Important part of the game is the pool table's pocket sizes. They influence the ball’s ability to bounce off the pocket. They can be as wide as 4.5 inches to 4.625 inches, or as large as five inches depending on what style of pool table you have. 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 be angled vertically between 12 and 14. English pool tables are usually built with pockets that are rounded, giving the ball a better bounce and producing trickier shots.
American pool tables have larger 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 allows you to play faster with larger balls. American versions have pockets that are straight-cut in the middle instead of being full corners.
There is also a difference in the shape of American and English pools tables. The pockets on an American pool table are rectangular, whereas those on an English table are oblong. These shapes are determined based on the distance between the ball and the pocket. For the corner pockets, the angle of the ball is approximately two-thirds the width of the ball, while the center pockets are about half an inch wider.
An American pool table is also much faster than an English pool table, because the balls are much larger. Because English pool balls are smaller and more easily lost in the pockets, this is important. Also, English balls tend to react inappropriately because of the higher contact point with the pocket pads. American-style tables are designed with wider pockets, which makes them ideal for competitive 8 and 9-ball games.
Modern pool tables feature the same size pockets
The size of the table will affect the opening of the pockets. A 4' table, for example, will have a smaller pocket than an 8' one. 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.
It is important to choose a pool tables that are similar in size when you buy one. Although the standard table size is seven feet, there are many variants of these tables. While coin-op or bar tables are usually smaller than this size, these tables are extremely rare. The pool table is standard in size and includes a drop pockets and a ball 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 typically made out of two or three pieces that are sealed with special hard wax. English pool tables are made from 21mm thick slate and only one piece.