Pool is an incredibly popular British pastime, but many people don’t know that there is an American version. What are the American and English pool table and game differences? When purchasing a pool table it’s important to understand all the options that are available. Whether it’s for your game room or you’re buying for commercial use – you might find that an American pool table better suits your needs.
Overview
Both American and English/British pool tables are suitable for playing the most popular variant of pool – 8-ball. But, the game is vastly different depending on which table you’re playing on. The goals and rules stay the same but the tactics, approach and difficulty change a lot. The primary differences are:
- Table Size: American pool and billiard tables are larger. Normally either 8 foot or 9 foot unlike the British tables that are mostly either 6 foot or 7 foot.
- Pockets: American pool tables have larger pockets to match the larger size. They also have a slightly different shape that can make potting a ball easier.
- Cloth: The cloth that covers your table will differ depending on if you have an English or American pool table. It affects the speed and momentum of the ball.
- Balls: Larger pockets mean larger balls. The amount of area you have to hit really affects the player’s control of the cue ball.
- Design: The two styles of pool table don’t just differ in how they feel to play but they often follow different aesthetic trends.
American Pool Table (Buffalo Eliminator II)
British Pool Table (Supreme Winner Domestic Freeplay Model)
Table
The most obvious thing you’ll notice when you see an American pool table next to a British or English one is the difference in size. The American pool table is significantly larger at 8 feet or 9 feet. Where a British or English one is typically 6 feet or 7 feet. This is something that you will have to bear in mind before purchasing. The space for the table has to be even greater since you want to be able to comfortably manoeuvre the cue around the table throughout the game. At Home Pool Tables Direct we make sure to include accurate dimensions for our tables so make sure your games room or play space is large enough or consider a smaller size.
English pool tables tend to be constructed with a flat bed of a single piece of slate. Due to the increased size, many American tables will actually have two pieces of slate, which can be independently adjusted to ensure a perfectly flat surface. If that sounds too complicated don’t worry, most tables of either type are levelled with adjustable feet or legs.
Pockets
One of the main reasons that American pool tables are felt to be easier and more forgiving is due to the larger pockets. The target is much bigger which is a big help when your shots will be further due to the larger table. We offer many American pool tables with more intricate and convenient ball-return systems. However, the pockets that are large enough for an adult to fit their hand in mean you might be comfortable with just a simple drop net pocket design.
Cloth
For American pool you want a different cloth. Typically it’s called a speed cloth or worsted and has some nylon in it. It offers little resistance so the ball rolls further, faster and rebounds more! English pool is played on napped cloth. It slows the ball down more offering more precision and technicality. Either way you’ll want to be playing on a cloth in good condition. Home Pool Tables Direct offers a re-covering service to make sure your surface is always optimal.
Corners
English Pool Table Corner Pocket and English Ball
You can see here how narrow the opening of a pocket is compared to the ball on an English or British pool table. Also of note are the gently rounded cushions. This can make simple shots trickier but can make it easier to sink a shot from a deep angle to the pocket.
American Pool Table Corner Pocket and American Ball
Look how much wider the pocket opening is compared to the ball. This makes direct shots much easier to sink! However, the sharply cut cushions can make indirect shots rebound unpredictably.
An American pool ball (left) and a British pool ball (right)
American pool balls are larger and heavier than English ones. They are 2 1/4″ inch wide compared to 2″. Also, in English pool the white cue ball is even smaller and lighter than the others. In American pool all the balls are the same weight and size.
The cues you play with are different too! In British pool you won’t see a cue with a tip greater than 11mm. But in American pool it’ll be 12mm at a minimum. These reflect the speed of the game. English pool prefers a precise careful shot. And, American pool needs greater power for those long, fast shots.
For either game, you can get all the balls, cues and accessories you need right here.
Design
Historically American pool tables had bolder, more striking designs. Like the UV-reflective Sam Magno Cosmic (top-left). And, British tables had more traditional and muted designs. See the Dark Walnut Monte Carlo (top-right). However, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore! Home Pool Tables Direct stocks a diverse range of both American and English pool tables. You can find more traditional American designs like the Sam Vintage Vienna (bottom-left). Or, striking and bold British pool tables like the Gloss White Lightning (bottom-right).
American Pool Differences Conclusion
What can we take away from this? American pool is faster, played on a lower resistance surface. It’s larger. The table, the cues, the balls, the pockets. Shots are played further and rebound more. In a lot of ways it’s more exciting and forgiving than the English counterpart. It might be the game for you!
However, it’s important to remember the increased space constraints. You might be able to fit an English pool table where you can’t fit an American one. Fortunately we offer a number of solutions to this. You could go with a sturdy outdoor table. Or, one that seamlessly transforms from pool table to diner. Or both! We even have a pool table that folds.
We hope whatever version of the game you choose you’ll get in touch or come visit our showroom.
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