Table Hockey

Table hockey consists of two players, trying to score by hitting a small puck into a net on a table surface which represents an ice hockey rink. Cut out figures which represent the hockey players are maneuvered by the rods on which they are mounted. These rods are pushed or pulled to move the player forward or backward; or rotated to shoot the ball. Each half of the rink surface has three forwards, controlled by the player, two defenders, controlled by the opposing player and a goal keeper, again controlled by the player.

Table Hockey game is generally played for fun in schools, clubs, workplaces, pubs and bars etc. In these places it is generally played with very few rules. However, Table hockey is also played at competitive levels in competitions organized by various organizations. These are played under strict rules and regulations under administration of ITHF (International Table Hockey Federation). A large variety of tables are available for variety of the game. For example Dome Hockey Tables, also known as bubble-hockey table, offers a fast and realistic game which can be played as one to one two on two with electronic arrangement to record number of goals, attempts on the goal and running time as well. The name Dome or Bubble is given to it because there is a large “dome” or “bubble” which covers the table to prevent the puck from either getting lost or stolen. The most popular of these tables are the Chexx or Super Chexx tables, involving USA vs. Russia and USA vs. Canada matches respectively. The Stiga hockey table is a Swedish high quality table which features real NHL Team uniforms and logos, The goalies can move from side to side and the players can even move behind the goal net. Stiga has been making their table hockey games game since 1957. Eagle table hockey games and fans Munro table hockey games are also just like the toy table hockey games.

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There are a number of countries having constituted Table Hockey League of their own. Tournaments are organized under these leagues, which offer official websites to be accessed by any team or even individual. For example Vancouver Table Hockey League (VTHL) is a group of Table hockey fans who have the experience of having organized four or five Table Hockey League seasons. They have now started their 2007-2008 season. They have played tournaments in Sweden (Goteborg), USA (Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, Seattle), and Canada (Montréal). Most of these leagues are played on ITHF approved Stiga, Eagle, Chexx, Munro, Irwin and Halex tables. Their junior league is played on simpler versions of hockey tables, such as Benej, CE FX, Irwin, Gretzky, and Coleco etc supplied by Table hockey suppliers, from many countries including China. Hockey Tables come in a variety of sizes but the best table height for table hockey is around 36 inches. The playing surface of the tables, at this height, usually reaches the mid-riff of a person of average height; thereby enabling his/her forearms to move about without any inhibition.

There is another table hockey game known as the Do-To-Ho. This was developed in Germany in1994. This game is totally different from the games mentioned above. In this game the playing figures are not attached to the bars, but move around on the entire playing suface. They have ball-bearings in their bases, which enables them to slide on the playing surface like ice skaters. A small stick like the cue of billtuards is used by the players to move a play figure. For those people who do not have sufficient space inside their houses, or want to play the game outdoors for fun, there are outdoor hockey tables. Their special features are their ability to withstand extreme weathers and out door vibrations. Tables for top outdoor hockey are manufactured by Fat Cat, Rhino, Rene Pierre and Murrey etc. Major specialty of these tables is their materials, which enables them to be easily portable in addition to their weather resistant and anti vibration quality.