Buying Guide Width

Playfield Width: How Board Size Affects Gameplay

Playfield width directly affects how the game feels and plays. Many buyers focus on overall table length but overlook the width of the actual playing surface. A narrower board can change strategy, limit shot selection, and make gameplay feel compressed

Key Differences in Width

Regulation Width (20 Inches)
The official standard for tournament play. A full 20-inch width allows for advanced strategy, including hiding pucks, running around guards, and using the full surface for precision shots.

Standard Home Width (16–18 Inches)
Many mid-range tables use narrower boards. An 18-inch board still allows for strong gameplay. However, boards, closer to 16 inches, can feel tighter, especially in competitive play.

At McClure Tables, we build 18- and 20-inch solid hardwood playfields so players can use the full surface area for either traditional horse collar or modern knock-off gameplay.

Playability and Equipment

• Puck Size: Regulation 20-inch boards use 2 5/16-inch diameter pucks. For narrower boards (under 18 inches), standard pucks can feel too large; smaller 2 1/8-inch pucks are often recommended for these tighter surfaces to maintain a sense of strategy.
• Skill Level: Wider boards generally favor a more defensive and tactical style of play. Narrower boards often lead to "knock-off" style games, where it is much easier for an opponent to hit your puck off the board because there is less lateral room to maneuver.
• Thickness and Width Correlation: High-quality 20-inch wide boards are typically at least 3 inches thick, providing the stability needed to prevent warping over time. Entry-level 16-inch boards are often thinner, typically ranging from 1.5 to 1.75 inches thick.