It is important to know the dimensions of your pool table pockets. These determine how the ball bounces from the pocket. They vary in width depending on the type of table. The American pool table's pocket openings should be between 4.5 and 4.625 inches while the pockets on the centre and corner pockets should be five to five and a half inches wide. The pocket should be angled vertically between 12 and 14. English pool tables usually have pockets that are rounded. This provides a better bounce and allows for more tricky shots.
American pool tables come with bigger pockets
American pool tables are more spacious than English. Pockets on a standard American pool table are usually between three and four inches deep. This makes it possible to play quickly with larger balls. American versions feature straight-cut pockets in the middle of the ball, as opposed to full corners.
The shape of the American and English pool tables is another difference. 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.
An American pool table is also much faster than an English pool table, because the balls are much larger. This is important, as English pool ball are usually smaller and get lost easily 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. Additionally, American-style tables have wider pocket openings that are ideal for competition 8 and nine-ball games.
Modern pool tables are the same size as traditional ones.
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 also use slightly different pocket shapes than their British and European counterparts. The standard American pocket is 142 degrees long, while the English table features a more round shoulder and narrower entrance.
You should choose a pool table that is the same size as your current one. Although the table length is approximately seven feet, there are many different sizes. While coin-op or bar tables are usually smaller than this size, these tables are extremely rare. The pool table standard size includes a drop-pocket and a ball returning. The size of these pockets can vary depending upon the country or era.
The materials used to make a pool table can also have a huge effect on the game. American tables tend to have thicker sectional slabs. These tables are usually made of two or more pieces that have been sealed with special hard wax. English pool tables use only one piece, which is 21mm thick, and they are made out of just one slate.