• Billiards, otherwise known as pool, is a game of focus, skill and geometry. It takes years of practice to perfect the game. The best play is found at the WPA Tournament, or World Pool Association Tournament. At the tournament, the WPA uses equipment rules and regulations to keep the competition on an even keel. Lighting is a specifically important aspect of the game. The WPA implements regulations specifically designed to light the tournament table and venue.
  
  

Bed and Rail

• In order for the lighting to be evenly distributed throughout the table, WPA specifications state that the pool table requires at least 520 lux, or 48 foot-candles, of illumination at every section. Lux is a measurement of the intensity of particular light and is measured by a lux meter. Foot-candles are also a measurement of light intensity, but are not internationally used as a standard form of measurement.
  
  No point of the table, including the center, should have perceptibly more illumination than another. A reflector or screen is often required to evenly distribute light to all points of the table. This assures that at no point will a player be thrown off by poor lighting.
  
  

Fixture

• The light fixture above the table can either be movable or permanent. Movable light fixtures occasionally require a referee to shift the fixture out of the way for a player's shot. According to WPA regulations, the minimum height requirement for a movable light fixture is 40 inches over the table. Measurement should be taken from the bed of the table.
  
  A light fixture that is not movable has a minimum height requirement of 65 inches above the bed of the table. Permanent light fixtures are useful for quick tournaments that require the player to make a variety of difficult shots without the burden of a fixture in the way.
  
  The WPA also specifically regulates table height, design, surface, cushioning and even pocket liners so that lighting and other aspects of the tournament are always standard.
  
  

Light Intensity

• Lighting should be sufficient, but not be so intense that it hurts the eyes. WPA rules state that lighting directed on the players should be less than 5000 lux to prevent glare and poor vision during play. Lighting throughout the rest of the venue hosting the tournament should be more than 50 lux to allow for evenly dispersed lighting in the entire venue. This includes lighting on the bleachers, additional seating and any other areas within the vicinity of the billiard table.