kennyratt said:
Question for all AZ'ers; I have an existing room, dimensions are 14'2" x 27'. And the size can not be changed. I'm going to put a 41/2 x 9 table in it.How much trouble am I going to get in on the side rail shots? Am I going to be really disappointed or angry? All replys GREATLY appreciated!! Extremely concerned.Thanks in advance, Kennyratt
You are getting good advice here. The playing surface on a 9' table is 50" x 100". So, 4 foot 2 inches across. That leave 5' on each side to play, and a normal cue is 58" or 4 foot 10 inches. So if you are shooting straight toward the center of the table with the cue ball on the rail, you will have two inches to stroke, unless you elevate the butt of your cue slightly (you gain distance this way). With a 57" cue, you have three inches to stroke, which surprisingly makes a big difference on such a shot.
That is tight, but believe it or not you can play okay, with one big IF.
IF there are no obstructions along either side wall. That is, no chairs, shelves, cue racks or anything that abut from the wall. You actually can put a shelf there, but make it either very low (30" or less) or very high (over 48").
If you intend to put furniture (bar stools, chairs etc.) along the side walls, you will be very uncomfortable playing here. If you keep the side walls bare, except for pictures, posters and other decor, you will actually be all right with the 9' table.
Now with an oversized 8' table, your playing surface reduces to 46" across. The extra 4" makes a big difference, as long as you do not put furniture along the side walls. You can take a full stroke on any shot, and your stance won't be cramped either.
I understand your desire to have a 9' table. When I bought the house I'm in, I measured the family room and it was 15' 10" across and 19' long. I knew I was in business, as long as I didn't put large furniture at the ends of the table, and only bar stools on the sides. It has worked out fine.
Remember one thing. Luther Lassiter when asked how he prepared for a tournament responded, "I practice some on an 8' table. That's how I get my cue ball". He meant that's how he got his cue ball control in gear. So, if you are planning to get ready for the U.S. Open, maybe you might want an eight footer. lol