There’s nothing that completes a den or a basement quite like a pool table. They’re expensive, but if you’ve decided to purchase a pool table, you may as well spring for all the bells and whistles.

You can play the game well enough with just the balls and a couple of cues, but some accessories will complete your pool table setup and enhance the overall experience. You’re going to want to have them handy for games where you wager with your friends and family members, or even just for friendly matches.

To play the game, you’ll need a good set of pool balls, but you also need a rack to gather them and prepare them for a game. There are two main types of racks, each designed to prepare the balls for a specific game.

Caring for your cue is essential. Most cue sticks have high-quality construction, but they're also very fine and delicate. For this reason, you're going to want to protect your cues when they're not in use.

Most cue cases are versatile enough to travel and help prevent damage from drops, weather conditions, scratches and dings. They can also help you save money in the long run since you likely won’t need to replace them often due to damage.

Contrary to popular belief, a bridge isn’t a tool simply for novice players; they’re also acceptable for more experienced players to use as well. A retractable bridge can be helpful when you find yourself having to make a shot that would be impossible or extremely difficult unless you take it with your off hand. You can usually find a bridge hanging right next to a cue at most pool halls, so it’s a good idea for you to have one handy as well.

Constantly roaming around the table to retrieve chalk is cumbersome, but a chalk holder allows you to keep your chalk handy as you play. Some chalk holders can be carried around in pockets, leaving the chalk dangling on the outside where it’s readily available. Other chalk holders are built like platforms for resting the chalk at a place close to the table.

JAPER BEES Pool Balls Billiard Set: available at Amazon

These high-quality resin pool balls measure 2.25 inches in diameter and have a classic billiards design. Their weight is consistent, and they have perfect balance, roundness and glossy finish. They’re also available in other styles like marble-swirl and pearl-look.

BETTERLINE Billiard Balls Set, Pool Table Triangle Ball Rack, and 9-Ball Diamond Rack: available at Amazon

You’ll get the most bang for your buck with this ball set that comes with both triangle and diamond racks. The balls are high-quality with solid weight and a glossy finish, and the racks are made with sturdy wooden frames. Also included in the set are five bonus cue chalks.

Cosmos Pool Cue Carrying Case: available at Amazon

If you plan on traveling with your favorite cue, this carrying bag provides excellent protection and has an adjustable shoulder strap. It has two compartments for holding the butt and shaft and small zipper pockets for chalk and cue tips.

GSE Games & Sports Expert Deluxe Hard Pool Cue Carrying Case: available at Amazon

This durable case has a rugged exterior with a soft handle, adjustable shoulder strap, divider tubes and soft interior cushions for protecting cues from damage by accidental drops.

Tai Ba Cues Retractable Bridge with Low Brass Head: available at Amazon

This stainless steel retractable bridge stick has a replaceable brass head featuring five shot positions and rubber feet for protecting the felt of your pool table. The sponge grip is made with high-quality sweat-absorbing and anti-slip materials.

ISPIRITO Billiard Bridge Retractable Pool Stick: available at Amazon

The length of this retractable bridge stick extends up to 57 inches. The handle is made with high-quality hardwood, and the head features holes for six shot positions.

Predator 1080 Pure Performance Chalk: available at Amazon

Predator Pure Performance chalk helps improve the consistency and accuracy of your shot. It lasts longer than several other chalk brands, and the chalk holder is designed to hold the octagon-shaped Predator chalk container.

Viper by GLD Products Wall-Mounted Wood Cone Chalk Holder: available at Amazon

This chalk holder has an elegant mahogany finish that makes for a great piece to blend with other furniture. It’s an excellent option for keeping your pool table and the surrounding area clean, and it comes with hardware for wall mounting.

Billiard Depot Premium 32-Piece Billiard Accessory Kit: available at Amazon

This bundle has everything you need to complete your home billiards setup and then some. The main accessories include regulation-size balls, four cue sticks, a bridge with a head and wooden triangle and diamond racks. It also comes with a wooden six-cue rack, two brushes, chalk, tip repair kits, a table cover and other minor accessories.

Hathaway Pool Table Billiard Accessory Kit: available at Amazon

If you’re looking for a bundle with the bare essential accessories to get you started, this set is a great bargain. It comes with 16 true-roll balls, two 57-inch three-piece cue sticks, a two-piece bridge stick with an aluminum head, a triangle rack and a rail brush.

Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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