Shuffleboard Tables

How Shuffleboard Started

Shuffleboard was first played in England around the 15th century. The sport is more popular in America today, it was introduced in the states by early settlers from Britain.

The game started to gain momentum during World War 2 by the American soldiers. The game quickly spread across the nation, a fun and simple game for everyone.

Shuffleboard as we know it today in bars, pubs and at home is usually off the ground version of the game. Shuffleboard started on the ground with larger pucks and a playing area.

The Shuffleboard mostly played today looks like the below. It can be played indoors or outdoors generally. 

The Basics of Shuffleboard

The shuffleboard table surface is waxed so that the pucks used slide across the table. Each player will play from one side at the time, rolling their pucks down to the other end of the table. The closer the puck is to the end of the table the more points scored. Generally this is 1 point from half way to ¾ way, then the last quarter is split into 2 points and a 3 point zone.

You add up the points you’ve gained from the game only if you’re closer to the end of the table.

You add up the points you have from the pucks ahead of your opponent's best puck. This means you have two pucks ahead in zone 3 on the shuffleboard table and that equals 6 points for you.

Your opponent does not get any points if he/she loses the game. Only the winner accumulates points.

Size and Finishes

Shuffleboard tables come in a range of sizes from 12ft to 22ft.

Competition size shuffleboards are 22ft whilst pub/bar shuffleboards tend to be 22ft in length.

The longer the table the more expensive the table generally.

Shuffleboard tables can come made from MDF or solid wood. Solid wood being the prefered choice due to a superior construction and playing surface.

There are several variations like size and finish mentioned above.

You also need to consider: The grain, design and price point.

Size

Shuffleboards are usually long, narrow and made from solid wood or MDF. The width of the shuffleboard tables are usually between 16 and 20 inches. The length of a shuffleboard table can also range from 9ft to 22ft which is the professional playing size with a width of 20 inches.

When working out how much room you need please ensure you account for the space needed at the end of each side for players to stand and roll the pucks. You can put a table up against a wall length ways and still be able to play.

Shuffleboard Grain

The most expensive (and considered the best) shuffleboard tables are made from solid North American maple wood or white maple wood. The reasoning behind this wood is that they are very hard, solid and are not likely to be affected by different room temperatures like other woods.

A change in room temperature shouldn’t affect the play of these tables.

Over time, if you opt for a cheaper table the temperature changes could permanently warp the playing surface giving you an uneven game of shuffleboard.

Surface Finish

The playing surface is very important when it comes to shuffleboard. The quality of the surface not surprisingly affects the play of the game.

The playing surface/block is made from wood laminated together.

The top layer comes with polymer coating which is considered the highest quality coating and often comes with a lifetime guarantee.

The polymer finish provides a gleaming and smooth surface.

Shuffleboard Design

Some shuffleboards are designed with a slight concave in the table. This is done to make it easier to play to reduce the chance of the puck sliding off the end of the table.

If the table is concave then different room temperatures can increase the depth of the concave causing slight differences to the game.

Why buy a shuffleboard table?

A shuffleboard table is a great game to add to your home, bar, pub and/or mancave. Remember to always measure your available space before buying a shuffleboard table. Make sure you have enough space at the ends to play comfortably.

You can always give us a call to discuss your options. It can be difficult at times to decide which model and size to go for. Alternatively you can visit our showrooms which is home to the largest games room showrooms in Europe.

Delivery, Installation and Free Accessories

All of our shuffleboard tables come complete with free delivery and installation, plus accessories including pucks and scorers, so you have all you need to get started once you recieve your table. We also sell table wax, extra scorers and table lights, so you can get the perfect table setup.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about any of the shuffleboard tables that we sell, or about any of our other products, please give us a call on 0800 622 6464 or 01454 413636 and one of our friendly, expert advisors will be able to help you.