Pool vs Billiards vs Snooker: What's the Difference?
People use "pool" and "billiards" for the same thing, and snooker looks like pool on a giant table. They are related, but they are different games with different tables, balls and skills. Here is the short version, then the details.
The short answer
- Billiards is the family name for all cue sports. In the US, people often say "billiards" when they mean pool.
- Pool (pocket billiards) is played on a table with six pockets and numbered balls. 8-Ball and 9-Ball are pool games.
- Snooker is played on a much bigger table with smaller pockets, 15 red balls and six colored balls.
- Carom billiards has no pockets at all. You score by making the cue ball hit other balls and the cushions.
Side by side
| Pool | Snooker | Carom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 7, 8 or 9 ft | 12 ft | 10 ft (heated slate) |
| Pockets | 6, fairly wide | 6, small and rounded | None |
| Balls | 15 numbered + cue ball | 15 reds, 6 colors + cue ball | 3 (two cue balls and a red) |
| Ball size | 2¼ in (57 mm) | About 2 1/16 in (52.5 mm) | About 2 7/16 in (61.5 mm) |
| Popular in | US, worldwide | UK, China, Asia | Europe, Asia, South America |
| Best known game | 8-Ball, 9-Ball | Snooker | Three-cushion |
Pool (pocket billiards)
Pool is what you'll find in most American bars and pool halls. The table has six pockets and the balls are numbered 1 to 15. In 8-Ball you shoot your group (solids or stripes) and then the 8. In 9-Ball and 10-Ball you must always hit the lowest ball first. Other pool games include One Pocket, straight pool, banks and cutthroat.
Bar tables are usually 7 feet; tournaments often use 9-foot tables. See pool table sizes for the details.
Snooker
Snooker is played on a 12-foot table with smaller balls and tight, rounded pockets, so long pots are much harder than in pool. Players alternate potting a red (1 point) and a color (2 to 7 points: yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black). When the reds are gone, the colors go down in order. The maximum break is 147. Snooker rewards long, careful break-building and safety play.
Carom billiards
Carom tables have no pockets. In three-cushion, the most popular carom game, you score a point when your cue ball hits both other balls and touches at least three cushions before hitting the second ball. It is a game of angles and spin, and the best players see paths around the table that look impossible. If you've played the kick shot trainer, you've had a taste of it.
English billiards
English billiards uses a snooker-size table and three balls. You score by potting balls, going in-off (the cue ball dropping into a pocket after hitting a ball) and making cannons (caroms). It is older than snooker and still played in the UK and India.
Which one should you play?
If you're in the US, start with pool: tables are everywhere, the games are quick, and there are weekly tournaments in almost every town. Learn the basics in pool for beginners, take the which pool game is yours? quiz, and then play your first tournament. The skills carry over: a good stroke and cue ball control help in every cue sport.
Ready to play? See pool tournaments tonight or find a pool hall near you.