Pool and snooker both use cue sticks for hitting a ball into a box. The games are similar in many ways, but they have important differences. These differences can help determine which game is best for your needs.
Both pool, snooker and tabletop snooker are tabletop sports. Although they have similar rules and equipment, their play objectives and play styles are very different. In a nutshell pool has eight or 10 balls while snooker is made up of fifteen red balls. However, the number of balls that you will use depends on the type of pool that you are playing. Snooker is more complex than pool.
The goal of snooker, as the name suggests, is to collect as many balls possible and keep the ball of your opponent out of you pocket. For each non-red or red ball you have, you earn a point. You are not given points if you miss a shot. But, if your shot is successful and you have all the red or nonred balls, you'll be given three to six point.
A snooker table is similar to a pool table in that it has pockets on either side. However, the balls are much smaller and the table is bigger. For example, snooker table lengths in Europe and Britain are approximately 6 feet while pool tables typically measure 5 feet.
As in pool, snooker uses a strict scoring system. You must keep a specific order in which you pocket the ball to earn a point. When all of the red balls are pocketed, the frame ends. Players are then free to continue shooting until they miss their shot. The rules can vary depending on where you live. Some players may prefer to use a call pocket. This option allows you to choose the pocket balls, which is great for learning the game.
Snooker uses lighter cues than pool. They also have smaller tips. Because snooker is played at a larger table it can be harder to pocket the balls. It requires greater precision.
A player can advance from 8-ball to 9-ball. There are many variations of pool that will suit any level of play. Most players prefer the 8-ball version of the game.
Snooker is more competitive than pool. Using the green call, players aim to get the most points in a given period of time. The winner is the player with the most points.
Snooker and pool are both fast-paced games that require good reflexes. The scoring system in snooker is stricter. Even if all the balls were taken in the same order, fouls could be committed if any of the non-red or striped balls are found.
Whatever your style of play, snooker and pool are both fun to watch. It is a very popular sport in the UK and the US.