Familiarize yourself with air hockey table makers and the types of air hockey tables they make

Roughly a dozen different companies manufacture commercial, professional, coin-operated and recreational air hockey tables in a variety of shapes and sizes. Air hockey tables for sale range in price from $20 for a toy tabletop model to more than $6,000 for a top-of-the-line professional model. For anyone who plans to buy an air hockey table, its intended use should determine the type and quality purchased.

I recommend: Game-Room-Decorating-Ideas.com offers informational material on the size and types tables available from an air hockey table manufacturer, including information on scoring systems. The detailed buying guide at Arcade Equipment has some great educational information on things to consider when selecting an air hockey table.

Educate yourself on how to care for and repair air hockey tables

Although they don't require tremendous amounts of maintenance, air hockey tables do require general care such as keeping the playing surface clean and not allowing the air holes to become clogged. And, as is the case with nearly everything, parts do occasionally break or wear out.

I recommend: Seibert offers some valuable tips and techniques on how to care for and repair an air hockey table. For a guide to replacement parts, visit Air Hockey Direct.

Learn the rules for playing on an air hockey table and the terminology that goes with the game

Like all games, air hockey does have its share of rules, especially at the professional competition level. It's good to know the language of the game, as well.

I recommend: Visit Airhockey.com for the United States Air Hockey Association's official rules and regulations for playing the game. To familiarize yourself with air hockey terminology, check out the list of terms at JustAirHockeyTables.com.