The main difference with these terms? Table dimensions and equipment sizes. American pool tables usually employ balls that are 2¼" in size. I chose the term “usually” as there are no official standards for the sport (one reason pool is having trouble getting into the Olympics although 2¼" is typical. English pool uses 2" balls.
Also table sizes differ, with your best challenge on the American table of 4' x 9' and the English pool tables are really mini-tables, even diminutive 6-footers! The minis tend to crowd the balls together excessively into little clusters that create frustration when you attempt to pry them apart.
Of course, the pockets on American tables are larger to yield wiggle room for the bigger object balls.
Why So Different In Pool Table Size? The Answer Is Booze and Cigarettes
Ye’ Olde English pool tables hit the Brit pub scene during the 1960’s. Lounges were already wall-to-wall with darts players, drinkers, conversationalists and smokers. The sport flourished and there are now British tournaments run by the English Pool Association.The British also use smaller cue tips of only 8 to 9 millimeters in width for play (and up to 11 mm for break cues). I use and most of you use 13 mm tips for pool. As 8-Ball and 9-Ball have grown in popularity in Britain, the bigger American tables have also.
The moral of this article is choose your pool table size carefully, as it will surely influence your style of play for years to come.
