The game of pool is only as good as the size of your pocket. They influence the ball’s ability to bounce off 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 table pocket openings should measure between 4.5 and 6.62 inches. Corner pockets and the center pockets should measure five to six and a quarter inches. The pocket should have a vertical angle between 12 and 14 degrees. English pool tables have pockets that are rounded. This gives the ball a greater bounce and makes it more difficult to hit.
American pool tables have bigger pockets
American pool tables have pockets that are larger than those in England. American pool tables typically have pockets between three and six inches deep. This makes it easier to play fast with bigger balls. American versions feature straight-cut pockets in the middle of the ball, as opposed to full corners.
There are also differences between American pool tables and English ones. American pool tables have pockets that are rectangular, while English tables have pockets that are oval. These shapes are determined based on the distance between the ball and the pocket. The angle for the corner pockets is about two-thirds of the ball's width. The angle for the centre pockets is half an inch.
A pool table in America is faster than one in England because the balls are bigger. This is because English pool balls are often smaller and can easily be lost in the pockets. Also, English balls tend to react inappropriately because of the higher contact point with the pocket pads. American-style tables feature wider pocket openings, making them ideal for competitive eight- and nine-ball matches.
Modern pool tables use the same sizes pockets
The size of the table determines the extent of the pocket opening. A 4' table, for example, will have a smaller pocket than an 8' one. American pool tables are also made with slightly different pockets to those in the UK and Europe. American pool tables have a standard pocket that is straight at 142 degrees. English tables have a more rounded shoulder, narrower entrance, and a wider pocket.
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. Bar and coin-op tables are much smaller than the standard size, but they are very rare. The standard size of a pool table includes a drop pocket and a ball return. The sizes of the pockets vary depending on the country and the era.
It is possible to have huge effects on the game by changing the materials used for making a pool table. American tables have thicker sectional slates. These are often made from two or three pieces of slate that have been sealed with special wax. English pool tables, on the other hand, have only one piece of slate and are made with 21mm thick.