<p>When you think about cue sports, you might wonder what sets snooker apart from pool (and why it matters).</p> <p>While people sometimes use ‘snooker’ and ‘pool’ interchangeably, they’re actually quite different in rules, setup, and strategy.</p> <p>While both games require skill and precision, you need to understand the differences between snooker and pool, especially if you're interested in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/snooker">snooker betting</a>, plan to follow top events like the Snooker World Championship (in that case, do remember to have a look at our page dedicated to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/snooker/world-championship">snooker World Championship odds</a>) or are considering to spend some time <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/live-betting/snooker">live betting on snooker</a>.</p> <p>For those who like to have a punt, knowing whether a match is snooker or pool can help you make better predictions, understand our betting tips, and choose smarter bets.</p> <p>Snooker’s detailed scoring, varied gameplay, and the high-pressure shots make it especially popular among sports punters looking for something new and interesting to bet on.</p> <p>That’s why, if you’re keen to explore snooker betting or just want to brush up on your knowledge, getting these basics sorted is a great place to start.</p> <h2><strong>What Is Snooker?</strong></h2> <p>Snooker is a cue sport that uses a large table, multiple coloured balls, and unique rules that differentiate it from other similar games like pool.</p> <p>The game started in the late 19th century in India as a pastime of British army officers who combined elements of other cue sports, to then come up with an entirely new game that used both a specialised set of rules and equipment.</p> <p>Shortly after its beginnings in India, snooker became popular also back in Britain, especially in gentlemen’s clubs. Over time, the game continued to evolve, with rules being standardised and tables becoming larger.</p> <p>Events like the World Snooker Championship, established in the 1920s, added prestige and tradition to the sport.</p> <p>Today, you’ll play snooker on a rectangular table, usually larger than a pool table, with a green baize surface and six small pockets. Each match uses 22 balls:</p> <ul> <li> <p>1 cue ball (white)</p> </li> <li> <p>15 red balls (unmarked)</p> </li> <li> <p>6 coloured balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black)</p> </li> </ul> <p>The main goal is to score more points than your opponent by potting balls in a specific sequence.</p> <p>First, pot a red ball, then a coloured ball, alternating between the two until all reds are gone. After the reds, you must pot the colours in a set order—yellow through to black.</p> <p>Points are awarded based on which ball you pot (reds are 1 point, colours range from 2 to 7 points).</p> <p>These specific rules and sequences made it a highly strategic game, as players need to be able to plan many moves ahead, control the cue ball, and sometimes play defensive shots to protect their lead.</p> <p>This is why professional snooker is known for its high level of skill and concentration. Players can spend years perfecting shot accuracy, positioning, and tactics.</p> <p>Professional snooker matches often last several hours, and tournaments stretch over many days, showing how demanding the sport can be both mentally and physically.</p> <h2><strong>What Is Pool?</strong></h2> <p>Pool is a similar (yet different) cue sport that you can find in bars, clubs, and competitions worldwide.</p> <p>Like snooker, it is played on a table with six pockets, but it uses different sets of balls depending on the game type.</p> <p>This happens because there are several main types of pool, each with its own set of rules and strategy. The most common variations are eight-ball, nine-ball, and straight pool.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Eight-ball involves 15 object balls, divided into stripes and solids, plus a cue ball. Your aim is to pocket all of your type before sinking the black 8-ball.</p> </li> <li> <p>Nine-ball is faster paced, with balls numbered 1 through 9. You must always hit the lowest-numbered ball first, making this version all about quick thinking and precise shots.</p> </li> <li> <p>Straight pool (also called 14.1 continuous) allows you to score points by pocketing any ball on the table, making it a real test of consistency and planning.</p> </li> </ul> <p>What’s important to emphasize is that each variation uses a table with six pockets, and while the size of the table can vary, most games in pubs and tournaments use a standard size.