"Pool is very simple. Just sink one ball after another, and make sure each time that your cue ball stops where you have an easy shot!" - Ray Martin - BCA Hall of Famer
Upon first glance, pool seems like it should be relatively easy to master. But, the more you play, the more you will begin to realize that pool is more than a game of knocking in balls. It is a game of finesse, where geometry and physics work hand in hand. It is chess on steroids, where you not only have to think of the pattern plays and strategies, but actually physically implement them.
There are several basic good to know things about pool tables. For one, they come in many sizes: 9ft (Pro-tournament size), pro-8, or oversized 8ft, standard 8ft (this is the traditional home-sized table, and 7ft (bar-sized tables). My personal recommendation is follow the "Recommended Space" guidelines in the chart below. It is better to play on a smaller table with fewer restrictions and obstructions than a large table with several physical obstructions.
The recommended room space required for each size table is shown in the table below:
| Table Size | Recommended Space Requirement Using Standard 57" Cue Stick | Minimum Space Requiring Some Use of Short Cues |
|---|---|---|
| 9 foot (50" x 100") | 13' 8" x 17' 10" | 12' 1" x 16' 4" |
| Oversized 8 (46" x 92") | 13' 4" x 17' 2" | 11' 9" x 15' 8 |
| 8 foot (44" x 88") | 13' 2" x 16' 10" | 11' 7" x 15' 4" |
| 7 foot (39" x 78") | 12' 9" x 16' |
11' 2" x 14' 6" |
Another consideration is the type of cloth used. Cloth determines the "speed" of the table, or how easily the balls roll. The cloth is generally composed of wool or some combination of wool and nylon. Cloths come in various grades and qualities. If you want to compete on a particular league, or in a particular series of tournaments, such as the Pro-tour, it would be wise to inquire as to the size of table and the type of cloth that is regularly used, and be sure to practice on a like table.
*Note about Cloth Care: When you brush the cloth of your home table, you should always brush the cloth in the same direction to keep the nap flat and smooth.*
Tables can vary by pocket opening size. The pro-regulations allow for a range of pocket dimensions, rather than a specific dimension.
Pocket Width -vs- the pocket opening depth. (There is another name, but I just can't remember it, perhaps the "lip"?)
Balls today are made of a composite material that allows them to stay nearly perfectly round. Some bar tables have an oversized cue ball, or a same-sized, but heavy cue ball. This has to do with the ball return system. Heavy cue balls contain a magnet that allow them to be separated in the ball return system, so that they come out in a separate area from the other balls. A heavy cue ball will react differently than a regulation cue ball. It will be more difficult to draw the ball and will often develop more natural follow on most shots, simply because things in motion like to stay in motion, and the weight will carry the ball forward.