Important part of the game is the pool table's pocket sizes. These determine how the ball bounces from the pocket. Depending on the style of table you choose, they can vary from 4.5 to 4.625 inches wide to as much as five inches across. American pool tables have pocket openings between 4.5 to 4.625 inches. The pockets in the corners and centre should be 5 to 5 and a 1/2 inches. The pocket should have a vertical angle between 12 and 14 degrees. English pool tables are usually built with pockets that are rounded, giving the ball a better bounce and producing trickier shots.
American pool tables come with bigger pockets
American pool tables are more spacious than English. American pool tables will typically have pockets measuring between three to four inches in depth. This allows you to play faster with larger balls. The American versions also feature pockets that are straight cut in the middle, instead of full corner pockets.
The shape of the American and English pool tables is another difference. American pool tables' pockets are rectangular in shape, while English pools tables have long pockets. These shapes depend on the ratio between the ball and the pockets. The angle of the corner pockets is approximately 2/3 the ball's width. However, the centre pockets are 1/2 inch narrower.
An American pool table also runs faster than an English table because the balls used are larger. This is important, as English pool ball are usually smaller and get lost easily in the pockets. Also, English balls tend to react inappropriately because of the higher contact point with the pocket pads. Additionally, American-style tables have wider pocket openings that are ideal for competition 8 and nine-ball games.
Modern pool tables use the same sizes pockets
The opening of the pockets varies slightly depending on the size of the table. For example, an 8' table will have a wider opening than a 4' one. American pool tables use slightly different pocket shapes to their European and British counterparts. In America, the standard pocket is 142 degrees straight, while an English table features a more rounded shoulder and a more narrow entrance.
You should choose a pool table that is the same size as your current one. There are many types of pool tables, with the average size being seven feet in length. 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.
The materials used to make a pool table can also have a huge effect on the game. American tables feature thicker sectional slats. 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.