Important part of the game is the pool table's pocket sizes. They are crucial in determining the ball's ability and bounce accurately from the pockets. They vary in width depending on the type of table. American pool table's pockets should open between 4.5-4.625 inches. The pocket openings in the centre and corner pockets of the American pool table should be five to five inches wide. The pocket should have a vertical angle between 12 and 14 degrees. English pool tables usually have pockets that are rounded. This provides a better bounce and allows for more tricky shots.
American pool tables have bigger pockets
American pool tables have pockets that are larger than those in England. A standard American pool table will have pockets that are between three and four inches in depth. This allows you to play faster with larger balls. American versions have pockets that are straight-cut in the middle instead of being full corners.
Their shape is another distinction between American and English pool table. American pool tables have pockets that are rectangular, while English tables have pockets that are oval. These shapes are based on the ratio of the ball to the pocket. For the corner pockets, the angle is approximately two thirds of the ball's width, while the centre pockets are half an inch narrower.
Because the balls are larger, an American pool table can be faster than an English one. This is important because English pool balls tend to be smaller and easily get lost in the pockets. Because of the greater contact point between the pockets and the balls, English pool balls react in a different way to the pockets. American-style tables feature wider pocket openings, making them ideal for competitive eight- and nine-ball matches.
Modern pool tables have the same size pockets
The size of the table determines the extent of the pocket opening. For example, a 4' table will have a smaller opening than an 8' table. American pool tables have different pocket shapes from their European and British counterparts. American pool tables use a standard pocket at 142 degrees. English tables feature a more rounded shoulder area and narrower entrance.
Make sure you choose a similar-sized pool table when buying one. Although the table length is approximately seven feet, there are many different sizes. The table size of coin-op, bar and other tables is smaller than that, but these are extremely rare. A standard pool table has a drop pocket and a return. The dimensions of the pockets will vary depending on where you live and what era it is.
A pool table's materials can have a significant impact on its performance. American tables are known for having thicker sectional tiles. These are made up of several pieces, which are then sealed with special wax. English pool tables have one piece of slate, and are 21mm thick.