Billiard Tables

The Difference Between Billiards, Pool and Snooker Explained

Billiards is the oldest of the three games, tracing its origins all the way back to the 14th century where it was first played outdoors without cues. Traditionally, the billiards table has no pockets and uses only 3 balls (although a contemporary version of the game has evolved known as pocket billiards).

Pool emerged from billiards and is often mistakenly called billiards. Pool tables today have 6 pockets and 15 balls. American tables tend to have larger pockets than British pool tables and for that reason are often preferred by those who are not pool experts, since the larger pockets make for easier play.

Snooker is the youngest of the 3 sports. While it too uses a table with 6 pockets, that table is huge (up to 12' x 6') and those pockets are typically smaller than the pockets on a pool table. With snooker, there are 15 red balls and 6 object balls that must be pocketed in a specific order to score points.

Now that you know the difference between billiards, pool, and snooker, let’s look at some of the things to consider before you buy billiard tables:

• Size: As we mentioned, a traditional billiards table is much larger than the average pool table. Fortunately, they are also available in smaller sizes.
• Felt: Traditional billiards tables have a green felt surface. If green won’t work with your decor, not to worry! Contemporary billiards tables are available with a variety of different colour felts.
• Your Budget: A slate top is going to cost several times more than a wooden top billiards table, but unlike the wooden table, the slate top will probably outlast you.

Buy Billiard Tables Today from Home Games Room

To learn more or to buy billiard tables now, or any of our other outstanding pool tables for that matter, email at support@homegamesroom.co.uk or ring us up on 0333 303 4992.