What are the items that convert pockets to bumpers/rails?

Question

I found a set of six felt bumpers, 4 corners and 2 sides that clip onto a pool table's pockets to convert them to rails/bumpers instead of pockets. What would they be called and what pool game dosn't require the pockets?

Answer 1

I know what you're talking about, and I'm not sure that they still make them.  If I remember correctly, they are just called "pocket inserts".  I saw them in this book of billiard antiques.  They were many years old.  The games that don't require pockets are called "carom" games.  The most popular carom game that people play today is called "three-cushion billiards".  Carom tables are usually 5' X 10', whereas professional pool tables measure 4 1/2' X 9'.  The balls are slighter larger and heavier than pool balls, and for three-cushion billiards, only three balls are on the table, unlike pool which uses up to 15 balls.  Many people today use the term "billiards" to refer strictly to carom games, but the word itself encompasses carom, pool, and snooker games.  Pool is sometimes referred to as "pocket billiards".  You can find rules for carom games included in the BCA handbook.  I'll give you links and names for the books and websites.  From what I hear, the pocket inserts can give you a rough idea of what carom games are like, but they won't react nearly as well as a solid cushion.  I would actually like to try them myself once, to have a more educated opinion.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.