Equipment Specifications
Equipment
Table specifications (paragraphs 1–7) apply to CSI National Tournaments. Although not mandatory for other tournaments or league play, adherence is recommended wherever possible. Paragraphs 8–10 apply to all CSI play.
Table Size and Playing Surface
CSI recognizes three sizes of tables and playing surfaces as regulation (all ±1/16"):
| Table Size | Playing Surface |
|---|---|
| 3½' × 7' | 40" × 80" |
| 4' × 8' | 45" × 90" |
| 4½' × 9' | 50" × 100" |
The playing surface is measured by straight lines from cushion nose to cushion nose of the opposite side, perpendicular to the cushions.
Table Bed Height
The height of the top of the playing surface measured from the floor will be 30", ±½".
Cushions
The height of the cushion nose measured from the playing surface will be 1 29/64", +1/64" or −1/32".
Diamonds
The center of all diamonds will be 3 11/16" from the cushion nose (no tolerance).
Pocket Openings
Corner pockets: 4½", ±1/16". Side pockets: 5", ±1/16". CSI measures pocket openings by the gate method rather than the traditional method of measuring between the tips of the cushions. The gate method provides a more accurate measurement based on the true action of a ball entering the mouth of the pocket.
To measure using the gate method: place two striped balls in the mouth of the pocket with stripes facing up. In corner pockets, properly placed balls will be just touching (4½") or have a gap of up to 1/16". In side pockets, balls should have a gap of ½" (range: 7/16" to 9/16").
Pocket Cushion Angles
The horizontal interior angles of the cushions at the pockets will be 141° ±1° at a corner pocket and 100° ±1° at a side pocket. The vertical cushion angle within the mouth of all pockets will be between 12° and 15°.
Pocket Shelf Depth
Shelf depth is correct when approximately 40% of the ball (roughly 7/8") extends outside of a line along the cushion nose, when the ball is placed touching the cushion and as close to the drop point as possible without falling in.
Balls
All balls will have a diameter of 2¼" ±.005". The weight of the balls will be between 5½ and 6 ounces, but all object balls used in any match must be of equal weight. Slight variations in the weight of the cue ball with respect to the object balls may occur depending on the type of the cue ball.
Cues
- a.The width of the cue tip must not exceed 14 millimeters. There is no minimum width.
- b.The weight of the cue must not exceed 25 ounces. There is no minimum weight.
- c.The length of the cue must be at least 40 inches. There is no maximum length.
- d.The cue tip must be composed of leather, fibrous, or pliable material.
Mechanical Bridges
The primary consideration for determining whether a mechanical bridge is legal is that it supports the cue, as opposed to elevating the bridge hand above the bed of the table or significantly enhancing the stability of the hand holding the bridge.
The particular construction of the bridge is not relevant as long as it does no more than support the cue and does not damage the table or other equipment. Items that are not considered disqualifying include:
- —The overall size, or the height of grooves above the bed of the table.
- —Whether there is a handle, sliding extensions, wheels, or accommodations to straddle balls.
- —The shape of grooves.
- —Whether the grooves have linings or mechanisms to retain the cue in the groove.
See Also