</p> <h2><strong>Snooker Table vs Pool Table</strong></h2> <p>One of the most noticeable differences between snooker and pool is the table size. A full-size snooker table is much larger, typically measuring 12 ft × 6 ft (3.7 m × 1.8 m).</p> <p>Pool tables are smaller, with common sizes being 7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft long. If you look at a UK pool table, it's usually about 6 ft in length, while an American pool table might go up to 9 ft.</p> <p>The markings also vary. Snooker tables have more table markers, such as the baulk line, D, and coloured spots for the six object balls.</p> <p>This is necessary because snooker uses more balls and requires specific starting and resting positions. Pool tables, on the other hand, try to keep things simpler, and only feature basic markings for racking and break shots. A billiard table (for carom games) usually has no pockets at all, but that's a story for another day.</p> <h2><strong>Playing Surface and Material</strong></h2> <p>Both snooker and pool tables are covered in a wool and nylon blend cloth, often called baize. However, a snooker table's cloth is finer and a bit faster, letting the balls roll with less resistance.</p> <p>This matters because snooker balls are smaller and lighter compared to pool balls, so they respond to tiny differences in the playing surface.</p> <p>Snooker tables also have narrower and rounded pockets, which make potting balls more demanding. The cushions (the table rails) are designed to suit the angles and ball speeds of each game, with snooker tables requiring extra precision.</p> <p>Underneath the cloth, both tables use a slate bed for a level surface. The thickness and quality of the slate may vary, but most tables for both games use 1 or 3 pieces of slate. The legs and frame are usually made from solid wood for durability.</p> <p>If you prefer fast, tricky shots, you'll appreciate the detail that goes into a snooker table. If you're after quicker games with a more forgiving surface, a pool table might be your best mate.</p> <h2><strong>Balls and Equipment Differences</strong></h2> <p>Snooker and pool use different types of balls, equipment, and tables. Understanding these</p> <p>Snooker uses 22 balls in total:</p> <ul> <li> <p>15 red balls,</p> </li> <li> <p>6 coloured balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black),</p> </li> <li> <p>1 white cue ball.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Pool usually uses either 16 or 9 balls, depending on the game. The standard 8-ball pool has:</p> <ul> <li> <p>7 solid-coloured balls,</p> </li> <li> <p>7 striped balls,</p> </li> <li> <p>1 black 8-ball,</p> </li> <li> <p>1 cue ball.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Size matters, too. Snooker balls are usually about 52.5mm in diameter, while pool balls in most sets are around 57mm, making pool balls a bit bigger and heavier. The differences in balls affect how they move and how you play your shots. If you switch between games, you’ll notice snooker balls often feel lighter and roll differently.</p> <h2><strong>Cue Lengths in Both Games</strong></h2> <p>A typical snooker cue is longer and slimmer, usually between 142cm and 147cm. Snooker cues have a narrower tip, around 9-10mm, made for precision shots and gentle touches on the smaller snooker balls.</p> <p>Pool cues tend to be slightly shorter and thicker. They usually measure between 145cm and 150cm, but have a thicker tip, often around 12-13mm wide. The thicker tip makes it easier to strike the heavier pool balls and put spin on them.</p> <h2><strong>Gameplay and Rules Comparison</strong></h2> <p>The way you earn points is very different between snooker and pool. In snooker, scoring is all about potting balls in a set order. You get points for each ball pocketed, and each coloured ball has its own value. For example, reds are worth 1 point, while the black is worth 7.</p> <p>You pot a red, then a colour, then a red again, and so on. After the reds are gone, you clear the colours in order. Your score builds as you go, and the player with the most points at the end wins.</p> <p>In most pool games, such as eight-ball or nine-ball, the aim is to sink certain groups of balls (solids or stripes) and then the eight or nine ball last. You don’t rack up points for each ball. Instead, you win by pocketing the right balls in the correct order.</p> <h3><strong>Typical Game Format</strong></h3> <p>In snooker, you’ll play a “frame”, which is like a round. Matches can be made up of several frames. Each frame might last a long time because there are 22 balls (15 reds, 6 colours, 1 cue ball) and strict rules about how you must play each shot.