Pocket Size? Opinions Please

atthecat

atthecat

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm about to have my Brunswick Anniversary table set up by Ernesto Dominguez and I'm wondering what size pockets I should get. I've played a lot on the 4'' that he did at Hollywood Billiards and love them, but I'm wondering if I should challenge myself a bit more.
Does anyone out there play with anything under 4" and what's your opinion?
Thanks.
 
4 is very tight already. He also makes the sides very tight. I'd leave the sides alone.
He did mine at 4 7/16 corners. The sides are too tight though being double shimmed.
 
We used to play 9 ball on the 5x10 snooker table. That was just a little tough. 4.5" pockets is what I would use.
 
Pocket size

I would suggest that you find the spec for Diam,ond tables and follow them (pro cut). If you change the size to much, you start to change the way you shoot some shots. JMHO
 
I think the 4" pockets at Hollywood are pretty challenging as it is. Going with something tighter will drive a person to drink!
 
jondrums,
I play 9 ball, 10 ball and straight pool. I think I am going to go with the 4 inch pockets.
 
atthecat said:
jondrums,
I play 9 ball, 10 ball and straight pool. I think I am going to go with the 4 inch pockets.
Click to expand...
With 4" pockets, you can forget about playing 14.1...LOL

Glen
 
The 4 " pockets really help my concentration. If I'm not loose and relaxed, I won't pocket any balls. So, I like how the small pockets make me think about the fundamentals.
 
atthecat said:
The 4 " pockets really help my concentration. If I'm not loose and relaxed, I won't pocket any balls. So, I like how the small pockets make me think about the fundamentals.
Click to expand...
One of the fundamentals of 14.1 is throwing frozen balls in order to pocket them, and that part of the game is almost gone with 4" pockets, and in 14.1 there are always a lot of throw shots in the stack.

Glen
 
Very true. I can't wait to set my sweet Anniversary up! I've neglected her for 6 years.
 
You don't think it's good to practice on 4 inch pockets for everything? When I play on regular size pockets after playing on the 4 inch, I can't miss!
 
atthecat said:
I'm about to have my Brunswick Anniversary table set up by Ernesto Dominguez and I'm wondering what size pockets I should get. I've played a lot on the 4'' that he did at Hollywood Billiards and love them, but I'm wondering if I should challenge myself a bit more.
Does anyone out there play with anything under 4" and what's your opinion?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

In my opinion, I would not go beyond 4 1/2 inch corner pockets, and 4 3/4 side pockets. If you do you have taken the game to level where some shots can no longer be made, and why have a table that you can no longer play all games on.

Just my thoughts
 
Pocket Size

If you are playing One Pocket 4" pockets is ok. If you want to play alot of 9 Ball or 10 Ball I recommend 4 1/2" pockets. Running racks in 9 Ball or 10 Ball is almost impossible because its alot harder making a ball on the break with 4" pockets. With 4 1/2" pockets you can make balls on the break and run 3 packs, 4 packs, or 5 packs and will build alot of confidence even at world class speed.
 
atthecat said:
You don't think it's good to practice on 4 inch pockets for everything? When I play on regular size pockets after playing on the 4 inch, I can't miss!
Click to expand...

Whilst it is challenging to play on 4" pockets IMHO you are learning to play a different game than normal Pool as everyone else plays it. You risk being like Snooker players when they initially play Pool. They may be extremely accurate at shot-making but can't play the whole game, which requires using all of the pocket, effectively enough to compete with Pool players.

I don't think that anything smaller than 4 7/16" (A hair under two ball widths) is appropriate for a 9' Pool table.
 
I think the way Ernesto does the table at Hollywood Billiards is perfect. Yes, 4" is tight but a shot hit well will always drop. I play on much tighter equipment in NYC, and even then you can still run out if you play well enough.

If you like the table at Hollywood, have your table set up the same way. It's as simple as that. You can't go wrong with a tight table, because you can play any game on it (just imagine playing 1-pocket on a bucket... a nightmare!). If you need a super huge pocket to play 14.1 (where most shots aren't that hard to begin with, if you move well enough), then I suggest you PRACTICE. Thorsten managed a 150-and-out on tough Diamonds at this year's 14.1 WCs. The good players don't make excuses, they run out!
 
I hear what you are saying and it makes perfect sense. When I play on 4 inch pockets I still feel like I can use the whole pocket. I can still cheat the pocket and still use as much english as I want to. It just helps my concentration and fluidity. Does that make sense?
 
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