{"id":1873,"date":"2019-02-08T09:45:40","date_gmt":"2019-02-08T09:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/?p=1873"},"modified":"2024-07-12T20:02:55","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T20:02:55","slug":"british-vs-american-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/british-vs-american-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"British vs American Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

British and American Pool appear similar at first glance, but each style offers its own unique qualities to the game. From its European origins, pool has developed into a whole category of games, each with its own accessories and set of rules. Understanding the difference between British and American style pool may lead you to discover a new favorite way to play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

British Pool
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most marked difference between British and American pool is the ball<\/a> size. A standard American pool cue ball has a diameter of 2.25 inches (57.15 mm), while a British pool cue ball has a slightly smaller diameter of 2 inches (50.8 mm). This difference in size may not seem like much, but it can affect the way the ball moves and reacts during gameplay. The main purpose of the size difference between cue ball and object balls is for coin operated tables to separate the cue and object balls, but almost all British pool ball sets contain the small cue ball. British object balls are generally red and yellow, with one black eight ball, although sets containing solids and stripes are also available. Eight-ball is the most popular game to play with British pool tables.  The small ball size requires a thinner, but strong cue<\/a>. British cues are about 8-9 mm wide, with a brass ferrule, and are usually made of ash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with\nits other components, British pool tables are sized down. The most common size\nis 7ft long. Smaller tables are perfect for crowded pubs. The cloth on a\nBritish table has a distinct texture that will eventually wear down over time.\nThe texture adds an extra challenge to game play. The pockets on British tables\nare petite and rounded. This style of pocket makes shooting down a rail more\ndifficult, but shooting into side pockets easier. The cushion on a British pool\ntable is flat, with the cloth creating an angle against the playing surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Pool\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

American Pool features equal sized object and cue balls. The 2 \u00bc\u201d and 169g balls give American pool a distinctly different play than British pool. American pool is played with stripes and solids. The games that can be played with an American pool set are endless. American cues<\/a> are generally constructed of light maple, with a 13-14 mm tip, and a plastic ferrule. The plastic is necessary for shock absorption and is ideal for striking the larger, heavier cue ball. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nAmerican pool table can vary in size<\/a>,\nbut tournament size is 9ft long. Home pool tables tend to be about 8ft with\nother size variations available. The smooth cloth<\/a> on\nAmerican pool table allows for speed. \nFriction from the acceleration of the cue ball can cause small burn\nmarks, over time, in the cloth. The pockets on an American table are just wide\nenough to fit two balls side by side. These pockets are sharply angled, the\ncushions appearing blade-like. Shots along the cushion into corner pockets are\neasier on American tables. Side pocket shots are more difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is\nbetter? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To sum up,\nBritish and American pool tables differ mostly in appearance. However, these\ndifferences make differences in game play experience. If you frequently play\npool in pubs or recreational centers, it is likely you\u2019ll be more comfortable\nplaying on a British pool table. If you play pool in bars and pool halls, you\nwill probably enjoy playing on American pool tables more. American pool tables\nare easier to learn how to play pool on, ideal for families and children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

British\ntables offer more challenge for those wanting to hone their skills. The\nAmerican-style pool table is most common, world-wide. For tournament play, you\nwill want to practice on an American table. Stylish designs are available for\nevery d\u00e9cor taste in American style pool tables. Both American and British\ntables have features that are better suited to different player. It\u2019s a matter\nof personal preference as to which will be better for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking to purchase a beautiful pool table<\/a>, GameTablesOnline.com<\/a> offers the best in style, price, and quality. See our full catalog for billiards accessories<\/a>, custom table options, and everything you need for your ultimate game room<\/a>. If you have any questions about our products or services, contact our team, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Pool Resources: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. 4 Ways to\nRack a Pool Table<\/a>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. What\u2019s\nthe Difference Between Billiards, Pool, and Snooker <\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. How to Play 8 Ball\nLike a Pro <\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. How\nto Pick a Pool Table for Your Family<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    British and American Pool appear similar at first glance, but each style offers its own unique qualities to the game. From its European origins, pool has developed into a whole category of games, each with its own accessories and set … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pool-and-billiards"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1873"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2521,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873\/revisions\/2521"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gametablesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}