Pocket sizes

[mrlee]

I hear the commentators say that the pocket sizes are narrower than they used to be, that they are tighter on "this" table than "that" table or whatever, but no one ever gives an actual dimension. Why?

In american pool, the pros are typically playing on 4" pockets vs more standard tables that are 4-1/2" - 4-3/4". It's no secret.

Why in snooker is the dimension never revealed? Back in the days of Alex Higgins and those guys, the pockets were more open than now, but, again, no dimension ever given. The general public is left to surmise that the snooker commentators are stating facts, but, it honestly sounds subjective. Is the pocket size not regulated in professional snooker?

 

[drsnooker]

WPBSA has what is called templates (that are impossible to get) IBSF has templates that I think you can purchase.

The main difference between pool and snooker isn't just the pocket opening but also the shape (roundness) of the rubber.
The rubber from the factory on the cushion will be cut to conform to the latest templates, before the cloth is put on.

But if you just want a single number is it typically 3.5" at the lip of the slate. (also the bevel of the slate lip makes a big difference what balls the pocket will accept)

I have a BCE from the 90s so slightly after Alex Higgins era and can confirm that the bevel and roundness are more forgiving than modern star tables. However, I have not played on a STAR table with official WPBSA templates, but next time I see Cliff Thorburn, I'll ask him as he has played on all of them.