Movies like the Hustler and the Color of Money weren’t only great films, but they also did wonders for the sport of pool. As a direct result of seeing one or both of these movies, many people opted to try their hand at the game of pool. For most people this would involve a trip to their local snooker hall.  However, a growing number of people have decided that they need to have their own table at home to be able to play to their heart’s content.

If you are one of these budding pool players, with an inkling of one day going out and buying your own table,then this blog post is for you. Here we will take a closer look at some of the key considerations when choosing a pool table.

English or American

There are two types of pool, with the main difference being the size of the equipment that is used. English pool is played on tables that are either 6 or 7 feet with balls that measure 2 inches in diameter. In most cases the sets are made up of red and yellow balls, plus a black of course. If you are looking to get serious at English pool there are many leagues around the country. The English Pool Association’s (EPA) standard table size is the 7 foot variety.

Contrasting to this is the American version of the game which is played out on larger tables. These tend to be between 7 and 8 feet; however, they can be as large as 9 feet in length. The ball size is larger here with the striped sets measuring 2.25 inches in diameter.

Most of the pool that is seen on television features the American tables. It is widely thought that the English game was developed for the pubs around the country, hence the reason why the tables are a little smaller.

Available Space

Once you have decided which game style you would like to play the next consideration should really be connected to how much space you have. Not allowing sufficient space around the table for players to take their shots is one sure-fire way of taking the fun out of playing your pool table.

The best way to allow adequate space is to simply add 10 feet to the table dimensions. This will allow for shots to be played in full without the need of adopting miniature cues or hideous angles being played. Put simply, if you are thinking of a 7 foot table then you will need to allow for a length of 17 feet and a width of 13 feet 6 inches. Anything less than this will make some shots uncomfortable to play.

Table Bed

Like most things, some pool tables are more expensive than others. Often people are attracted to the very cheap tables but sadly these don’t tend to last too well. It is not uncommon for these cheaper tables to be made from MDF (medium-density fibreboard) or similar material. If you are serious about your pool and want to get a table that will last then you really should go for one of the slate pool tables.

Accepting that these slate pool tables are a little more expensive initially; however, overtime they nearly always pay for themselves. They wear much better and provide a much more realistic feel with the balls rolling truer than the cheaper MDF  tables.

One word of caution if you do go for one of the slate bed tables; by definition they are quite heavy. As a result of this you won’t want to be moving it around. This makes finding the correct location for it even more important.

Lucas Conner is a blogger who believes that no pool enthusiast’s home is complete without its very own pool table. He suggests buying slate pool tables as they play better and last much longer than their cheaper counterparts.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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