What is Shuffleboard?
Shuffleboard is a game played with two players, where players must slide pucks down a playfield to land in a distant scoring zone. It is most commonly seen on cruise ships where Deck Shuffleboard is usually seen, played with large pucks along the deck of a ship.
The game was recently miniaturised, and reimagined as table shuffleboard. Table shuffleboard retains the same basic idea and gameplay. Instead of the large pucks, players slide much smaller handheld weights down the playfield. Shuffleboard is excellent as any skill level can understand the game immediately, and requires very little technical ability to understand.
For that reason, shuffleboard can be picked up and played in seconds, but can take a lifetime to properly master. Being a good shuffleboard player relies on good hand-eye coordination, as well as a good understanding of distance and feel. We cover the rules on how to play the game in our how to play guide, but for now read on to discover more about this great table based game that is rapidly taking venues across Europe and America by storm.
Shuffleboard Sizes
Shuffleboard tables are generally long by design, and can be as short start at 9 ft in length. This increases incrementally until you reach a full sized 22 ft model, which is the tournament standard size.
Basic Shuffleboard Anatomy
Whilst a shuffleboard appears to just be a long piece of wood in a recessed table, there are actually a number of important components to get to grips with.
Cradle
The cradle makes up the main body of the shuffleboard, and is what holds the plank in place. Depending on the make, the cradle can be made to look classic with a choice of natural woods, or sleek and modern with more highly finished options.
Plank
The most important part of the shuffleboard is the plank. The plank is the long, solid block of wood (almost like a butcher block) that the game is played upon. Typically, the plank will be made out of a cured maple wood and then topped with a very clear and smooth resin coating that’s treated in such a way to reduce friction, and give an incredible shine.
The plank can also incorporate bracing bars underneath the plank called climate adjusters, which are used to help fine tune the levelling of the plank.
The plank can also have two ways the resin can be applied - European or American style.
American style shuffleboard planks are mostly flat across the board, with the exception of a very small incline at the very edge of the plank.
European style shuffleboard planks are more curved towards the edges, giving an almost ‘half-pipe’ appearance if viewed as a cross section.
This difference in shape can affect gameplay in a number of ways, and can be used tactically whilst playing to your advantage.
Legs
The shuffled legs support the table. The end legs may even incorporate shelving for holding accessories whilst not in use.
Horseshoe
The horseshoe is the large end section of the shuffleboard, right at the end of the playing surface. Players stand behind the horseshoe whilst making their shots.
Gutters
Gutters run down the edge of the plank, and catch any weights that are knocked out of play from the playing surface. The gutters are often lined with carpet to cushion the weights as they fall.
Abacus
A shuffleboard abacus can be found on each end of the shuffleboard, and is used for helping to keep scores.
Shuffleboard Accessories
A shuffleboard has a number of essential (required to play the game) and secondary accessories that can make play and set up easier.
Essential Accessories
Shuffleboard Weights
The shuffleboard weights are used as each player’s ‘playing pieces’. Each set usually includes 8 weights in 2 different colours - one for each player. Weights are heavy, circular metal pieces that are smooth on their underside to help them slide down the surface easily.
Shuffleboard Wax
Shuffleboard wax is available in various grades, and is what’s spread over the plank prior to play. Without wax, the pucks are unable to slide the length of the plank to the scoring zones. Its appearance has also given it the name ‘shuffleboard sand’ and even ‘shuffleboard cheese’!
Other Accessories
Shuffleboard Wipers
A shuffleboard wiper is used to wipe old sand away from the plank if you wish to clear it for a fresh covering of wax. It uses a short-pile carpeted blade to adhere to the plank’s resin surface to wipe it clean.
Electronic Scoreboards
If you wish to, you can purchase additional electronic scoreboards for your shuffleboard. These devices are used in place of the standard abacus normally seen on a shuffleboard cradle, but the large display looks impressive.
Lights
Shuffleboard lights can be fixed to the side of the cradle to help illuminate the playing surface, making it easier to see.
Shuffleboard Makers
There are several different makers producing shuffleboard tables for different price points. Here is a brief run down on the kinds of names and price points you can expect.
Home and commercial use - Signature and Brunswick
(Pictured - Signature Beckett and Brunswick Andover Shuffleboards)
If you are looking to get a shuffleboard for the home, then a great choice would be either Signature or Brunswick.
The Signature range features shuffleboard tables of our own design inspired be some of the greatest shuffleboard innovations in the world. Their price and size has made them an instant hit in the commercial market as well as for discerning customers looking for a smaller model for at home.
Brunswick are best known for their incredible pool tables. Based in the USA, Brunswick make a couple of great models that are best suited to the home market with lengths of either 12 or 14 ft.
Competitive and commercial use - Hudson Shuffleboards
(Pictured - Hudson Grand Deluxe Shuffleboard)
Based in the USA, Hudson have been producing competition grade shuffleboard tables for over a decade, and are often recognised as the top producer for shuffle board tables at the competitive level with their feature-heavy designs, and precision made tables. Hudson have pioneered numerous innovations, such as improving the climate adjusters implementation on all of their shuffleboard planks.
High end - Hurricane Billiards
(Pictured - Hurricane Billiards Predator Shuffleboard)
For the ultimate in luxury and craftsmanship, it’s impossible to find a table shuffleboard that’s better finished and engineered than a Hurricane Billiards. Hurricane Billiards are well known for their incredibly artistic and modern looking designs, combining the highest quality, cutting edge materials like steel and carbon fibre into their designs. If you’re looking to make a show stopping statement with your table, then you will struggle to find a shuffleboard that fits the bill better than a Hurricane.
Why Shuffleboard is Great for Commercial Environments
Shuffleboard in recent years has been gaining incredible traction in the commercial environment, and has taken many venues by storm. With the rise of competitive socialising, more and more tables are popping up by the month.
Fun for everyone
Shuffleboard as a game is incredibly easy to learn how to play, and can be learned in minutes. The game’s nature also makes it very tricky to master, keeping players at the table for a long time whilst they try to hone their skill.
All inclusive
Given the game is so easy to learn, the game (much like pool) is easily accessible to all ages, genders and ability.
Excellent return on investment
Shuffleboard tables are normally operated and charged in venues on a per-hour basis. Depending on how busy your venue is, you can charge anywhere from £8 to £15 an hour, increasing customer dwell time in venues whilst they play.
Need more help?
As usual, our team is on hand to help out with any kind of questions you may have about this incredible game. Equally, it's worth finding a local venue or even our Bristol showrooms to try playing for yourself. You will immediately see the appeal of the game, and just how easy it is to get into.
