Article  A Home Shuffleboard Table Offers Fun for Everyone Table shuffleboard has its origins in 15th century England, where the game was played by sliding a large coin down a table. The game was popular in the late 19th century in America, with high-profile games played throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The first shuffleboard table in California was installed in a pub in 1904, and the game grew in popularity during the forties and fifties. Though the game of shuffleboard suffered a decline in popularity during the sixties and seventies, the next two decades saw a revival of the sport. Today, league and tournament play is again popular throughout the country, and the shuffleboard table is a staple in many pubs and game rooms. Many organizations are dedicated to advance the popularity of shuffleboard and bring the game back into mainstream play. For shuffleboard enthusiasts and competitors, owning a home shuffleboard table is an excellent way to enhance skills and prepare for tournaments. Many different types of shuffleboard tables offer everyone from the occasional recreational player to the serious competitor the opportunity to play and practice at home. When considering the purchase of a shuffleboard table, you will want to take into account your budget and the space available, as well as how often you intend to use your board. Free-standing standard shuffleboard tables are available in nine-foot versions for entry-level play, up to 22-foot tournament tables. For a high-quality shuffleboard table that delivers a long-lasting and consistent playing surface, choose a playing surface constructed of a strong wood such as maple. Playing surfaces may be coated with a traditional wood lacquer or a polymer finish. A polymer finish shuffleboard table will provide a low-maintenance surface that delivers extra speed. You can choose from a variety of finishes and optional features to create the perfect look for your shuffleboard table. Finishes in mahogany, chestnut, or black allow you to coordinate your shuffleboard table with the existing furniture in your game room. You may also choose an attractive electronic score unit with state of the art features for easy scoring. A variety of shuffleboard table styles allow you to choose from old world pub designs for an elegant look, or sleeker tables for a more modern look. Traditional shuffleboard cabinet styles may feature aesthetic touches such as ball and claw legs crafted from high-quality materials. Two-tone finishes with detailed features recreate the aesthetic of shuffleboard tables used in the early 1900s. A shuffleboard table with an art deco design provides a classic 1920s feel. To care for and maintain the playing quality of your shuffleboard table, you will also want to invest in a variety of shuffleboard supplies and accessories. Shuffleboard table wax and silicone spray will allow you to keep your shuffleboard table playing like new while also providing a faster playing surface. To protect your shuffleboard table from nicks and scratches when not in use, cover it with an appropriately-sized table cover. Puck sets are available in a variety of sizes, including a smaller size of puck that is most suitable for more narrow playing surfaces. Hard plastic bowling pins are a fun addition that allows you to mix up your game play, and a shuffleboard table sweep allows you to clear dust off the playing surface. If you do not opt for an electronic score unit, you can add an abacus-style bead set to your shuffleboard table for a more old-world style. Always follow the recommended care instructions to keep your shuffleboard table in top playing condition for years to come. Cleanse and polish it regularly, depending on how often you use your table, and keep it away from windows or direct sunlight to avoid distorting the wood surface. Category Sports Author WOA Member Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 21 August 2009