I'm expecting an 8 foot American table next month, and am also interested in being able to play snooker, in addition to pool, and also have an obstruction. I'll be having snooker markings on it. If one is a purist, then nothing but a " regulation " size table will do. However, if you're basically aiming for just a feel, love the rules of play, etc., remember . . .the 58 inch cue was made to fit a 12 ft table. Therefore, there's nothing wrong with going for 52 inch cues, and a trouble shooter cue, near the obstruction, and on a smaller table. After all, English pub snooker tables are often 7 ft and 6 ft tables. Last thing, . . if you do get an American style table, the pockets will be larger and have straight ' facings ' , whereas, snooker pockets have curved facings. So, with an American table, it's best to use 2 1/4 " snooker balls ( Aramith makes them ), as the smaller regulation snooker balls won't play like they should. Olhausen makes snooker style tables as an option, and being in Canada, so does Canada Billiard, . . you can check if they make a smaller 8 ft. or 7 ft option.( I'm also in Canada )