A snooker pocket rail system (10) that provides an atmospheric control system (24) for heating the atmosphere in a region adjacent the rails (14) where one or more balls (18) are supported in use. This maintains the temperature of the balls (18) when not in playso as to reduce adverse playing effects, such as kick, when the balls (18) are placed back onto the snooker table. The snooker pocket rail system (10) has a ball ring (12) from which the pocket rail (14) is suspended, in use, below a pocket by a net; an end stop (20); a plurality of rails (14) affixed at one end to the ball ring (12) and at their opposite ends to the end stop (20); and suspension means (26). The atmospheric control system (24) can be a heated air supply which directs (80, 84) heated air onto the balls (18) when suspended on the rails (14), or heated rails (14).

A billiards table is disclosed comprising a synthetic slate that includes a top layer formed from a reinforcing fiber and a curing resin, and a support layer adhered to a bottom side of the top layer. A first frame structure is attached to a bottom side of the support layer. The support layer may include polyurethane foam or medium-density fiberboard. A heating element is attached to a bottom side of the support layer, and an insulating layer covers a bottom side of the heating element. A second frame structure supports the first frame structure and defines a cavity that contains a weight. The reinforcing fiber may be carbon fiber, and the curing resin may be epoxy-based, with a ratio of approximately 1:1 by weight. A plurality of legs may support both the first and second frame structures.