Change in pocket size?

[Cuemaster]

Gentlemen,

I'm currently having a debate with someone who claims that today's snooker players have it much easier than the stars of the 70s because the pockets were much smaller back then. Can anyone clarify that this is true or not?

[hegeland]

I believe it's the other way (a)round.

[The Statman]

There's a recent thread on this here:
http://www.thesnookerforum.com/board...ad.php?t=11526

My link at the pottom of my post goes to another related thread.

But the measurements of 3½ inches for corner pockets and 4 for middles has been unchanged since at least the 1920s, although the measurements alone are not of course the only factors in pocket generosity (as stated in my linked replies).

[hegeland]

Good info by Statman, as usual.

I'm sure I've heard several of the players, perhaps mostly Steve Davis, say that the pockets were bigger back in the old days.

[888]

any smaller than this pockets pic attach http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne...3003194&size=o

[poolqjunkie]

Is it possible that the curve around the pockets has changed?

[sunny3909]

Yes it seems that the curve around the pocket has changed & shaved cloth makes the pockets more acceptable.

[ADR147]

umm during the uk it was mentioned by willie thorn patsy fagan and steve davis etc and they all agreed pockets were tighter now but cloths much faster.

[poolqjunkie]

I was actually thinking the curve has been a bit more straight than before, but i could be wrong. If all the pros said the pockets are tighter now, then it is probably so.

[sunny3909]

There have been several instances during matches which bring doubt in my mind regarding pocket's acceptability.For eg:Ronnie's first black during his 147 [Against Mark selby in the UK semi-final] dropped even after hitting the near jaw,that ball would have never dropped in the club pockets.

[ADR147]

i don't remember the shot in question but it could be a touch of helping side pulling it in?

[Semih_Sayginer]

There have been several instances during matches which bring doubt in my mind regarding pocket's acceptability.For eg:Ronnie's first black during his 147 [Against Mark selby in the UK semi-final] dropped even after hitting the near jaw,that ball would have never dropped in the club pockets.

id have said that if it caught the same amount of knuckle at that speed and at that angle then it would fall on almost all tables. the pace "kept it in" IMO.

[ADR147]

yes i have found it - he hits it as sem says at just the right pace to let it drop. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wsgj9HQiCts

[Semih_Sayginer]

yes i have found it - he hits it as sem says at just the right pace to let it drop. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wsgj9HQiCts

yip. it wasnt very slow, but it was slow enough for the ball to catch the lip and fall. i think it was on the border though that a little bit more speed, even a fraction more, and it wouldnt have fell. good shot mind, and turned out crucial, or he would not have went on to do another max

[trevs1]

I spoke with someone who played at the UK recently, and, he stated that the pockets at the venue were definitely playing more generously than at Prestatyn.

He said playing balls along the top cushion held no fear for him, even at pace, whereas in qualifying, you had to tread carefully.

The pockets can and do get slightly variable on these tables, even though they are supposed to be done to template. I'd say the cut on the cushion rubber has an awful lot to do with that, as a little trimming here or there to get the template right can lead to the difference. I guess it could also be due to the cut of the slate, as if these are built up to a sharper drop instead of a curved, radiused type drop seen on club tables, there's room for variation there also.

Can't say I have a definitive answer for it though.