The game of pool is only as good as the size of your pocket. They affect the ball's ability bounce from the pocket accurately. They vary depending on the style of your table. They can range from 4.5 to 6.25 inches wide to as big as five inches. 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 are usually built with pockets that are rounded, giving the ball a better bounce and producing trickier shots.
American pool tables tend to have larger pockets
American pool tables have pockets that are larger than those in England. American pool tables will typically have pockets measuring between three to four inches in depth. This makes it possible to play quickly with larger balls. American versions have straight-cut pockets at the middle and not in the corners.
Another difference between American and English pool tables is their shape. The pockets on an American pool table are rectangular, whereas those on an English table are oblong. These shapes are determined according to the ball's distance from 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.
An American pool table also runs faster than an English table because the balls used are larger. Because English pool balls are smaller and more easily lost in the pockets, this is important. Because of the greater contact point between the pockets and the balls, English pool balls react in a different way to the pockets. American-style table have wider pockets which are perfect for competition 8- and nine-ball games.
Modern pool tables use the same sizes pockets
The size of the table determines the extent of the pocket opening. A table that is 4 feet tall will have a smaller opening than one that is 8 feet. 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 standard table size is seven feet, there are many variants of these tables. The table size of coin-op, bar and other tables is smaller than that, but these are extremely rare. The standard size of a pool table includes a drop pocket and a ball return. The size of these pockets can vary depending upon the country or era.
It is possible to have huge effects on the game by changing the materials used for making a pool table. 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, however, are made of one piece slate and have a 21mm thickness.