Introduction:

The cue game has become a source of interest and competition for enthusiasts around the world. Two popular categories in the cue sports family are pool and snooker. While they may appear similar at first glance, each has distinct differences that set them apart. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between pool and snooker, and shed light on the unique aspects of each game.

Key differences between pool and snooker:

1. Table Size and Material:

snooker table

One notable difference between pool and snooker is the size of the game table. Pool tables are generally small, ranging from 7 to 9 feet in length.A snooker table, on the other hand, is much larger, typically between 12 and 13.5 feet wide. In snooker, a bigger table creates a more challenging playing field.

Snooker and pool tables vary in size, which can affect the difficulty and playing style of the game. Here are the standard sizes for snooker and pool tables.

Snooker Table sizes:

full size snooker table

Full-size snooker table: The largest full-sized snooker table is the most commonly used in professional tournaments. It measures 12 feet by 6 feet (3.66 meters by 1.83 meters). This size provides the most solid and authentic snooker experience.

three quarter size snooker table

Three-quarter-size snooker table: This is a smaller version of the full-size table, measuring 9ft by 4.5ft (2.74m by 1.37m). It is still quite large and offers a solid game of snooker while being more suitable for recreational play.

half size snooker table

Half-size snooker table: The dimensions of a half-size snooker table are 6 feet by 3 feet (1.83 m by 0.91 m). It’s significantly smaller than a full size desk and is often used for casual gaming in small spaces or for beginners.

Pool table sizes:

regulation 8 foot pool table

Regulation 8-Foot Pool Table: This is the most common size for a professional pool. Regulation Pool table is 8 feet long and 4 feet wide (2.44 meters by 1.22 meters).

7 foot pool table

7-Foot Pool Table: The 7-foot pool table is slightly smaller and popular for domestic use and recreational sports. It is 7 feet tall and 3.5 feet (2.13 by 1.07 m) wide.

bar size pool table

Bar-sized bar or pub tables: Small nautical tables commonly found in bars and clubs are often 6 feet or even 7 feet tall. These tables are designed for casual and social play.

mini pool table

Small tables or mini pool tables: Small pool tables or mini tables come in a variety of sizes, but are much smaller than a standard pool table. It is often used as a novelty or children’s game.

Material used for snooker and pool table:

High-quality pool and snooker tables are usually made from carefully selected hardwoods that are known for their strength, durability and appearance. The choice of wood can affect the functionality and durability of the table. Here are some of the most common types of wood for pool and snooker tables:

Maple: Hard maple (Acer saccharum) is one of the most popular choices for cue sports tables. It is known for its hard, straight grain and crook resistance. Maple is commonly used for table tops, rails and aprons. It allows for constant play and is also the preferred tree for making cues.

Oak: Oak is another hardwood that is sometimes used for pool and snooker tables. Red oak and white oak are the two main types. While oak is durable, it may not be as durable as maple, making it less suitable for professional tables. But it is sometimes used for frames and legs of mid-range tables.

Mahogany: Mahogany is a fine hardwood known for its rich color and fine grain. It is sometimes used to enhance tables for table rails and the outer covers. Mahogany is a soft wood, so it is often used in conjunction with a hardwood like maple for the paneling materials.

Cherry: Cherry trees are known for their vibrant red-brown color that deepens with age. Sometimes used for table rails, aprons or decorative accents. Cherry is a softwood, often combined with hardwood for tableware.

Walnut: Walnut is prized for its dark, rich color and can be used for tablecloths, legs, or other decorative items. It offers an elegant and traditional look to the cue game table

Poplar: Poplar is occasionally used for the subframe or interior components of pool and snooker tables due to its stability and affordability. While it may not be as visually striking as other hardwoods, it can serve as a solid and economical choice for structural elements.

Other Exotic Hardwoods: In some cases, exotic hardwoods like rosewood, ebony, or teak may be used for special, high-end custom tables. These woods are prized for their unique colors and grain patterns and can be used for decorative inlays or accents.

2. Ball and pocket:

pool balls

In pool you usually play with 16 balls, including one cue ball. This ball is divided into solids, stripes and a black 8-ball. The goal is to pocket all the balls you have choosen and then win by pocketing the 8-ball. Pool tables have six pockets.

snooker balls

Snooker, on the other hand, uses 21 colored balls with a white cue ball. These balls are arranged differently on the table and are meant to be potted in order. The black balls hold the highest point value, while the colored balls decrease in value. The snooker table also has 6 pockets, but they are smaller and less forgiving, making potting the ball a much more difficult task.

The balls used in snooker pools vary in a variety of ways, including size, number and colour. Here are the main differences between the balls used in snooker and pool.

Size:

Snooker balls are generally smaller and lighter than pool balls. They measure 2 1/16 inches (52.5mm). Smaller balls require precise targeting and control.

Pool balls are bigger and heavier than snooker balls. The typical ball size for most pool balls are 2 1/4 inches (57mm). Their size makes them easier to hit but due to their weight they may need more power.

Number of balls: .

cartoon snooker balls

Snooker balls: A complete snooker rack consists of 22 balls.There are 15 red balls worth one point each, and seven colored balls: red (2 points), green (3 points), blue (4 points). ), blue (5 points), pink (6 points), and black (7 points). ) The white cue ball is also part of the set.

cartoon pool balls

Pool balls: There are various pool types, but the most common set contains 16 balls.This set includes 15 numbered object balls (from 1 to 15), cue ball, and a ball with 8 number (black), which is usually the game-winning ball in multiple pools

Color and patterns:

snooker rack on a table

Snooker balls: Snooker balls have unique colors. Red balls are solid red, while colored balls are usually numbered in a specific color (red, green, blue, blue, pink, black). There are no lines or patterns on the ball.

Read full article at CueBall Chronicles.