Billiards and Pool Table FAQs http://billiards.colostate.edu/threads/table.

html#cushion

Billiards and Pool Table

Information
... what is different from one pool table to the
next.
Dr. Dave's answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), mostly from the AZB
discussion forum

cloth effects
cloth types
cushion compression
cushion nose height
drawing lines on the cloth
equipment specifications
how to clean and maintain
humidity effects
lighting
pocket sizes
"speed" of the cloth
standard pool table dimensions and
required room sizes
table difficulty factor (TDF)
terminology

cloth effects

What affect does the condition of a cloth have on play?

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Two physical properties describe the condition of a cloth: sliding friction ("slick"
vs. "sticky") and rolling resistance ("slow vs. "fast"). A "slick" cloth has very little
sliding friction and allows the CB to retain its spin longer. For example, it is
much easier to draw the ball on a "slick" cloth. A "fast" cloth offer very little
resistance to rolling, so the balls roll much farther before coming to rest.

Cloth friction has an important effect on draw and follow shots at an angle. With
a slick cloth, the CB persists along the tangent line longer before curving to the
final direction, as demonstrated with speed changes in this video (a faster shot
simulates slicker conditions):

NV B.45 - Cue ball path speed effects

In general, a new and clean cloth in a dry climate is usually more "slick" and
"faster" than old and dirty cloth in a humid climate. A dirty cloth can also lead to
dirtier balls, which can result in more cling. For more info, see the cling resource
page.

For more information on how the drag effect of cloth friction affects various
types of shots, see:

drag shot sidespin effects

draw shot drag effects
follow shot drag effects

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Cloth friction also has an important effect on CB swerve and masse shots. A slick
cloth delays the curve, causing larger net cue ball deflection (the combined
effects of squirt and swerve) for sidespin shots, and causing the CB to swing out
more with masse shots.

For more info on the effects of humidity, see: humidity effects.

Also see the ball surface treatment resource page, because reducing CB friction
has the same effects as a slick cloth.

cloth types

What is pool table cloth made of, and what are the different brands and types?

Here's a good cloth buying guide which explains various options:

http://www.poolfelt.com/pool_table_felt_buyers_guide.html

cushion compression

How does the cushion deform during a high-speed kick or bank?

Here's a good slo-mo video of this: HSV 6.1 - Cushion deformation during a
high-speed kick or bank. And here's another:

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.avi

And here are some actual shots that take advantage of this effect:

HSV B.20 - rail cushion compression s...

cushion nose height

Why is the height of the rail cushion nose not at the center of the ball?

Here is the rail cushion nose height specification, as dictated by the WPA:

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"Rail height (nose-line to table-bed) should be 63 % (+1 %) or between 62

% and 64 % of the diameter of the ball."

If the cushion nose height were at the ball center (0.5D), instead, rebounding
balls would slide more and would hop significantly if they come into the cushion
with topspin (especially at fast speed).

Another obvious height would be at the "center of percussion" of the ball (0.7D),
per TP 4.2, so the rebounding balls would tend to roll away from the rails more
naturally. However, this height would tend to drive a rebounding ball down into
the table, which would tend to slow the ball more, accelerate cloth wear (and
faster formation of a "rail groove"), and cause the rebounding ball to hop.

The WPA 0.635D offers a good compromise between the 0.5D and 0.7D values.
This height was determined empirically to result in good rebound performance
without too much ball hop or cloth wear.

drawing lines on the cloth

How can I draw lines on the cloth for lining up practice shots or for marking the
rack location?

from Billy_Bob:

I put lines on my table for practice by using a construction chalk line.

You pull the line out of the spool, pull the line tight between the two
points, then snap it. Then I vacuum up the excess dust. For example I
place a line diagonal from corner pocket to corner pocket. Then can
practice progressive straight in shots and align the balls exactly
straight on the line.

Also I use "tailor's chalk" which you can get at a fabric store or a
sewing store. They use this to mark hems on pants legs for how high
they should be. It is white and triangular shaped with sharp edges. I
use this to mark where the rack goes on the table for quicker racking -
commonly done with 14.1 (straight pool). Again this leaves "particles"
on the table after marking, so I vacuum after marking the table.

from Deeman (concerning the head string line):

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They use a pen with white ink. You can get one at a crafts store. The
white pen does seem to be the best choice for permanent lines
although i have the standard black ones.

equipment specifications

Where can I find information on pool equipment specifications like cushion

height?

Here is a link to the official specifications published by the WPA: equipment

specifications.

how to clean and maintain

What's the safest and most effective way to clean a table's cloth?

from Fran Crimi:

Two things you don't want to see happen to your cloth regardless of
it's type, are stretching and breaking too many fibers which result in
fuzziness.

