Decades ago, worsted billiard cloth was found to be the best possible playing surface for pool and carom. The smooth, flat surface of worsted cloth does not "shed" (release random short fibers from the weave) or "pill" (the bunching of the short fibers on the play surface). This can also lead to grooves or tracks forming in the cloth, negatively impacting play because the roll is negatively affected by those problems.
Most of the world has changed to worsted cloths for the superior characteristics of accuracy, consistency and durability, but sub-standard woolens or "felts" are still commonly available in the U.S. market, usually as the basic cloth that "comes with the table". So be sure to ask for Simonis cloth. A small investment now will bring years of better play, longer life, and increased enjoyment!
