Pool — the game
The standards every table is built to
Help on basic techniques and rules, and the agreed standards for pool tables. Standardisation was jointly agreed by BAPTO and BACTA, the British Amusement Catering Trades Association.
On tolerance
To allow for individuality of manufacturing design and for variance between makers, it was agreed that in all cases there should be a degree of tolerance.
Table size
Three sizes, measured outside in
Overall measurements are external. The playing surface is measured from cushion nose to nose, so the actual playing area is less — in most cases 1 ft (0.3 m) shorter in length and width, with a tolerance of plus or minus 2″. In general the length should be twice the width.
Nominal size
Metric
Note
6 ft × 3 ft
1.8 m × 1.06 m
Smallest of the three
7 ft × 4 ft
2.1 m × 1.2 m
The familiar pub table
8 ft × 4 ft 6 in
2.4 m × 1.4 m
Largest of the three
The bed
The playing surface is known as the bed and is normally made of slate, though 15—25 mm MDF can be used as a good substitute.
The cloth
Traditionally a wool, nylon or wool/nylon mix, with the nap running down the table from the bulk line or 'D' to the bottom cushion.
Height of table
Not less than 31″ high and not more than 34″ high.
Pocket sizes
One formula, two pockets
Ball to pocket ratio
ball size × 1.6 = pocket opening width
Applies to corner and centre pockets alike, with a tolerance of plus or minus 1/8″.
Corner pockets
The measurement is taken across the fall of the pocket. The fall occurs at the point where the projected lines of the cushion faces cross.
Centre pockets
The measurement is taken between the ends of each cushion, the point at which the ball should drop. The opening cut into the slate should not extend beyond a projected line across the nose of the cushion, and should not be less than 3/16″ from that line.
Angle of cushion into pocket
Where the cushion may start to fall
The cushion should not begin to fall to the pocket before a specified distance, measured from the end of the cushion.
Corner pockets
3 in
Centre pockets
2.5 in
Related
Playing the game better
Ten steps to glory
The ten commandments of snooker & pool
Ten reminders to carry to the table, from chalking consistently to seeking out better opponents.
Read →
Cueing techniques
The five strokes and how to hit them
Straight, follow, draw and side — where to strike the cue ball, and how to stop miscuing.
Read →
Rules
The BAPTO rule book
Ten sections of Official UK 8 Ball Rules, and the rules the current tournament plays to.
Read →