Vacuums with a hard pull will stretch the cloth. Rotating brushes will
obviously break more fibers than non-rotating brushes. If I were you,
I'd get rid of the rotating brushes and use a fine brush on a vacuum
with a light pull. Then move the vacuum in one direction down
table...and this has nothing to do with the cloth being directional or
non-directional. This is about breaking the least amount of fibers as
possible. Don't go back and forth like you're vacuuming your carpet.

When you're done with that, run a slightly damp cloth in one direction
down the length of the table, always towards the foot rail, and let it air
dry. No blow dryers. Vacuum as infrequently as you can. The more
often you do it, the more fibers you'll break. Simonis 860 should not
be even slightly fuzzy, unless you're breaking the fibers.

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What should I do to keep my table in good condition?

from RSB_FAQ:

1. Keep the table clean - cover it when not in use; don't let food or
drink near it; keep junk off the rails. Let everyone know that the table
is to be treated with respect and care, then be sure and follow your
own advice.
2. Avoid using talc. Also, do not chalk your cue over the table, or place
the chalk upside-down [open-side down?] on the rails.
3. Brush your table regularly (after each session is not too often), and
clean the rails with a damp cloth.
4. Vacuum the table at least every few weeks with a dust buster type.
Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with rotating brushes unless you have
worsted wool cloth, like Simonis or Granito. Also, if you have a
non-worsted or directional cloth, always brush or vacuum the cloth in
the same direction, usually head to foot. Vacuum the table brush itself
to remove the chalk dust.
5. At least once a month, use a damp lint free towel to wipe down the
cloth. Some prefer instead to mist the cloth with a water and then
brush it.
6. Wash the balls regularly, at least with water, or maybe mild soap
and water.
7. If you want to practice jump or masse shots, get a little extra
square of cloth to put under the cueball, or you may leave little white
marks all over the table.
8. Don't let people sit on the rails - it will cause the cushions to come
loose.

humidity effects

How does an increase in humidity affect how a table plays?

With more humid conditions, the following changes occur:

1. The cloth plays slower (because of increased rolling resistance), and

sidespin wears off faster.
2. English "takes" more on the rails (i.e., the ball "bites" more due to

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increased friction).
3. Draw shots are more difficult due to increased "drag" (due to the cloth
playing "stickier" with increased sliding friction).
4. Banks go "shorter" (due to more friction and CB hop).
5. The CB hops off the rails more (and this delays post rebound curve, making
the effective bank angle even shorter).
6. The pockets play "tighter" because rebound is "shorter" (and rail-induced
spin "takes" more) off the pocket walls.
7. The balls can throw more, and there can be more cling/skid/kick (because
the balls tend to get more dirty and hold chalk residue more).
8. Swerve happens sooner, so squerve (the combined effects of squirt and
swerve) will be less.

lighting

What should I know when selecting and purchasing pool table lighting?

The following resource provides excellent coverage on this topic: A Guide to Pool
Table Lights.

pocket sizes

Are there standards for the sizes of the pockets on different tables?

There are standard sizes (and other geometric specs), and they can be found on
the WPA equipment specifications page. An illustration of the different
parameters can be found in TP 3.5. However, not all tables are made the same.
Rails and pockets can vary significantly from one manufacturer to the next. The
side pockets are usually larger than the corner pockets, especially on larger
tables; however, on many coin operated "bar boxes," the opposite is often true.
Pockets are also sometimes "shimmed" to make the openings smaller to make
the table play "tougher."

For more information about pockets, see:

http://billiards.colostate.edu/threads/pocket.html

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"speed" of the cloth

What is the "speed" of the cloth, and how do you measure it?

Here's a good article from Joe Waldron on this topic, showing how to fabricate
your own device to measure and compare cloth "speed."

Related information concerning the effects of cloth "speed" on draw and drag
shots can be found here.

For more information on the effects of various cloth conditions, see cloth effects.

from Bob Jewett (in AZB post):

It is also possible to measure the speed of a table with a stop watch. If

you time a lag shot from far rail to stopping just before the near rail,
the time in seconds squared times 2 gives you the reciprocal of the
effective slope. So, 7 seconds for a lag to travel the length of the table
gives:

7*7*2 = 98

slope = 1/98 = 1.0% more or less

On a carom table, it is not uncommon for a lag to take 10 seconds for

the last lap of the lag:

10*10*1.8 = 180 (1.8 factor for a 10-foot table)

slope = 1/180 = 0.55%

Since most people can do lags and have stop watches or stop watch
apps, this is a pretty simple and accurate way to measure table speed.

