Pool Table Color Change - Wish It Wasn’t So……

Could be worse.........

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It is not an accident that the playing surface of US Open Tennis Tournmnt, is the same as the tournament blue used on tables today.

From AI:
The main reason for the shift to blue was to provide a better viewing experience for the television audience.
  1. Improved Ball Visibility: Traditional green felt, which was originally chosen to mimic the grass of the outdoor game, did not provide good contrast for viewers watching on older television sets (especially in the early days of color TV). The pool balls, with their various colors, were often difficult to distinguish against the green backdrop.
    Reduced Eye Strain: The vibrant "Electric" or "Tournament Blue" creates a much cleaner separation between the cloth and the billiard balls (which include white, yellow, orange, and darker colors like purple, red, and black), making it easier for viewers to track the action and reducing eye strain.
  2. Hiding Chalk Marks: Blue cloth is also practical for tournaments because it tends to hide smudges from the blue chalk that is predominantly used by players, keeping the table looking cleaner for a televised audience.


 
I am surprised that this discussion has focused on cloth color and no one commented on @Bavafongoul lobbying for 4” pockets in a public pool room.

The average league player would hate shooting on 4” pockets. The casual player probably would play once and not try that table again.

One 9’ table compromise with 4” pockets is a good idea.
 
I am surprised that this discussion has focused on cloth color and no one commented on @Bavafongoul lobbying for 4” pockets in a public pool room.

The average league player would hate shooting on 4” pockets. The casual player probably would play once and not try that table again.

One 9’ table compromise with 4” pockets is a good idea.
We were able to get the pool room owners to make one 9’ table with 4.2” CP and 4.7” SP.
It is entertaining to see someone ask for that table not knowing it has the smallest pockets.

You can’t help but wonder so you keep peeking and pretty soon they switch to a 7’ table.
It definitely is not a table for the timid or new players. It’s our Bethpage Black Golf Course.

I even suggested having a sign made for shits & giggles sake. I’ve played snooker on a 12’
table & had to use the bridge way too often but a 10’ table is the ultimate with 4.5” pockets.

And the cloth should be Simonis English Green 760…a big table truly deserves a little nostalgia.
This wouldn’t be suited for the general public but it should have appeal for the stronger players.
 

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I’m so glad to see some others have tried multiple colours of cloth; I have been so lonely. I have also used a different colour of rail cloth, generally out of economy. Yellow rails and espresso bed looked best.

Having a Hodge Podge of tables has the virtue of being inexpensive. Typically a pool room starts with buying a large number of the same table, usually a technical model. The good players want that for tournaments, the buyer wants the discount for quantity. It's a big outlay.

Instead, you can pick up lightly used used tables on the cheap. Around here (Victoria, BC, Canada) Facebook Marketplace has dozens of tables asking $500-$1,000 (times 70% for US$) and they will take less, often with decent cloth and accessories. It is a huge savings, making getting into business much more affordable.

Then upgrade to great tables as you can. And become a retailer by reselling those bargain tables at a better price and selling new quality tables. And become an installer by tending to your own tables.
 
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