What markings are on my pool table cloth?

In the UK, pool tables typically have markings that indicate the position of the balls for various games. These markings include:

Baulk Line - UK pool tables all come as standard with a baulk line. This is a straight line drawn across the table, approximately one-third of the distance from the head of the table, that marks the boundary of the "baulk" area. This is the area that indicates where to break off from or behind. The baulk area is a rectangular area that encompasses the top third of the table, from the baulk line to the head of the table. In most UK pool games, the cue ball must be placed within the baulk area at the beginning of each game and after a foul. The baulk line is typically marked on the table with a marker pen. This is usually done in either black or white depending on the cloth colour. It is an important feature of UK pool, as it helps to define the rules and boundaries of the game.

Break Spot - UK pool tables are typically marked out with either a break spot or break cross. The break spot is a specific location on the table where the cue ball is placed for the start of the game. The break spot is typically located in the middle of the baulk line. The break spot is marked on the table with a small round dot or cross when the baulk line is drawn. It is essential for players to accurately place the cue ball on the break spot, as failure to do so can result in a foul and loss of their turn.

Black Spot - In UK pool, the black ball spot is a specific location on the table where the black ball is placed at the beginning of each game. The black ball spot is typically located at the centre of the head string, which is an imaginary line drawn across the table at the head of the table. The head string is placed at the same distance from the head cushion as the baulk line is from the foot cushion.

At the beginning of each game, the black ball is placed on the black ball spot. It is lifted from the triangle so the rest of the balls can be arranged around the black spot. The black is then put in place, and you are ready to go. Again, the black spot is usually marked on the table with a black spot or with a cross in marker pen.

How most UK tables are marked out.

So there we have it, the baulk line, break spot and black ball spot and typically how 99% of pool tables are currently marked out at the time of writing this. If you are buying a UK pool table from us, this is how the cloth will come.

The UK does not have one set of standardised pool rules. This means in some regions of the country, not every game is played with identical rules or table markings. The UK manufacturers mark out cloth with the most popular game rules in mind. However, this does mean some customers may require extra markings on their cloth, which we can accommodate.

D-Marking - In UK pool, 'D' markings are a half-moon marking placed on the table baulk line. This marking indicates an area where the cue ball should be placed when breaking or after the white ball is potted in error. In years gone by, the 'D' marking was standard on nearly all pool tables. However, the rules have developed over the years, and now on a break or foul, the cue ball is classed as 'ball in hand' and can be placed anywhere behind the baulk line.

The 'D' is always marked out on the cloth with a permanent marking pen. A 'D' marker is also used, which allows you to correctly draw the line to the perfect size on the cloth. We would always recommend practising this a few times before attempting to mark out the cloth.

The other use of a 'D' is if you would like to play snooker on a pool table. This requires a 17-ball pool set and extra markings, as listed below.

Snooker Markings - Pool tables are obviously smaller in size than snooker tables. They also use slightly smaller balls. This, however, doesn't mean you can't have a game of snooker. We offer a 17-ball snooker set the same size as pool balls. Instead of having 15 reds, these sets only have 10 reds. This allows you to play snooker without the table being too overcrowded. The only thing you are missing is snooker markings on the cloth. If it is a game you will play often, we recommend having a 'D' drawn on the cloth and purchasing a pack of small spots. They can be used for the blue and pink spots on the table cloth.

If you wish to view a PDF of pool table marking measurements you can view that here.