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Wondering why people argue about Pool vs. Billiards? The short answer is simple: pool tables have pockets, billiards tables don’t. Still, the differences run far deeper. Keep reading to see how table size, cloth, balls, and gameplay all shape the cue-sport experience.
Billiards vs. Pool: Defining the Cue Sports Family
Understanding "Billiards" as the Umbrella Term
Cue Sports: The official category for all cue games
Cue sports cover all games played with a cue stick, balls, and a table.
The terminology can vary across regions, which often leads to confusion for new players.
Billiards: Historically a blanket term, now often synonymous with "Carom Billiards"
“Billiards” was once a general term used for almost every cue game.
Today, it frequently refers to carom billiards, which is played on a table without pockets.
The Classification of Table Types
Pocket Billiards (Pool): Any billiards game played on a table with pockets
Pool tables always feature six pockets.
They are used for games such as eight-ball and nine-ball, commonly seen in homes and leisure venues.
Carom Billiards: Games played exclusively on a table without pockets
Carom tables have no pockets at all.
These games rely on rebounds, angles, and precise cue-ball control to score points.
Snooker: A distinct variation of Pocket Billiards, frequently confused with Pool
Snooker is played on a larger table with narrower pockets.
Though often mistaken for pool, it has its own scoring system and equipment requirements.
The Defining Physical Differences
Pockets: The Most Crucial Distinction
Pool Tables (Pocketed): Always feature six pockets (four corner, two side)
Every pool table includes six pockets.
Pocket shape and size may differ slightly, but they are essential to the gameplay.
Carom Tables (Pocketless): Use the lack of pockets to emphasise cushion work and angles
Carom tables allow players to focus purely on angles and rebound techniques.
The absence of pockets dramatically changes gameplay style.
Snooker Pockets: Six pockets, but smaller and narrower than those on a Pool table
Snooker pockets are notably tighter.
This requires more accuracy and affects the game’s pace and challenge.
Size, Scale, and Surface Cloth
Table Dimensions: Comparison of standard sizes (7ft–9ft Pool vs. 10ft+ Carom/Snooker)
Pool tables generally range from 7ft to 9ft in length.
Carom and snooker tables are larger, often extending beyond 10ft or even 12ft.
The Playing Surface: Billiards table cloth (fast, worsted wool) versus Pool table cloth (slower, often napped felt)
Pool tables usually use wool or blended cloth with a slower, more controlled roll.
Carom and snooker tables use fast, worsted wool for precision and reduced friction.
Slate Thickness (A detail professional players often discuss)
Both table types typically use slate.
However, thicker slate improves stability and consistency, especially on higher-end billiards and snooker tables.
Ball Sets, Cue Sticks, and Gameplay
Equipment and Objectives
Balls Used: Three for Carom vs. 16 for Pool vs. 22 for Snooker
Pool uses 16 balls, including solids, stripes and the cue ball.
Carom billiards uses just three balls, while snooker uses 22 in total.
Ball Size: Comparison of ball diameters across cue sports
Pool balls measure around 2¼ inches.
Carom balls are slightly larger and heavier, while snooker balls are smaller at roughly 2⅛ inches.
Cue Stick Specifications: Differences in tip size and taper
Pool cues have wider tips for powerful, controlled shots.
Snooker and carom cues use thinner tips for delicate precision and accuracy.
Game Objective: Carom vs. Pool vs. Snooker
Carom billiards focuses on scoring by striking balls and cushions in sequence.
Pool involves pocketing object balls, while snooker uses a structured scoring system requiring strategy and careful shot selection.
Popular Game Variants: (8-ball, 9-ball, Three-Cushion Billiards)
Pool includes popular games like eight-ball and nine-ball.
Carom billiards features variations such as straight rail and three-cushion billiards.