</p> <p>Pool games - especially eight-ball - tend to move faster. The table is smaller, and there aren’t as many balls (usually 15 object balls).</p> <p>You start with a break, pick either stripes or solids, and try to clear your group before sinking the eight ball. Nine-ball is played with balls one to nine, and you must always aim at the lowest-numbered ball on the table.</p> <h3><strong>Common Obstacles and Fouls</strong></h3> <p>Fouls in snooker often happen if you hit the wrong ball first, pot a ball out of order, or fail to hit any ball at all. If that happens, your opponent gets points and a chance at the table.</p> <p>“Snookers”, where you hide the cue ball behind other balls, force your rival to use clever shots, sometimes bouncing off rails, to even reach the target ball.</p> <p>Pool has its own fouls and obstacles. Common fouls include scratching (potting the cue ball), hitting the wrong object ball, or potting the eight ball when you aren’t supposed to. Obstacles in pool often involve clusters of balls blocking your path or tough angles.</p> <h2><strong>Billiards and Cue Sports Family</strong></h2> <p>If you’ve ever seen a billiards table, you might think all cue sports are the same. However, there are some clear differences between them.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Billiards is the oldest of the three. It usually refers to carom billiards, played on a table with no pockets. You score points by bouncing balls off each other and the table cushions.</p> </li> <li> <p>Pool is probably the most familiar. Games like eight-ball are played on smaller tables with six pockets. You use a cue and pocket balls in set sequences.</p> </li> <li> <p>Snooker uses a much larger table with smaller pockets. The game rules are complex, using 21 coloured balls and a white cue ball. Accuracy and long shots are important.</p> </li> </ul> <h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2> <h2><strong>What are the differences in table sizes between snooker and pool?</strong></h2> <p>A standard snooker table is much larger than a typical pool table. In most clubs, snooker tables are about 12 feet long and 6 feet wide, while the standard pool table comes in several sizes, with the common ones being 7, 8, or 9 feet long.</p> <p>The extra size of a snooker table means longer shots and more space for tactical play. The pockets on a snooker table are also smaller and rounded, making potting balls a bit tougher.</p> <h2><strong>How does the number and type of balls used in snooker compare to those in pool?</strong></h2> <p>Snooker uses 22 balls in total. This includes 15 red balls, 6 coloured balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and black), and one white cue ball.</p> <p>Pool, depending on the game type, usually has 16 balls — 1 cue ball and 15 object balls. In 8-ball, you play with solids and stripes (numbered 1-7 and 9-15), plus the black 8-ball. In 9-ball, you only use balls numbered 1 to 9 and the cue ball.</p> <h2><strong>Is there a notable difference in difficulty between playing snooker and pool?</strong></h2> <p>Many people find snooker more challenging because of the bigger table and tighter pockets. The longer distances can make accuracy and cue ball control more difficult for beginners.</p> <p>Pool tables are more forgiving and the variety of games can be easier to start with, but advanced pool can be just as complex, with precise positional requirements.</p> <h2><strong>Can the same cues be used for both snooker and pool, or are they specific to each game?</strong></h2> <p>Pool cues and snooker cues look similar, but there are small differences that affect play. Snooker cues tend to have a smaller tip, usually around 9-10mm, helping with the precision shots needed for snooker’s smaller balls. Pool cues have a slightly thicker tip, about 12-13mm, and are often a bit heavier to suit the larger pool balls.</p> <p>While you could use one cue for both, it’s much more comfortable and effective to use a cue matched to the game you’re playing.</p> <h2><strong>How do the rules of 9-ball pool differ from those of snooker?</strong></h2> <p>The object of 9-ball pool is to pocket the 9-ball by hitting the lowest-numbered ball on the table first each shot. Players take turns, and you win if you legally pot the 9-ball.</p> <p>Snooker scoring is based on potting reds followed by colours in a set sequence, and each coloured ball has a different point value. You keep playing until one player cannot catch up, or all the balls are cleared, so the scoring and patterns in snooker are much more involved.</p>