Billiards is a generic terms which covers all of the games which we think of as being billiards, pocket billiards, pool and snooker. A "billiards" table for the game carom, played with three balls, will not have any pockets, this is most popular in Europe. Games such as snooker and pool require six pockets.
Snooker is usually played on large tables than pool, and American pool and larger tables than British pool. It is not table size, however, which determines what type of table it is and table for all of these games are available in a variety of sizes, generally from 6 foot long. Billiards tables are half as wide as they are long.
Tables for Competition Tournaments
There are strict rules about the specification of tables for certain tournaments, stipulating the size and construction of the table, the nap and fabric of the cloth, the colour of the cloth, the details of the lighting.
For home and leisure use it is simply important to play on a table which will fit in a room with sufficient space to play all the way around but very small tables limit the enjoyment of the game. Similarly a full sized 12 foot table can be too large for children to play. Tables of 6, 7 and 8 feet are ideal for family homes if space permits.
What is the Difference Between American or English UK Pool Tables?
The difference between the types of tables for different games is in the detail of the pockets, as explained by pool table manufacturer Hamilton. The games of snooker and English UK pool is played with smaller balls into smaller pockets than American pool:
- American Pool 2 1/4" balls
- British Pool 2" balls and 3" pockets
There are also differences in the shape of the cushions for American and British pool, this will effect how the balls bounce off the cushions.
What is the Difference Between a Pool Table and a Snooker Table
It would be easy to guess that a snooker table is larger but size is important, pool and snooker tables can be the same size. The difference is the detail of the pockets. Snooker table pockets are smaller with the cushions curved in, an entirely different shape to the sharp pool table holes.
Buy a Table for Playing Pool & Snooker
The pockets on a snooker table mean that snooker is more difficult to play. This would be the best table for someone who wants to practice and improve their skills. It is possible to buy tables which can be adapted for both games. The convertible pool to snooker tables from Pool Table Plans have changeable cushions to transform the pockets, they report it will take about two hours to change between a pool and a snooker table. Snooker is usually played on larger tables, so if investing in a snooker table ideally it should be 10 or 12 feet.
Information About Snooker, Billiards & Pool
Mostly pocket billiards is enjoyed by amateurs at their homes, in bars and specialist halls. There are many resources on the web with information about pocket billiards games.
A list of world wide pool and billiards organisations can be found via the links page on the website of the Billiard Congress of America.
Articles about buying billiards tables are available at Suite101.
Details about how to play billiards games can also be found on Suite101.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
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