What is English in American pool?

When a cue ball is struck on either side of its vertical axis, giving it “sidespin," that's called "English" in billiards. It may also occur when a ball collides with another or with a rail.

What does English mean when playing pool?

English or “side” refers to sidespin applied to the cue ball (CB) by hitting left or right of the cue-ball vertical centerline.

What is the difference between English and American pool?

The Balls. As with their tables, American pool balls are bigger than British ones by ¼ inch. It may not seem like much of a difference, but at 2 ¼-inches, they're heavier and can therefore carry more forward momentum when rolling than the 2-inch British pool balls.

Is English or American pool easier?

With the larger pockets and balls, American pool is an easier game to pick up and learn, especially good if you have children you're looking to get into the game. The game is also a good deal faster with the smoother cloth.

Is English pool harder than American pool?

Even the cushions and pockets are designed differently. On British tables, the pockets are narrow with pronounced, rounded shoulders. This makes it harder to pot a ball, as the shoulders can rebound your shot in almost any direction, and promotes skill.

What are the Differences Between English and American Pool? - Pool Table Buying Advice

Can you use an American cue for English pool?

Using an American Cue for English Pool

For general play, a player would struggle using an American pool cue due to the difficulty in precise ball control. The cue tip is so large compared to the English cue ball that striking a specific point on it accurately is very difficult.

What cue is best for English pool?

Most adult players will be best suited to a standard-length 57-inch cue, although a 48-inch cue is also perfectly good for most adults and older children. If they travel to play, then a 2-piece or 3-piece cue might be ideal. But if they play at home, a 1-piece could be the best.

What is the most popular pool game in the US?

Eight-ball, the most commonly played form of pool (as distinct from blackball, a.k.a. British eightball pool)

What is the most popular version of pool?

Eight-ball is the most frequently played discipline of pool, and is often thought of as synonymous with "pool".

Is English pool an 8-ball?

The game is played on a rectangular six pocket table with 15 balls (seven yellows, seven reds and one black 8-ball.) To win, a player or team must pocket all their group of object balls in any order, and then legally pocket the 8 ball.

When should you use English in pool?

English is mainly used for shots where you use rails to get better position. When the ball has left or right spin on the cue ball it will change the direction the cue ball goes off the rail.

What do Americans call pool game?

billiards, any of various games played on a rectangular table with a designated number of small balls and a long stick called a cue. The table and the cushioned rail bordering the table are topped with a feltlike tight-fitting cloth. Carom, or French, billiards is played with three balls on a table that has no pockets.

What country plays pool the most?

Pool is most popular in America, whereas snooker is most popular in the United Kingdom. Pocket billiards are also popular in other countries such as Canada, Australia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Ireland, and China.

What pool game do the pros play?

Standardized rules of play. American-style eight-ball rules are played around the world by professionals, and in many amateur leagues. Nevertheless, the rules for eight-ball may be the most inconsistent of any billiard game, as there are several competing sets of "official" rules.

Is the cue ball smaller in English pool?

The cue ball in English pool is slightly smaller than the rest and is lighter. The English pool balls that we offer are Supa pro balls, Aramith balls (spots and stripes or red and yellow) and Aramith Pro balls .

Can you jump in English pool?

3.27 JUMP SHOTS

Unless otherwise stated in rules for a specific game it is legal to cause the cue ball to rise off the bed of the table by elevating the cue stick on the shot, and forcing the cue ball to rebound from the bed of the table. Any miscue when executing a jump shot is a foul.

Can you move the ball in English pool?

Moving the White Ball

As per the 8 ball pool rules, the white ball can be moved freely anywhere on the table (behind the headstring) during the break shot. After playing the break shot, the players cannot move the cue ball at their convenience, except in some instances.

What are the different types of English in pool?

Types of English:

Inside English – If you hit the cue ball on the left side, this is called “inside English.” CB travels right. Outside English – If you hit the cue ball on the right side, this is called “outside English.” CB travels left. Stop – Center ball hit. No spin.

What is the most expensive American pool cue?

The McDermott Intimidator Masterpiece Cue - $150,000. Owning the most expensive playable pool cue in the world will set you back about $150,000.

Do you have to hit the cushion in English pool?

The cue ball or any other ball must subsequently hit a cushion. ii. If the player is not on the ball the cue ball is touching, they must hit their own ball and a cushion after hitting the ball. i.

Why is it called English in pool?

"English" comes from "body English," the contortions a thrower/roller/hitter goes through after the ball has left the hand/club/cue. These motions are called body English because they relate to the physical gestures we employ when we speak.

What is the 2 shot rule in English pool?

In the event of a foul, the opposing player receives two shots and these shots carry (i.e. if a ball is potted on the first shot, the player still has two shots). When a player gets two shots, they can pick up the white ball and place it anywhere behind the line.

What is the difference between English 8-ball and American 8-ball?

The main difference between the two is that in American 8 ball pool you must call a pocket while in English pool, you can pot whichever ball you wish.