Brushing the cloth is the single most effective thing you can do for how a table plays, and it takes a couple of minutes.

Chalk dust and fine debris settle into the nap between games and slow the roll unevenly across the table. A regular brush lifts it out, so the balls run true and at a consistent speed everywhere on the bed. Horse hair is the traditional choice and the gentlest on cloth, with soft natural bristles that lift dust without disturbing the nap. Nylon is harder wearing and easy to clean, which suits a venue brushing several times a day.

Rail brushes are stocked alongside the table brushes — the rails and pockets collect just as much dust and are easy to forget.