Having a home pool table is the ultimate dream of most pool lovers. However, before you purchase a pool table, you need to consider a few things.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when getting a pool table is the size of the table and the room you’re going to keep it in.
Read on to learn all about the different sizes of pool tables and which one you should get for your room today.
What Size is a Bar Pool Table?
Let’s dive in and see what size is a bar pool table and whether it would be a fit for your house or not:
Largest Pool Table
The size of your bar pool table depends entirely on the space available. You need enough space for the players to easily shoot from every side and angle of the pool table.
If your bar is big, you can get a large pool table which measures 5 feet x 9 feet. This table takes up a lot of space since it is the largest pool table.
With that said, it also attracts serious pool players who know how to play. Most professional pool players tend to play their tournaments on 9 feet x 5 feet tables.
Mid-size Pool Table
Mid-size pool tables are not as common as large tables but you will still find them in some bars.
Professional players do not use mid-size tables, which is why these tables are not a popular choice in bars.
Smallest Table
The smallest pool tables measure 3.5 feet x 7 feet and are by far the most common pool tables. These tables are extremely popular since they do not take up too much space.
Additionally, they give you the opportunity to do something other than just sitting while you drink at a bar. Plus, it’s a good way to spend quality time with your friends.
People who are not particularly experts at playing pool can also easily play on these tables. This is because the distance between the pockets is shorter which makes it easier to score and win.
More about Pool Table Sizes
Since there are different sizes of pool tables, different strategies are applied to all sizes.
Before playing on any of these tables, it is essential to know how to work around the different sizes.
(3.5 feet x 7 feet) 7-Foot Pool Tables
7-foot pool tables are also called ‘bar box’ tables and are the easiest to play on. If you’ve never played pool or are only a beginner, practicing on these tables is a smart idea since the distance between two pockets is much shorter.
You will need to use a different strategy on this table compared to other pool tables because of the ball congestion and the smaller surface area.
A good idea is to start slow and steady because it will help you maintain focus and give you a higher chance of winning.
Besides the size of the pool table, keeping an eye on the cue ball is also a great way to stay ahead. If your cue ball is heavier or larger than the other balls on the table, it is better to shoot harder by aiming lower since that will increase the chance of more balls going into the pockets.
Many pool players believe that a small pool table makes the game extremely congested which is true – but it also makes it easier.
The more aggressive you are when playing on this table, the higher your chances of winning. Along with aggression, make sure to control your speed and angles.
This is because showing aggression without a proper strategy might increase the chances of your cue ball also going into the pocket.
(4 feet x 8 feet) 8-Foot Pool Tables
Compared to 7-foot pool tables, 8-foot pool tables have more room to play on but they’re not big enough that it gets too hard to make your shot.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro – this table is a good size for all. It is best to have a strong defense when playing on this table since it is easy to score while playing on it.
(5 feet x 9 feet) 9-Foot Pool Tables
9-foot pool tables are mostly for pros who know exactly what they are doing. Playing on these tables is extremely hard since the surface area is very wide.
These tables also have tighter pockets, which reduces the chances of the ball actually going in. When playing on a 9 foot-long pool table, it is best to make longer shots since they will help you control your speed and be more accurate.
Long-range shots will also reduce your chances of error because your positioning will be correct. Make sure all your balls are clear and free so you can easily shoot your shot.
However, keep in mind that if all your balls are far away from each other, it may get harder to actually get them in the pockets.
It can get pretty challenging to play on a 9-foot pool table; make sure to use precise positioning to make difficult shots on this table. It can take years to become really good at playing on a 9-foot pool table.
However, as long as you know how to control the cue ball and develop an accurate stroke, you’re on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common questions people have when it comes to playing pool
How Do You Play Pool?
There are different variations of the pool that come with various strategies and play styles. The most common ones are rotation games, straight pool, and eight-ball. Rotation games require the player to shoot at balls from the order of one to nine.
The straight pool allows the player to shoot at any ball that is placed on the table to score points.
Eight-ball is simple – all the players have to do is shoot at either the solid or the striped balls until they are all in the pockets. In the end, the player has to shoot the eight-ball in order to win.
How Do You Rack a Pool?
Before racking a pool, it is important to know that there are different racks used for different plays.
For example, in nine-ball, you can use the diamond rack. However, in the eight-ball pool, you need to use the full triangle rack.
Nine-ball pool is always racked with nine balls in the middle with one ball at the top. On the other hand, the eight-ball pool is racked with all the balls set at random with the eight-number ball right at the center.
The balls kept at random are set with a solid and a stripe at each of the back corner locations.
How Many Balls Are In Pool?
The number of balls in the pool depends entirely on what game you are playing. Since eight-ball, nine-ball and, straight pool are the most common ones, most people set the balls according to these games.
Nine-ball is played with nine balls that are surrounded by a diamond rack. Eight-ball is always played with fifteen balls that are placed in a triangle rack.
Different pool tables have different sizes and different strategies to play. The three standard pool table sizes are 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot pool tables.
Before you select the size of your pool table, make sure to choose one that will fit perfectly in your room.
Other Pool table related articles you may like:
- What Is the Weight of a Pool Table?
- Can You Put a Pool Table Outside?
- How to Move a Pool Table without Taking It Apart?
- Can You Play Snooker on a Pool Table?
- Is Pool a Sport? All You Need to Know