Round and oddly shaped tables
Circular, oval, hexagonal, L-shaped or completely custom: shaped tables turn the usual angles upside down. Shots that work on a rectangular table no longer do, which makes them a great equaliser between regulars and first-timers. Venues often play their own house rules on them, which is half the fun.
Bumper pool
Bumper pool is played on a small table, often octagonal or rectangular, with a cluster of rubber bumpers in the middle and two pockets, one at each end. Each player has their own set of balls (usually red against white) and races to sink them all in their opponent's pocket, bouncing around the bumpers on the way. Quick, social and easy to learn, it's a bar favourite in North America.
Bar billiards
Bar billiards is a traditional pub game from England, especially popular in the south of the country. There are no pockets around the edge: instead, players score by potting balls into holes in the playing surface, each worth a different number of points, while avoiding the small wooden skittles (mushrooms) standing beside them. Knock one over and you lose points, or your whole break.
Games are often coin-operated and timed: when the time runs out, a bar drops inside the table and stops the balls from returning, so every shot counts at the end.
Where you'll find them
Novelty tables are most common in bars, pubs, pool halls and entertainment venues, where the aim is fun rather than serious competition. If you're looking for a relaxed game with friends, they're a great choice.
For serious play, look for venues with American pool, English pool or snooker tables.
Where to play on a novelty table near you
We have 38 venues with novelty tables. Find one near you now.
Discover other table types
American poolthe classic bar and pool hall game.
English poolthe pub table of Britain and Ireland.
Carom billiardsno pockets at all.Frequently asked questions
What is a novelty pool table?
Any table you'll find in a bar or pool hall that isn't a standard competition table: round or oddly shaped pool tables, bumper pool tables and bar billiards tables.
How do you play bumper pool?
Each player has five balls of their own colour and tries to sink them in the opponent's pocket at the far end, playing around the bumpers in the middle. The first player to sink all their balls wins.
What is bar billiards?
A traditional English pub game played on a pocketless table with scoring holes in the playing surface and wooden skittles to avoid. Games are usually timed.
Are round pool tables real?
Yes. Round and other shaped tables exist, mostly for fun in bars and entertainment venues. They aren't used in official competitions.