Similar to an American table, the English pocket are smaller is size with the width of the pocket being determined by a ball to pocket ratio formula, i.e. ball size x 1.6 =pocket opening with a tolerance of plus or minus 1/8”. This is measured across the fall of the pocket, on corner pockets the fall of the pocket occurs at the point where the projected lines of each cushion face cross. On centre pockets the fall being the point at which the ball should drop.
American pocket openings should be between 4.5 and 4.625 inches on the corner pockets and centre between 5 and 5.125 inches. The mouth of the centre pocket is traditionally ½ inch wider than the mouth of the corner pocket. Professional tables will also have a vertical pock angle (Back Draft), between 12 & 14 degreesIt’s a question that’s often asked by potential customers, who are usually confused and frustrated about the differences between the two styles of pool tables.
In general, American pool tables tend to be physically larger than English pool tables. With a larger play area, slightly bigger balls and wider pocket apertures, responsive ‘pointed’ cushion rubbers, and a fast napless cloth makes for a high-speed game. American Pool is often described as a faster game, with plenty of ricochets and rebounds compared to the more strategic game of English pool.
English pool tables have a slower, more traditional napped woollen cloth, narrower pockets, L shaped cushion rubber profiles and a smaller play area often involving more tactical ‘snookering’ shots.
Table Sizes
How do the tables differ in size?
The simplest answer is that the American pool tables are generally larger than English pool tables with the standard American pool table being an 7ft, 8ft or 9ft and the standard English pool table being a 6ft, 7ft or 8ft. The official tournament or professional sizes being 9ft for American, and 7ft for English.
To clarify the dimensions, English pool tables sizes are usually based on the approx. external dimensions (or closest to it). Therefore a 6ft table uses a 5ft slate and a 7ft uses a 6ft slate…and so on. American pool tables dimensions tend to be closest to the slate measurements i.e. an 8ft American table use approx an 8ft slate.
Pockets
Why are American pockets larger? Is it an easier game?
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Similar to an American table, the English pocket are smaller is size with the width of the pocket being determined by a ball to pocket ratio formula, i.e. ball size x 1.6 =pocket opening with a tolerance of plus or minus 1/8”. This is measured across the fall of the pocket, on corner pockets the fall of the pocket occurs at the point where the projected lines of each cushion face cross. On centre pockets the fall being the point at which the ball should drop.
American pocket openings should be between 4.5 and 4.625 inches on the corner pockets and centre between 5 and 5.125 inches. The mouth of the centre pocket is traditionally ½ inch wider than the mouth of the corner pocket. Professional tables will also have a vertical pock angle (Back Draft), between 12 & 14 degrees.
The shape of the pockets is noticeably different, with American pool tables having a 142 degree straight cut in the corner and 104 degrees in the centre pockets.
English pool pockets have a pronounced, rounded shoulder. This produces a much trickier shot, as the shoulders can rebound your shot in almost any direction.
Cushions
What’ the difference between American and English rubbers?
Image showing the difference in cushion rubber profiles, the American rubber is much more triangular in comparison to the L shaped Snooker and English pool rubber.
American pool cushions have a pointed profile to them, this narrow, pointed blade shape gives a very responsive bounce, perfect for rebounds and fast long shots.
English pool cushions are having more of a flat, L shaped profile to them. This produces a more moderate rebound which suits the slower and often more skilled shots.
Balls
What size balls do I need?
Larger tables and wider pockets require bigger balls. American pool tables use the larger and much heavier 2 1/4-inch balls, and English tables generally using 2-inch balls, with coin op tables using the smaller cue ball to separate them.
American pool tables tend to use the spots and stripes and English using the more traditional reds and yellows (sometimes Blue and Yellow) although spots and stripes are becoming increasingly more popular.
Cues
What’s the difference in American & English cues? Can I use American cues on English tables?
To summarise, American cues have a larger tip (between 12 &14mm) in comparison to English cues (between 8-11mm). An American cue is typically made out of Maple wood with a large tip and plastic feral, the plastic acts like a shock absorber, perfect for striking the larger, heavier balls.
English cues are designed for more accuracy than power, the body tends to be thinner, constructed of Ash (hard both flexible) with a smaller tip and brass feral.
Cloth
What’s the difference between American and English cloth? Can I use American cloth on English tables and vice versa?
The cloth is key factor in why American and English pool tables play so differently. American cloth is primarily a synthetic material, its thinner and smoother to touch. The smoothness means less resistance or friction and with it being napless the balls can roll much further and faster.
English cloth is made from wool with fibres woven into it. The ‘Nap’ is the direction of the weave and can be felt if you run your hand down the length of the table (smooth in one direction). The nap can have an affect on the roll of the ball at slow speeds and promotes precision and accuracy over speed and power.
Slates
The larger American pool tables have thicker sectional slates, normally in 2 or 3 pieces for ease of handling and transporting. English slates are usually no thicker than 21mm and tend to be one piece.
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