules:

In American foosball, teams are typically made up of six players, while in European foosball, they may be four or five players.

Serving methods can also differ, with open-hand serves in American foosball and specific rules for serving holes in European foosball.

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What are the rules of shuffleboard?

6/6/2025

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Shuffleboard is a game where players, using cues, slide discs down a long, smooth table to score points in designated areas. The goal is to be the first to reach a predetermined score. Two teams, or two individuals, can play, and each team has four discs of a different color (typically yellow and black).

Here's a breakdown of the rules:
1. Equipment:

Table: A long, smooth table with scoring zones marked.
Discs: Four discs for each player, typically in contrasting colors.
Cues: Long poles with prongs at the end for sliding the discs.

2. Gameplay:

Players alternate shooting their discs down the table.

The goal is to get your discs into scoring zones and knock your opponent's discs out of the way or further into the scoring areas.

There are foul lines. If you shoot a disc that doesn't reach the dead line, or your hand crosses the baseline before releasing the disc, there's a penalty.

3. Scoring:

Discs in scoring zones earn points.

Discs in certain areas (e.g., the "10 off" area or the "triangle") have different point values.

A disc touching a line doesn't score points.

A disc that slides over the edge of the table and hangs without falling in the gutter can also score additional points.

4. Game Play:

Players take turns shooting their discs.

The game is usually played in frames (rounds).

At the end of each frame, score is tallied, and players switch positions on the next frame.

The first team or player to reach a set score (e.g., 15 or 21 points) wins.

5. Variations:

Singles: Two players compete directly.

Doubles: Two teams of two players compete, with each team having a player at each end of the table.

6. Common Shots:

Free hand shot: A shot without using the edge of the table as a guide.

Cross shot/Jersey shot: A shot using the rail of the table as a guide.

Span shot: A shot that involves using the rail of the table as a guide.

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What is meant by the term "English"?

6/6/2025

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In billiards and pool, "English" refers to the spin applied to the cue ball, which allows for more precise control over its trajectory and position after a shot. It's a technique where the cue ball is struck off-center, imparting spin that changes its path.

How English Works:

Importance:
English is a crucial skill for advanced players, allowing them to execute shots with greater precision and create favorable positions for future shots.

Deflection:
When hitting the cue ball off-center, it will deflect or "squirt" in a direction opposite to the applied spin, which needs to be taken into account when aiming and executing a shot.

Types of English:
- Topspin: Also called "follow," imparts forward spin, making the cue ball roll forward after impact and gather speed.
- Backspin: Also called "draw," imparts backward spin, causing the cue ball to move backward after impact and slow down.
- Sidespin: Imparts spin on the side of the cue ball, causing it to curve in the desired direction.

Spin:
English essentially means applying spin to the cue ball, which can be forward (top spin), backward (back spin), or side spin (left/right spin).
Trajectory Manipulation:
By using English, players can curve the cue ball around other balls, control its speed and angle of impact, and even alter its position after it hits a target ball.