When playing in a race to a specified number of games, or a game where points need to be tracked, you will need some way to identify who gets what. Here are a number of tools used to track who gets what points, scores, marks, wins, and loses:
Point scoring beads – These are on a string and tied at each end – usually above the table light. These are numbered up to 50 beads on each side, subdivided into groups of 5 and 10. Scores are kept by sliding beads from one side to the other. Each bead is 1 point.
Game scoring beads – This is a double-set of larger beads that look like they are made from golfing practice balls with holes. There are 10 balls on both sides. These are used to mark games won in a match.
Table scoring wheels – These are embedded into the foot rail of the table. Usually in two sets of two wheels, each which has double digits. The numbers are changed using a thumbwheel. For scores that exceed 100, the left and right side double sets can track scores up to 9,999. (Although that will wear out more than two thumbs.)
Chalkboard – Any small chalkboard or white board hanging on a wall. The names of the opponents are listed above two columns. As points are made, marks are made below the name of the person who scored. The marks are grouped in fives. When the competition is done, the scores are erased.
Manual scoreboard – These usually have various rotating or circling number wheels. These are usually found/discovered somewhere as novelty items from a board game or another game set.
Electronic scoreboard – These are available in small sizes all the way up to the remote-controlled gymnasium scoreboards. The lighted numbers show up well in any pool room. Some of these have timers, which can be used to keep track of timed racks.
Pad & pencil – You can’t get more basic than this. It always works and is cheap to use. As each sheet is used, it is simply discarded.
Whatever you use to track who wins how many games and scores so many points, it is important to have one or more of these tools available. When practicing, you can use these tools to track games won/lost against the ghost, or how many setups you’ve shot. Keep accurate scores and you’ll never go wrong.
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