English Pool: Rules and Equipment Differences

January 7, 2025 By drew

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

Quick Takeaways

  • Table Size: 6-foot or 7-foot tables (vs. American 7-9 foot)
  • Ball Size: 2 inches diameter (vs. American 2.25 inches)
  • Ball Colors: Reds and yellows (vs. American solids and stripes)
  • Pockets: Tighter, less forgiving than American tables
  • Two-Shot Rule: Major rules difference – fouls give opponent two visits

Introduction

I played my first game of English pool at a pub in London and got demolished. I thought I knew 8-ball – turns out English pool is a different game entirely.

The smaller table speeds up play. Tighter pockets demand precision. The two-shot rule after fouls creates completely different strategy.

This guide explains how English pool differs from American pool and the specific rules for both blackball (official) and old EPA rules still used in many pubs.

Equipment Differences

Table Size

English Pool Tables:

  • Standard: 6 feet × 3 feet or 7 feet × 3.5 feet
  • Most pubs use 6-foot tables
  • Tournament standard: 7-foot

American Pool Tables:

  • Bar tables: 7 feet
  • Standard: 8 feet
  • Tournament: 9 feet

Playing Impact:

Smaller table creates faster-paced game. Less emphasis on position play, more on pocket-making.

Balls

English Pool Balls:

  • Diameter: 2 inches (51mm)
  • Weight: 4.7-5.0 oz
  • Colors:
  • 7 red balls (solid color)
  • 7 yellow balls (solid color)
  • 1 black ball (8-ball equivalent)
  • 1 white cue ball

American Pool Balls:

  • Diameter: 2.25 inches (57.15mm)
  • Weight: 5.5-6.0 oz
  • Colors:
  • 7 solids (1-7, colored with numbers)
  • 7 stripes (9-15, striped with numbers)
  • Black 8-ball
  • White cue ball

Visual Difference:

English balls are unnumbered solids, easier to distinguish at a glance.

Pockets

English Table Pockets:

  • Tighter openings (smaller by 0.25-0.5 inches)
  • Less forgiving on near-misses
  • “Bucket” style pockets (straight drop)

Impact:

Requires more precise aiming. Balls don’t rattle in as easily as American tables.

Cues

English Cues:

  • Lighter: 17-19 oz typical
  • Smaller tip: 8-9mm
  • Often one-piece construction

American Cues:

  • Heavier: 18-21 oz typical
  • Larger tip: 12-13mm
  • Two-piece construction standard

Game Rules: Blackball (Official)

Overview

Blackball is the official world-standardized rules for English pool, recognized by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).

Setup and Break

Rack Formation:

  • Standard triangle
  • Black (8-ball) in center
  • Red in one back corner, yellow in other
  • Remaining balls can be random or alternating

Break Rules:

  1. Break from the D (semi-circle at head of table)
  2. Must hit the pack fairly
  3. At least two object balls must hit cushions OR a ball must be potted
  4. Break alternates between players/teams

Break Results:

Legal break, ball(s) potted:

  • Breaker continues with that color group
  • Exception: If both colors potted, table is “open” for next legal pot

Legal break, no balls potted:

  • Table is “open” – either color can be played
  • First legally potted ball determines groups

Illegal break:

  • Opponent may:
  • Play from where balls rest, OR
  • Request re-rack with original breaker breaking again

Gameplay

Group Assignment:

  • First legally potted ball determines your color
  • You must pot all your balls, then legally pot the black

Legal Shot Requirements:

  1. Hit one of your balls first
  2. After contact, a ball must be potted OR cue ball or any object ball must hit cushion
  3. Cue ball must not be potted

Two-Shot Rule (CRITICAL DIFFERENCE):

When opponent commits foul:

  • You receive TWO visits
  • First visit: May play any shot (even if you miss)
  • Second visit: Play continues from where cue ball stops
  • Lose second visit only if you:
  • Pot one of your balls on first visit, OR
  • Commit a foul yourself

Example:

  1. Opponent fouls
  2. You have two visits
  3. First visit: You miss your ball entirely
  4. You still get your second visit
  5. Second visit: You must legally hit your ball and follow standard rules

This changes strategy dramatically – safety play is crucial.

