Pool cues
Good for: Replacing house cues or giving each regular their own.
Check before you buy: 58 inches is standard. Short 48- or 52-inch cues help in tight rooms. Check the weight and tip size.
See options on Amazon →Home / Bar & Table Games
Bar & Table Games for a Home Game Room
Darts are the anchor of a pub-style room, but most game rooms add one big table game and a few smaller ones. The big decision is space. A pool table or a long shuffleboard table needs room on every side for people to play, not just floor space for the table.
Measure your room first, then pick. Our game room guide has rough clearances for the common tables.
Picks to compare
Pool ball set
Good for: Replacing chipped or mismatched balls.
Check before you buy: Regulation balls are 2-1/4 inches. Some coin-op bar tables use a different cue ball, so check your table.
See options on Amazon →Triangle and 9-ball racks
Good for: Tighter racks and faster setup.
Check before you buy: Wood racks look classic. Hard plastic racks hold their shape well.
See options on Amazon →Foosball table
Good for: A fast, social game that takes less room than pool.
Check before you buy: Look at the weight (heavier tables move less), the rod type and whether the rods stick out through both sides.
See options on Amazon →Air hockey table
Good for: Fast games for kids and adults.
Check before you buy: Check the blower power, the noise and whether you have an outlet nearby.
See options on Amazon →Shuffleboard table
Good for: A classic bar game. Tables range from about 9 to 22 feet.
Check before you buy: Length is everything. Measure the room and leave space to walk around both ends.
See options on Amazon →Shuffleboard bowling set
Good for: Adding a second game to a table you already have.
Check before you buy: Make sure the set matches your puck size and table width.
See options on Amazon →Cornhole boards
Good for: Backyard and garage play.
Check before you buy: Regulation boards are 2 by 4 feet. Check the bags too, since weight and fill vary.
See options on Amazon →Ping pong table
Good for: Active games that fold away when you need the room.
Check before you buy: Indoor tables don't handle weather. A fold-up design helps in shared spaces.
See options on Amazon →Poker chip set
Good for: A regular card night.
Check before you buy: Clay-composite chips feel better than plain plastic. Count the chips per color for your usual group.
See options on Amazon →Poker table or table topper
Good for: Turning a dining table into a card table.
Check before you buy: Toppers cost less and store flat. Check the seat count and what size table they fit.
See options on Amazon →What to look for
- Plan for the players, not just the table Cue sports and shuffleboard need clear space at the ends and sides. Foosball and air hockey need room for players at each end.
- Check the floor Pool tables and full-size shuffleboard tables are very heavy. Upper floors may need a closer look.
- Delivery and setup Large tables usually ship by freight and need assembly. Read the shipping details on the listing.