We tend to think of snooker as a modern phenomenon, especially with the rising popularity of the televised game over the last 30 years and the transformation of the top players into household names. However, the very first cue sports originated hundreds of years ago in continental Europe, and snooker as we now know it began in India in the 1870s, when it was played by British Army officers. Some makers of snooker and pool tables have actually been around nearly as long. For instance, the famous snooker supplies manufacturer, Riley, has been in the business of making quality tables and cues since the end of the 19^th century.

This company offers a particularly large selection of snooker, billiards and pool-related equipment, from 7 foot American pool tables right up to various full size snooker table models, as well as an assortment of fine cues. Riley tables have in fact been used in various ranking tournaments all over the world such is the quality of their workmanship. Their models are characterized by the use of top-quality materials, from Italian slate and English leather to rosewood and mahogany, as well as the inclusion of the very latest technical innovations and improvements.