Playing on pool tables with tighter, smaller pockets is obviously a lot more difficult, i.e., challenging, than playing with
more spacious size pockets. IMO, any pocket size approaching 5” is a great way to start as a new player. You will pocket more balls and your introduction to pocket billiards will become more fun and satisfying so you’d enjoy the experience and embrace the game we all have come to love. And that’s more than enough for a lot of pool players.
If you are ambitious and enjoy the game of pool, you will want to progress and improve. You start out with getting your
own cue stick, playing more often and appreciating that the game gets much harder as the pocket size gets smaller. Now there are standards for pool equipment including pool tables, pool balls and cue sticks. As your skills improve, smaller pockets just aren’t as daunting as before. In fact, it becomes a gauge of how good a player you’ve become.
Missing a shot is more than bothersome. Personally, it is infuriating because when I miss, I don’t miss the pocket, I tease it. And seeing the OB sit there and not go in is more than aggravating because I did something wrong. So I accept the frustration and use it as motivation. Pain is an excellent teacher because it leaves a indelible impression.
You remember it much longer than a pleasurable experience. Adversity can and does make you stronger when you
persevere and push through it. It can take awhile to overcome but call it stubbornness or commitment but when you
do overcome it, the exhilaration is a powerful motivator to try even harder. If I could play on a table with 4” pockets, I’d relish the opportunity because returning to 4 1/4” and 4 1/2” pockets would be so much easier. The greater the challenge, the better you’ll become if you have a competitive personality.
Play on a 10’ table and switch to a 9’, it is so much easier. Play on a 9’and switch to a 7’, it’s the same thing. We play
pool because we enjoy the game. Some people like to play short golf courses with low slope ratings and other prefer longer courses with very tough slopes. It is still golf no matter which type course your prefer and as long as you have fun, that’s all that matters because it what keeps us coming back.
I think it helps to realistically align your expectations at the outset on just how good you want to become because otherwise you may become frustrated with your progress, or lack of any. Pool should be an easy game but it isn’t unless you put in the time to learn it and put in the practice time to eliminate bad habits or any swing flaws.