Originally Posted by Wamy Einehouse

Some random points on this table discussion:

UK 8 ball clearing is often problematic due to density of traffic, not the toughness of the pockets. Clearing up balls in open play is significantly easier on a UK table than a regulation US table due to the much shorter distances involved.

Rail shots on a UK table are extremely difficult regardless of ability - any ball on the rails has a significantly different value than it does on a US table where they are very simple shots.

Side of any kind is a much stronger effect on UK tables. This increases a skilled player's edge on a UK table but decreases a weak players, where the throw on the ball will make them miss much more. This single factor makes these players nearly always think US pool is easier, as the unintentional side they constantly put on the ball has a much lower effect and the shots go in more often on a US table.

A standard prop bet I used to use with any player who laughed at US tables was to prop them at evens they could not run a 15 ball line up down the centre of the table. The distances involved nearly always made them mess up (certainly more than even money), even if they were players capable of doing 15 ball line ups on UK tables. This exact bet is also harder than it looks due to the final point:

Pocketing into US table's side pockets at any kind of angle is much harder than on UK tables. This makes life surprisingly difficult in many scenarios, and you regularly have to play much harder shots (either pots or position) to avoid having these endless tough, angled shots into the middle pockets or very long, blind pocket, horrible angled rail shots. Rail shots might be easier on a US table, but a whole host of other shots are much harder, so the equity change is not quite as one way as it appears.

Overall I would actually rate UK tables as marginally easier to play on than US tables in terms of just sinking open play balls, but much harder to play matches on due to the density of traffic and difficulties with rail shots. I certainly basically always disagree with any UK 8 ball player who just dismisses them as 'too easy' to play on - they either have not actually played the game against tough players, or just have a very one dimensional mind that focuses on one area of the game rather than the game(s) as a whole.

Originally Posted by Wamy Einehouse

Might be wrong but believe it is the cloth - the extra thickness increases friction and makes the ball move more.

Originally Posted by swighey

I agree with all these points (and find them helpful) but will add:

Experience tells me that a 7ft "US" table is far easier to clear than a 7ft "UK" table because of the range of easily made shots for a *good* player. So I'm not convinced it's due to traffic.

I don't attempt throw on UK tables because I don't have the skill/guts/confidence/style of play to use it due to the way the ball enters the pocket. It benefits me on a US table and is never "accidental". So it is "easier", at least for me. Maybe this is a psychological obstacle I need to overcome. Plus, side having or being a stronger effect doesn't necessarily make it easier to implement effectively to give yourself an edge.

Clearly, and admittedly, I am not what some people would call a "skilled player" - but an above average player who knows and enjoys the game.

Originally Posted by giraffeboy77

Woop! First run out at 8ball, opponent breaks, pots a ball but cue ball leaves the table, I run out the other 6 balls plus the 8. He's saying its not a 7 ball cos he potted one (he says he's never been 7 balled before), but I point out there are 7 of his balls left on the table, so it is. Who's right?