Potting the Black (8-Ball)

When to Pot:

After legally potting all your colored balls

How to Win:

Legally pot the black ball

How to Lose:

  • Pot black before all your colors are potted
  • Pot black and cue ball together
  • Pot black when it’s not your legal turn
  • Commit foul while potting black

No Call Shot:

Standard blackball rules don’t require calling pocket for black. Some venues use house rules requiring call.

Fouls

Common Fouls:

  1. Failing to hit own ball first
  2. No ball hits cushion after contact (unless ball potted)
  3. Potting cue ball (scratch)
  4. Potting opponent’s ball
  5. Hitting opponent’s ball first
  6. Ball off table
  7. Touching any ball (except cue ball when legal)
  8. Push shot (cue tip remains in contact with cue ball)

Foul Penalty:

Opponent receives two visits (see Two-Shot Rule above)

Old EPA Rules (Pub Rules)

Overview

Many English pubs still use older English Pool Association (EPA) rules or variations. These differ from official blackball rules.

Key Differences from Blackball

1. Nominated Pocket for Black:

  • Must nominate pocket before shooting black
  • Black must go in nominated pocket to win
  • Missing nominated pocket = loss in some variations

2. Skill Shot on Break:

  • Some variations require legal break plus pot or specific number of cushion hits
  • More stringent than blackball

3. Free Ball After Foul:

  • Instead of two visits, some use “free ball” where you can play any ball as one of your own once

4. Loss Conditions:

  • More ways to lose (varies by specific pub rules)
  • Often includes “black ball foul” = immediate loss

Always Ask:

Pub rules vary by venue. Ask about house rules before playing for stakes.

Strategy Differences from American Pool

The Two-Shot Rule Changes Everything

In American Pool:

Fouls give opponent ball in hand – one shot to capitalize

In English Pool:

Fouls give two visits – can play safe on first visit, pot on second OR miss and still have another chance

Strategic Implications:

  • Safety play more valuable
  • Intentional foul less devastating
  • Can attempt difficult shot knowing you have second visit as backup

Smaller Table Tactics

Pattern Play:

  • Less critical than American 9-foot table
  • Position play simplified due to shorter distances
  • More emphasis on making current ball

Break and Run:

  • More common than on larger tables
  • Good breaker can clear table more easily

Tighter Pockets

Shot Selection:

  • Must be more accurate
  • “Hero shots” less likely to succeed
  • Percentage pool more important

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you play English pool rules on American tables?

A: Yes, but pocket tolerance is significantly different. The game plays very differently on American tables with larger pockets. Balls drop much easier, reducing difficulty.

Q: What if both colors are potted on the break?

A: In blackball, the table remains “open.” Next legally potted ball determines groups.

Q: Do you call the black ball in English pool?

A: Official blackball rules: No call required. Many pub variations: Must call pocket. Always clarify house rules.

Q: What happens if I pot the cue ball and the black together?

A: You lose immediately regardless of game state.

Variations

Chinese Eight-Ball

  • Uses blackball rules
  • Played on American-sized tables
  • Growing international popularity

Australian Eight-Ball

  • Similar to English rules
  • Uses numbered balls
  • Specific Australian tournament standards

Related Articles & Resources

Continue Learning:

External Resources:

About the Author

Derek Jones

Derek is an APA Skill Level 6-7 league player who learned English pool during trips to the UK. He brings perspective on the differences between American and English pool from playing both formats extensively.

Expertise: Multi-format pool games, league play, game variations

Experience: 12+ years competitive pool in both American and English formats

Read more articles by Derek Jones