American Pool or English Pool - What is the differnce?

We are often asked what the difference between a UK pool table and an American pool table is. American pool is the traditional game; however, it's UK pool that dominates in this country. Below we outline the main differences between the two games and tables.

TABLE SIZES

UK pool tables come in two official league sizes. The options are 6ft x 3’6 or 7ft x 4ft sizes. The 7ft model is the more popular table and the size used in pool leagues and official tournaments. A UK pool table is measured from the outer cabinet and not the playing surface. In other words, a full-size UK table measures 7ft in length and 4ft in width on the top frame surround.

American pool tables generally come in 3 sizes – 7ft, 8ft and 9ft. The 9ft is the Tournament size and is used in all official events. The 8ft model is the most popular size we sell. We also sell some 7ft models. These are still bigger than a UK 7ft table. An American table size relates to the playing surface size and not the cabinet surround. In other words, a 9ft table has a 9ft x 5ft playing surface.

BALLS

American Pool Balls: Having established that American tables are bigger than UK models, it would make sense that they would use a larger ball. A full-size American pool ball is 2 ¼ inches (57.2mm) in size. These are much bigger than UK balls.

UK Pool Balls: A smaller playing surface needs a smaller ball. A full-size UK pool ball is 2-inches (50.8mm) in size. These are much smaller than American balls, as the photo below shows.

Cues: The ball sizes on American and UK tables mean that a different size cue tip is also required. A smaller ball requires a smaller cue tip to ensure cue ball control. However, with a larger ball, we would recommend a larger tip on the cue to enable you to hit a straighter shot. UK cue tips are usually 8mm to 11mm in size whereas American cues have 12mm to 14mm cue tips.

TABLE POCKET SIZE

American table pockets are considerably larger than UK table pockets. This would make sense since the balls are bigger. A larger table with bigger balls requires wider pocket openings. This often means that American pool is more of a potting game compared to the UK game. Traditionally American pocket openings are between 4.5 inches and 4.625 inches in size. 

UK table pockets are designed for the 2-inch pool ball, and this means the pocket openings are between 3.2 inches and 3.5 inches in size. This leaves less room for error and requires more cueing skill to pot the ball.

Another difference between the tables is that American pockets are traditionally drop bucket pockets. This means the balls sit there until you pick them out and re-rack. UK tables mainly have pockets that drop the ball into an internal ball return system to send them to a collection area at one end of the table. 

TABLE CLOTH

UK Pool Cloth - British pool tables in the main are fitted with a woollen cloth. These cloths are made from 95% to 100% wool. They have a directional weave which is known as a Nap. This means all the wool fibres lie in one direction. It adds a natural skill element to the game and allows players to use the nap to spin, screw and control the cue ball. The cloth is very much based on snooker cloth, and although slower than American cloth, it brings more skill to the game.

American Pool Cloth: American cloths are also made of wool but have a much higher percentage of nylon woven into them. This nylon content creates a much faster cloth. In fact, this cloth is commonly known as Speed cloth. It also means the cloth is non-directional and does not have a Nap like UK cloth. This fast cloth is ideal for American pool as it means the ball bounces and rebounds much more, which is extremely exciting on a larger table.

American pool tables definitely require the faster speed cloth and would lose a lot of enjoyment without it. American style cloth is becoming more and more popular on UK tables. It is a hard-wearing cloth and is perfect for tables that get heavy use as it does not wear as quickly as wool cloth.

SLATES

Even the slates on UK and American tables differ. One of the main factors is size. We have established that UK playing areas are smaller, meaning the UK slate can be produced in one piece. American slates are larger, thicker, and much heavier, which means they are made in sections for ease of movement. The slates come in 3-pieces and are grouted together on the table when in place. 

This is often why installing an American table will take much longer than setting up a UK model. The slates need joining, and for this reason, the cloth can’t be pre-covered in the factory. American tables are always installed by professional fitters as it’s a real skill to install accurately.

STYLES AND DESIGN

American pool tables are usually centrepieces in any games room. They come in many styles, and we can offer a range of traditional tables, modern tables, ornate tables and contemporary tables. Due to their size, these tables are often spectacular to look at. They dominate the room and have always been designed to be showstoppers. 

In contrast, UK tables have always been a much plainer design, with box-shaped cabinets and straight leg designs. However, the UK table market is changing quickly, and the factories are now producing much more stylish tables as the home market expands and the pub market shrinks. You currently have a great choice of contemporary and traditional models as well as the popular dual-purpose pool dining tables.

SUMMARY

So there we have it. This covers the main difference between the two types of tables. The UK game encourages much more tactics and shot-making over the raw power often found in the American game.

In essence, the American tables are much bigger and provide a faster potting game. The game is great fun for all the family but by no means easy to perfect. The UK tables are smaller with tighter pockets and slower cloth. It encourages natural skill elements and is based on the game of snooker that has been so popular in the UK for many years.

Before deciding the table for you, always check your room space as this can quickly determine for you. If you have any questions regarding any pool table, please feel free to contact us.

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