The Role of Cloth Quality in Professional Pool Play

When you consider playing a game of pool, you likely want all the best accessories, such as cues, balls and the right type of chalk. However, the cloth or fabric on pool tables plays a vital role in the quality and type of pool game you play. It impacts how the ball rolls, its speed and how much control you have over the pool balls. That is why the World Pool Association has strict rules on cloth type that must be used on all tournament tables.

It is crucial to understand the top kinds of pool table cloth and how it affects your game so you have the best possible playing experience.

Understanding Pool Table Cloth Material

Explore the importance of cloth quality in professional pool play and how it impacts performance and gameplay. The following will help you understand worsted and woolen cloths and how they differ. 

Different Types of Cloths for Pool Tables

Pool table cloths, also known as felts, come in various types, each affecting gameplay differently. The two primary types are worsted and woolen, also called napped, cloths:

• Worsted pool table cloth: This is made from tightly woven wool fibers combined with a small amount of nylon, creating a smooth, fast surface. This type of cloth is preferred in professional settings due to its consistent speed and accuracy. The smooth texture allows balls to glide effortlessly, making it ideal for precision shots and advanced play. 

• Woolen or napped cloth: This type of cloth has a fuzzier texture due to its loose weave. It is slower, providing more friction and control over the ball. It is often used in casual or recreational settings where players might prefer a more forgiving game.

When comparing the two, worsted cloth offers a faster, more professional playing experience, while woolen cloth provides greater control and is more forgiving for beginners. 

The Role of Fabric in Pool Tables

The material of the pool table cloth significantly impacts the game, and understanding these effects can help players choose the appropriate cloth for their playing style and improve their overall performance. Cloth type impacts:

• Game performance: The type of felt used on a pool table can alter the game's dynamics. Worsted cloths, with their smooth texture, provide a faster playing surface, enhancing the game's pace and requiring quicker reflexes. Woolen cloths, being slower, allow for more controlled shots, making them suitable for beginners or those who prefer a more deliberate game. 

• Ball speed and accuracy: The texture of the cloth affects how quickly the balls move across the table. A smoother, worsted cloth reduces friction, allowing balls to travel faster and more accurately. This is crucial for professional players who rely on precision. Woolen cloths' rougher texture increases friction, slowing down the balls and providing more movement control.

• Ball roll and control: The type of fabric also influences how the balls roll and how much control players have over their shots. Worsted cloths offer a consistent roll, making predicting ball movement and executing complex shots easier. With their higher friction, woolen cloths can cause balls to roll more erratically, requiring players to adjust their techniques accordingly. 

• Spin and shot precision: The cloth material can affect the amount and type of spin a player can impart on the ball. Worsted cloths, with their smooth surface, allow for greater spin and more precise shots. This is essential for advanced techniques like English or side spin. Woolen cloths, however, may absorb some of the spin, reducing the effectiveness of these advanced shots. 

Texture Variability and Game Strategy

Adjusting your game strategy based on cloth texture is crucial for success in pool. Different textures can significantly alter ball behavior, requiring players to adapt their techniques. On smoother, worsted cloths, balls travel faster and more precisely, favoring aggressive, high-speed play. Conversely, the increased friction slows the balls on napped cloths, necessitating a more controlled, strategic approach.

In competitions, players often face varying table conditions. Adapting quickly to these changes is essential. Practicing on different cloth types helps players develop the versatility needed to adjust their strategies on the fly, ensuring they can maintain their performance regardless of the table's texture.

Tailoring Practice to Cloth Variations

Training on various cloth types enhances a player's versatility and prepares them for different playing conditions. Practicing on both worsted and woolen cloths allows players to experience the full range of ball behavior and develop techniques suited to each surface.

To master different surfaces, focus on the following techniques:

• Speed control: Adjusting shot strength to compensate for faster or slower cloths

• Spin adaptation: Modifying spin techniques to account for the cloth's impact on ball movement

• Shot precision: Practicing precise shots on smooth cloths and controlled shots on napped cloths

• Strategic play: Developing strategies that leverage the specific characteristics of each cloth type

Cloth Durability and Maintenance

The material's quality and the weave's tightness are crucial for the durability of pool table cloths. High-quality materials and tightly woven fabrics resist wear and tear better, ensuring a longer life span and consistent performance. Common causes of wear and tear include:

• Frequent use: Regular play can gradually wear down the cloth.

• Improper maintenance: Lack of cleaning and care can lead to faster deterioration. 

• Environmental factors: Humidity and temperature changes can affect the cloth's condition.

• Accidental damage: Spills, tears and heavy impacts can cause significant damage. 

Maintenance Techniques for Optimal Performance

Proper maintenance is essential to keep your pool table cloth in top condition, ensuring consistent gameplay and extending its lifespan.

The following are tips for caring for and maintaining worsted cloth:

• Regular brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush to remove dust and chalk residue.

• Vacuuming: Gently vacuum the cloth to remove deeper dirt particles.

• Avoid spills: Clean any spills immediately to prevent staining.

The following are tips for caring for and maintaining woolen cloth:

• Brushing: Brush in one direction to maintain the nap and keep the fibers running from the break line in the opposite direction of the table head.

• Ironing: Occasionally iron the cloth with a low-heat setting to smooth out the nap.

• Spot cleaning: Use a damp cloth for spot cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals.

Professional Insights on Preferred Materials

Professional pool players typically use worsted cloth for its smooth texture and fast, consistent performance, which is essential for high-level play.

In the United States, official bodies like the Billiard Congress of America and the World Pool Association have specific requirements for tournament cloth. These standards ensure that the cloth used in competitions provides a uniform and reliable playing surface, which is crucial for fair and competitive play.

Get Recreational and Professional Pool Tables From Imperial 

Now that you understand the impact of cloth material on pool tables, you likely want to put your knowledge into practice. At Imperial, we offer a range of pool tables that provide the superior quality you're looking for. We are a fourth-generation family business, and with that comes almost 70 years of supplying quality game room and billiard furniture, billiard and pool tables and accessories.

All Imperial pool tables come with Invitational TeflonTM-coated cloth made by Championship, the leading manufacturer of premium performance billiard fabrics. However, we're happy to accommodate your specific cloth color requests.  Contact us online to learn more about our custom color options.

Our offerings also include professional Rasson pool tables used by several professional organizations, such as Matchroom, the Polish Billiard Association and the World Professional Billiards League, among many others. If you want to start your journey toward leveling up your pool game, find an authorized dealer near you today!