Also, if a video has a lag, you can pick the speed of the table off the
time of the video.

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standard pool table dimensions and required room sizes

What are the standard pool table sizes and dimensions, and how large of a room
is required for each?

Standard size pool tables, along with the playing surface dimensions (measured
between the noses of the cushions) are:

12-ft (snooker): 140" (356.9 cm) x 70" (177.8 cm)

10-ft (over sized): 112" (284.5 cm) x 56" (142.2 cm)
9-ft (regulation size table): 100" (254 cm) x 50" (127 cm)
8-ft+ (pro 8): 92" (233.7 cm) x 46" (116.8 cm)
8-ft (typical home table): 88" (223.5 cm) x 44" (111.8 cm)
7-ft+ (large "bar box"): 78-82" (198.1-208.3 cm) x 39-41"
(99.1-104.1 cm)
7-ft ("bar box"): 74-78" (188-198.1 cm) x 37-39" (94-99.1 cm)
6-ft ("small bar box"): 70-74" (177.8-188 cm) x 35-37" (88.9-94 cm)

More info can be found here: Wikipedia pool table dimensions resource page.

from RSB_FAQ:

The minimum space for a table is the playing area plus the length of a
cue (58") plus about 6 inches for the back swing, more for comfort, on
each side. This gives the table:

playing room size room size

table
area (feet, inches) (meters)
8' 44" x 88" 14'4" x 18' .37m x 5.49m
8+' 46" x 92" 14'6" x 18'4" 4.42m x 5.59m
50" x
9' 14'10" x19' .5m x 5.8m
100"
12' 70" x
16'6" x 22'5" 5.0m x 6.8m
(snooker) 140.5"

"Seven foot" tables vary in size. Work down from the 8' dimensions.
"8+" is an "oversized" 8-foot table.

If your room does not meet these minimum size requirements, many

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billiard retailers will suggest that you can still put a table in, and use
short cues (52", or 48"). Many people have found they are unhappy
having to resort to shorter cues, and should have either gotten a
smaller table, or no table at all. Others, of course, take the opposite
view -- they are delighted to have any table.

In the end, only you will know whether you are happy with the room
dimensions and need for short cues. Before you spend $2000 for a
table that will cause you to smash the walls in frustration, try this:
(1) Find an indulgent pool hall when it's not busy.
(2) Measure your space (at home) carefully, including the distance
from the table to all walls that require a special cue
(3) Go to the pool hall with a piece or pieces of plywood or some such,
and a short cue, and set up the "walls" to replicate where the walls
would be in your house. Play for several hours, using the short cue
when needed.

Between two tables you can do with about the length of a cue, the
limit is caused not by the cue, but by the player being able to go into
his stance between the tables. Deluxe rooms really need more room
on all sides to let possible passers-by move without bumping into the
players.

from realkingcobra (on AZB):

A 4 1/2 x 9ft pool table gets it's measurements from finish of rail to
finish of rail.

4 1/2 feet = 54"

9ft = 108"

Take the playing surface of a 9ft pool table, it's 50"x100" now add in
the 2" of cloth on the cushions on the side rails to the playing surface,
what you come up with is 2" of cushion/cloth on the left side rail, plus
2" of cloth/cushion on the right side rail, plus the 50" of the playing
surface from side to side. Now, add that together and you have
2"+2"+50" = 54" which equals 4 1/2 feet.

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Now, if you double that measurement you'd be adding up 4 side rails

at 2" each...remember you're DOUBLING the width, so that means
instead of adding just 2 rails, you'd be adding up the width of 4 rails,
at 2" each, plus you'd be doubling the width of the table side to side
being 50" twice, so thats 100"...now add
up....2"+2"+2"+2"+50"+50"= 108" which equals 9 feet even,
EXCEPT....we all know all pool tables only have 2 end rails and NOT 4,
so in order to keep the playing surface twice as long as it is wide...you
have to subtract 2 of them 4 rails as ghost rails....meaning they're not
really there on the pool table, so if you take and subtract the 4" of
ghost rails from the 9ft...108" that leaves you with 104", now subtract
the 4" of cloth/cushions that ARE on the table, and you end up with
100"....so that's how you get a 50"x100" playing surface out of a 4 1/2
x 9 pool table.

table difficulty factor (TDF)

Is there a way to measure and quatify how difficult a table plays?

The Table Difficulty Factor (TDF) system provides a very easy system to
measure how "tough" a table plays. It is based on table size and the three
corner-pocket measurements illustrated below. Four factors are used to account
for table size, pocket size, pocket wall angle, and pocket shelf depth. Each factor
is a number less than, equal to, or greater than 1, where 1 indicates average or
standard. By multiplying the four factors, you get the TDF which is a good
measure of table "toughness." If TDF=1, the table has an average level of
difficulty; if TDF>1, the table plays more difficult than average; and if TDF<1,
the table plays easier than average.

