Table height

victorl

victorl

Where'd my stroke go?
Silver Member
I was wondering if there is an official standard height for pocket billiards tables. In my area, the height of the tables vary greatly from hall to hall, and I find that my game will drop by a ball or two when the table is significantly higher or lower than what I'm used to. Do any of you have a similar problem? Any ideas on how to overcome it?
 
My first time shooting league a particular bar in our area, I noticed something odd about one of the barboxes: one end of the table felt like it was a good 2-3 inches lower than the other.

Obviously, it was the floor that was uneven. The 2 inches was enough to affect my usual armswing motion on certain shots. It also limited the length of my reach on some shots.

I made a comment about feeling like I was shooting from a hole. The captain laughed and said I was the first person to realize the change in grade. He him self only picked up on it after watching a well-endowed woman shooting on the table. While bending over to shoot, her endowments disappeared from view the further down the rail she was!
 
This is something that really screws with me. I remember playing one place where the table was level but there was a significant difference from one side to the other. Had to be about 2 inches...I had such a hard time shooting on that table.
 
interesting

i bough an antique, Brunswick Non Pareliel Novelty in 1996. It is a stunning antique, pristinely restored. The table plays sensational, however, tables made before around 1910, ( check me on the year), were three inches higher. It is great on your back, but threw my guests off. Everyone who came over and lost $, complained about the unfair advantage.

Around, 2005, I bought a Centennial, which is modern height, stored the Non Pareliel Novelty in a guest BR. Last year, I had Mark Gregory redo it. It too plays lights out, but is much harder for me now! The extra three inches really made a difference on my back.
 
Last edited:
Didn't Paul Newman's character (Eddie Felson) made a comment in the Color of Money? Saying something to the effect did they saw the legs off of these things.

phil dade said:
i bough an antique, Brunswick Non Pareliel Novelty in 1996. It is a stunning antique, pristinely restored. The table plays sensational, however, tables made before around 1910, ( check me on the year), were three inches higher. It is great on your back, but threw my guests off. Everyone who came over and lost $, complained about the unfair advantage.

Around, 2005, I bought a Centennial, which is modern height, stored the Non Pareliel Novelty in a guest BR. Last year, I had Mark Gregory redo it. It too plays lights out, but is much harder for me now! The extra three inches really made a difference on my back.
Click to expand...
 
javi2 said:
Nice catch. I remember Eddie saying that but couldn't figure out why.
Click to expand...

That line really stuck with me, something like "what'd they saw the legs offa this thing? table for midgets..."

After a break from pool, I remember coming back to a table and thinking "is this really a normal table? It feels too low or something". I'd also have a hell of a time spotting the difference between 8 and 9 footers.

I dunno if that's why they wrote in this line (or if it's in the original book) but it seemed like a very nice touch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top