Baizewick guide
English vs American pool: tables, balls and rules
English pool uses a smaller table and reds and yellows. American pool uses a larger table, larger balls and numbered solids and stripes. In the UK, “pool” usually means English pool.
The key differences
| English pool | American pool | |
|---|---|---|
| Common table sizes | 6ft and 7ft | 7ft to 9ft |
| Object balls | 2 in, reds and yellows plus the black | 2¼ in, numbered solids and stripes |
| Cue ball | Usually slightly smaller than the object balls | Same size as the object balls |
| Pockets | Tighter, with rounded cushion ends | Wider, with angled cushion ends |
| Cloth | Often a napped, woollen-style cloth | Usually a napless worsted cloth |
| Typical cue tip | Smaller tips | Larger tips |
Balls and pockets are matched. Buy a set made for your table type.
Which suits a UK home?
English pool tables are smaller, so they fit more UK rooms. A 7ft English table is the size you find in most pubs and clubs. It suits you if you want to practise the game you play when you’re out.
American tables give a bigger, faster game, but they need a lot more room. Check sizes against your room with the room checker.
The balls and pockets must match
English and American balls are different sizes, and the pockets are cut to suit them. American balls are too big for English pockets, and English balls rattle in American ones.
Buy balls made for your type of table.
Rules, briefly
English pool is usually played as eight-ball, under blackball rules or local pub variants. Foul penalties vary between rule sets, from a free shot to two visits for the opponent.
American pool covers several games. The most common are eight-ball and nine-ball.
House rules vary a lot, so agree them before you start.
Cues for each game
English pool cues usually have smaller tips, often in ash, to suit the smaller balls. American pool cues usually have larger tips and maple shafts.
You can use a cue made for one game on the other. Most players find a cue matched to the ball size easier to use, though.