If you want to have fun or celebrate a big event, air hockey tables are the answer. Whether your daughter has just come home from college or your whole family has gathered together for a reunion, you know something special is on the horizon. Whether it's New Year's Eve or the Fourth of July, gathering your friends and family together is always a good excuse for a celebration. Maybe you don't even need a special reason to call up some folks and invite them over. No matter what the reason you'll find that air hockey tables never disappoint.

Imagine challenging your competitive brother or uncle to a match in your basement. Or imagine teaming up with your son or daughter to take on the competition. You might even proudly watch while your kids conquer the neighboring kids. No matter who is available to play the competition can be fun and maybe just a bit fierce.

The good news about air hockey equipment is that mastering it doesn't take a great deal of skill or experience. There's no hassle about learning tons of complicated rules. You should start playing once you go over a few of the simple rules of the game.

• Rule 1 - The first player to score seven points is the winner. Setting the maximum higher than that means younger players might lose interest but a lower winning score reduces the challenge of the game.

• Rule 2 - You may strike the puck with any part of the mallet, but you cannot lift the mallet and place it on the top of the puck. This is what is called a topping. If you do this, then the other player automatically gains control over the puck. You can use the mallet to top the puck only if the puck is airborne.

• Rule 3 - You have the privilege to stand at any part of the table but don't cross the center line. Keep in mind that you don't want to place yourself where you leave your goal exposed and let your opponent score an easy point.

• Rule 4 - You have only seven seconds to hit the puck back once it crosses the center line into your side of the table. Otherwise, you lose control of the puck.

• Rule 5 - When you hit the goal you have ten seconds to repossess the puck and serve it back to you opponent across the air hockey table.

• Rule 6 - Each player gets a single chance for time out while playing, but only when the puck is on the other side of the table. These time outs can only last ten seconds.

• Rule 7 - The player's arms, clothes cannot touch the puck, otherwise it is foul. But if the puck is airborne and touches the hand, clothes, or other parts of the player, it is not foul. When you foul, your opponent gets chance to serve.

Air Hockey tables bring families and friends together, ignite the fun and enjoyment of spending time together, and provides a great way to compete in a non-violent way. By understanding just a few simple rules, you can start having a great game that will help you have hours of fun and will brighten everyone's day. Having air hockey tables in your game room is definitely a must.