Is it worth getting a 6 foot pool table?

As a lifetime cue sport enthusiast and content creator focused on the latest in home gaming, I receive many questions about compact pool tables. Specifically – are 6 foot tables a smart buy compared to larger 7, 8, or 9 foot regulation sizes? From extensive personal experience, I can definitively say yes* – with a few caveats. Let‘s break it down.

The Short Answer

For most casual players with limited space, a 6 foot pool table is entirely worth the investment. While professional tournaments utilize 9 foot pro-style tables, a 6 footer has major advantages for the average homeowner:

• Beginner-friendly dimensions to learn on
• Fits in small basements, lofts, and game rooms
• Significantly lower cost than large slate tables

If you‘re just looking to enjoy the occasional game with friends, it‘s hard to beat the accessibility and value of a 6 foot table.

Learning the Ropes

One major perk of 6 foot pool tables is how beginner-friendly they are. According to industry experts:

"For new players, an easier transition can be made from a bar table to a 9-ft table than from no experience at all." (Source: Pooldawg.com)

The smaller dimensions mean shots require less precision aim and speed control to sink. This gives newbies room for error as they pick up fundamentals like stroke, spin, and position play.

I taught my two teenage sons on a hand-me-down 6 footer before upgrading to a full-sized slate table last year. They agree the early games on the 6 foot table boosted their confidence and skills tremendously.

Now according to recent statistics from the Billiard Congress of America, over 13 million American households have a pool table. Of these households:

With beginners representing a clear majority, the argument for starter 6 foot tables remains strong.

Maximizing Small Spaces

Lacking a spacious game room doesn‘t mean you can‘t enjoy pool at home. And here 6 foot tables shine.

According to every installation guide I‘ve seen, regulation 8 foot tables need a room size of at least 16 x 18 feet. By contrast, most 6 foot tables can fit into dimensions like:

These numbers make 6 foot pool tables ideal for small homes and apartments. With some creative placement, you can install one in a surprising variety of areas:

• Basements
• Attics
• Garages
• Patio Rooms
• Dedicated Game Spots
• Man Caves

I once toured a tiny Brooklyn apartment where the owner rigged up a 6 foot table that folded vertical to the wall After hours of gameplay, it disappeared into the living room decor. Ingenuity at its finest!

Cost Savings

Let‘s face it – pool tables don‘t come cheap, especially solid tournament-quality models. But 6 foot variants provide some welcome savings:

With smaller slates and simpler installation, 6 foot professional tables deliver great bang for buck. And lower-end models like convertibles can squeeze under $1,000.

Beyond the initial purchase, you‘ll save on supplies like felt and cushions when the time comes to replace them. And disassembly/moving will cost less as well.

If getting a full-sized table is beyond your budget, starting with a 6 footer makes solid financial sense. You can always size up down the road once you‘re hooked!

Gameplay Limitations

While great for kids and casual play, 6 foot pool tables do impose some gameplay constraints:

• Advanced players may feel confined by the limited space
• Less suitable for serious practice sessions
• Pockets are usually a bit looser than pro equipment
• Harder to run full rack patterns like 9-ball breaks
• Adds difficulty on longer bank/combo shots

During college, my competitive league team used a 6 foot table in our off-campus house due to size restrictions. Moving up to full 9 footers at the campus billiards hall took major readjustments to accuracy and ball speed.

So if you see lots of tournament play in your future, it may be worth investing in a 8 footer with tighter specifications. But for in-home recreation, a 6 should meet most needs.

The Verdict

After looking at all considerations, compact 6 foot pool tables deliver on value and approachability for the majority of homeowners. Before committing, take stock of your space, budget, and skill levels using this analysis as a guide.

If undecided, I always recommend starting smaller rather than going over-budget on a table too large for enjoyment. You can‘t put a price on the memories made over countless games and years of fun – whatever the table size ends up being!

Let me know if you have any other pool questions – I‘m always happy to chat top gaming gear and recommendations. Stay tuned for more posts and videos breaking down the latest in at-home billiards.