Pool and snooker are two popular billiards games people enjoy playing. While the games can be played on a snooker table or a pool table, there are some differences when comparing snooker tables vs. pool tables. What Is a Snooker Table? A snooker table is another type of pocket billiards table. While it looks very similar to a pool table, with six pockets, it is much bigger. High-quality snooker tables use a similar construction process as pool tables. Full-size tournament snooker tables are 12 feet x 6 feet and follow the exact regulation requirement as pool tables, although some people do use an oversized pool table to play snooker on. Anything smaller than a 10-foot table is not recommended because you will not be able to experience the game like you would on a larger table. What Is a Pool Table? A pool table is a billiards table with pockets used to play the game of pool. High-quality pool tables are made using slate, natural wood, and special cloth that consists primarily of wool or worsted wool. Table sizes can vary from 6 feet x 3 feet to 10 feet x 5 feet. All pool tables are considered regulation tables if they follow the general rule of being twice as long as wide. However, a tournament pool table is 9 feet x 4.5 feet while an oversized pool table is 10 feet x 5 feet. The most common size of pool tables is either 7 feet x 3.5 feet or 8 feet x 4 feet. For example, you will typically find 7-foot tables (bar boxes) in pool halls and bars. Our 8-foot tables are the most common size people buy because they are only a foot shorter than a tournament table and often fit easier into the room where the pool table will be set up. Snooker Tables vs. Pool Tables: Key Differences Aside from the size differences in the tables, there are other key differences when comparing a pool table vs. snooker table, such as: Ball Size The first thing you will notice about the ball size between snooker and pool is that snooker balls are slightly smaller. Snooker balls usually have a diameter of 2 1/16 inches (52.5 mm). Pool balls have a diameter of 2 1/4 inches (57 mm). Pocket Size The standard corner pocket size on snooker tables ranges from 3 3/8 inches to 3 5/8 inches. The standard side pocket size on a snooker table is 4 1/16 inches to 4 5/16 inches. The standard corner pocket size on a pool table is 4 7/8 inches to 5 1/8 inches. The standard side pocket size on a pool table is 5 3/8 inches to 5 5/8 inches wide. The smaller pockets on snooker tables make the game more challenging than pool. In addition, the pocket sizes on both snooker and pool tables are always customizable. Cushions Snooker tales use a K-66 “L-shaped” cushion profile. Pool tables can use either a K-55 or K-66 profile that is angled. The cushions on snooker tables are also set slightly lower than on pool tables due to the size difference in the balls. Table Markers A snooker table will have more table markers than a pool table since snooker uses more balls than pool. A snooker table will also have a “D” on the head end of the table. Table Surface Traditional snooker table surfaces use cloth that is a mixture of 90 percent worsted wool and 10 percent nylon. Pool tables, on the other hand, can use either worsted wool or a mixture of 75 percent wool and 25 percent nylon. Cue Sticks The length of cue sticks is similar for both snooker and pool and ranges between 57 and 58 inches long. However, the difference is in the tips. Snooker cue tips are about 9.5 mm compared to about 13 mm for pool. The Number of Balls Snooker uses a total of 22 balls to play the game, including: One white cue ball or striker ball Six balls that may or may not be numbered and must be blue, brown, green, yellow, black, and pink Fifteen red balls Traditional 8-ball pool uses a total of 16 balls, including: One white or yellow cue ball or striker ball Fifteen balls numbered from 1 to 15 The odd-numbered balls will be striped, usually white with another color The even-numbered balls will be a solid color Snooker vs. Pool: Gameplay Differences The differences in equipment when it comes to pool vs. snooker tables significantly influence both the style and strategy of gameplay. Understanding these distinctions can help players adapt their techniques and strategies to each game. Shot Technique In snooker, the smaller ball size and tighter pockets demand precision and control. Players often focus on accuracy and finesse, using soft touches and spin to position the cue ball strategically for the next shot. The need for precision stems from the layout and dimensions of the snooker table, which can punish even slight inaccuracies harshly. Conversely, pool gameplay can be more forgiving due to larger balls and pockets. This allows for a broader range of shot techniques, including powerful breaks and forceful bank shots that might not be practical on a snooker table. Players in pool can often recover more easily from a less than perfect shot, making the game slightly more accessible for beginners in terms of shooting technique. Game Pace The pace of snooker tends to be more methodical and slower compared to pool. A typical frame of snooker involves careful planning and execution, where players often think several shots ahead. This is partly due to the larger table size and the game's scoring system, which rewards precision over speed. Pool games, such as 8-ball or 9-ball, generally move faster. Players can often clear the table in fewer shots, and the strategies employed usually revolve around quick decision-making and maintaining an aggressive offensive posture. This faster pace makes pool particularly engaging and dynamic, which is part of its appeal in social settings and competitive play. Typical Game Length A game of snooker can be quite lengthy. A single frame can last anywhere from 15 minutes to well over an hour, depending on the players' skill levels and the complexity of the shots required. Professional matches are even longer, as they are typically played over several frames. Pool games are comparatively shorter. An average game of 8-ball might last from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the players' abilities and the specific rules being used. This shorter game length allows pool players to engage in multiple games in a session, making it a popular choice for casual play and tournaments alike. Strategic Depth Snooker requires a deep strategic approach, with players needing to execute not just the current shot but also to set up the table for future shots. It involves a high degree of tactical defense, where players deliberately position the cue ball in places that limit their opponent's opportunities. In pool, while strategy is also important, there is a stronger emphasis on offensive play. The layout of the balls after the break can significantly influence the flow of the game, and players often seek to capitalize quickly by pocketing as many balls as possible in a sequence. The gameplay differences between snooker and pool, driven by their respective equipment variations, create unique challenges and experiences for players. Whether it's the precise and deliberate play of snooker or the quick and dynamic action of pool, each game offers distinct pleasures and requires specific skills, making them beloved sports in their own rights. Custom Pool Tables From Blatt Billiards It is easy to find custom, handcrafted, high-quality billiards, pool and snooker tables at Blatt Billiards. Explore our tables online, visit one of our showrooms, or contact us at 212-674-8855 today.