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See the Table Difficulty Factor (TDF) document to see how values for the
following four factors are assigned:

TSF: table size factor

PSF: pocket size factor
PAF: pocket angle factor
PLF: pocket shelf factor

The total Table Difficulty Factor (TDF) is calculated by multiplying the four
factors:

TDF = TSF x PSF x PAF x PLF

The TDF can also be calculated automatically from table and pocket
measurements using the Excel TDF calculator spreadsheet or the mobile-friendly
online tool provided by "Isaac" on AZB. Example TDF ratings for a wide range of
table sizes, types, and brands can be found in the AZB TDF thread.

The TDF can be used to adjust numbers from any scoring or rating system like
the Billiard University Exams, "playing the ghost" drills, Hopkins Q Skills drill, or
the Fargo rating drill or handicapping system. An effective score, taking table
difficulty into consideration, can be calculated with:

(effective score) = (raw score) x TDF

See the TDF document for details and examples. And for more information, see:
"Billiard University (BU) - Part IV: Table Difficulty" (BD, November, 2013).

All of the values and ranges for the individual TDF factors (TSF, PSF, PAF, PLF)

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were chosen very carefully based on how each factor affects the margin of error
for a wide range of shots. In particular, the analyses and data in TP 3.4 - Margin
of error based on distance and cut angle, TP 3.6 - Effective target sizes for slow
shots into a corner pocket at different angles, and pocket "size" and "center"
resource page were good starting points. However, adjustments were made
based on anecdotal and empirical evidence for how tough a wide range of tables
actual play. Many people provided input to guide these changes. Quite a few
AZB users provided valuable input and feedback on the AZB TDF thread; and
Mark Finkelstein, Mike Page, and Bob Jewett were particularly helpful in sharing
their experience and judgement. Some of the factors that helped guide the
adjustments include:

On a smaller table, shot distances are generally shorter, and everything is

easy to reach without a mechanical bridge; but on a larger table, there is
less "traffic" with position play and balls are less likely to cluster.
Pocket size is the most important attribute affecting pocket difficulty.
When the pockets are very small, further tightening has a much bigger
effect since the precision required will be pushing the limits for even the
best players. And for big pockets, an increase might have very little effect
for most shots where the precision required is well within the limits for even
a mediocre player.
For many shots, especially with a better player, a significant portion of the
pocket margin is available for pocket cheating. In other words, many balls
can be easily pocketed, and making the pocket smaller does more to limit
pocket cheating than cause misses.
For people who are not very accurate shot makers, both table size and
pocket size make a huge difference, especially on bigger tables with
"tighter" pockets. For accurate shot makers, a table size increase does not
increase overall difficulty very much, especially if the pockets are not very
"tight."
Pocket facing-angles and shelf depth are more important with smaller
pockets (where the pocket points will be hit more often).
Shelf depth isn't as important as pocket size and facing angle, but it
definitely has an effect.

For more rationale and justification, see "Billiard University (BU) - Part IV: Table
Difficulty" (BD, November, 2013).

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from realkingcobra in AZB post:

Facings play a major role in rejecting balls from pockets as do

cushions. Take the Olhausen tables for example. The cushions are
very...very soft, the facings are 1/8" and very soft. What happens on
an Olhausen table is that when you're attempting to pocket a ball in
the corner pocket coming down the rails, you're shooting the ball right
into the outer have of the pocket facing with no rail wood support
behind the cushion. When you do this, what happens is that when the
ball being pocketed hits the facing, instead of deflecting to-wards the
back of the pocket, it compresses the facing and cushion kind of like
creating a flat spot at the end of the cushion, which in turn kicks the
ball across the pocket to the opposite facing and back out again, and
you don't even have to shoot the shot hard to get this "rejection" to
happen. So, now comes in the role of the facings. If the soft 1/8"
facings are replaced with harder 3/16" neoprene facings, these facings
don't compress nearly as much when you shoot a ball into them, so
the balls that would normally reject....go in because they deflect off
the facings deeper into the back of the pocket.

from Sloppy Pockets in AZB post, concerning how to properly measure the
pocket mouth and throat dimensions (at the intersections of the yellow lines, not
at the labeled red dimensions):

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from iusedtoberich AZB post:

Perhaps something like laying post it notes stuck on the cushion can
extend the lines of the cushion to a real intersection point, that can
then be measured to and from.

terminology

What are all of the terms used to describe different features on a pool table?

from Bob_Jewett:

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