Are you considering investing in an at-home pool table or snooker table? With different sizes and surfaces, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
This article will provide an in-depth comparison of a snooker table vs. pool table, so you can make an informed decision on your ideal gaming surface.
For those that are new to the billiard game family, the differences between a snooker table and a pool table can be confusing. To many people they look the same and in fact, it can require some study to be able to appreciate the distinctions in design between them and understand why snooker tables tend to be bigger.
Snooker is played on larger tables compared to traditional billiards or pool tables. This is because with 15 red balls, six colors, including a yellow (2 1/16″) and black (2 1/4″) ball as well as a white (2 3/16″) cue ball, there has to be more room for accommodating these balls without crowding the area of play. A full-size snooker table will measure 12′ by 6′, whereas the size of an English Pool Table is generally 8′ x 4′, American Pool Tables being slightly larger at 8′ x 4′.
Other significant differences on professional snooker tables include a thicker cushion (or ‘rail’), providing greater support when taking shots off a cushion; pockets with curved interiors that accommodate larger balls; and smooth cloths treated with silicon to provide maximum speed with no drag while playing shots.
History of Snooker and Pool Tables
Snooker and pool have been popular tabletop games for centuries, but the dimensions of the tables used to play them have varied over time. The history of snooker and its predecessor, billiards, goes back to the late 1800s. Snooker was officially recognized by the British Billiards Association in 1882 and the modern game of pool was created a few years later.
At that time, snooker tables were typically 10 feet long by 5 feet wide with 6-foot-long cushions. These standards evolved over time as technology and materials improved, but until very recently, snooker rules called for a 12 by 6-foot table with 7-foot cushions on each end.
In contrast, early versions of the pool used 14 foot tables that were half as wide as snooker tables, which facilitated player movement around the table. Initially these tables only had 4-foot cushions at each end but when 8-ball mastered the US market in 1902 it changed this to 6-foot cushions like snooker’s standard size. Standardization has since become common across both games with fully professional players usually using 12 foot x 6 foot tables with 7 foot cushions regardless of which game they are playing or competing in.
The size of a billiard or pool table can affect your success playing either game so knowing what size is optimal can make all the difference in whether you win or lose your tournaments and matches!
Size Comparison of Snooker and Pool Tables
When it comes to snooker and pool, the two types of billiards most commonly found in pubs, homes, and bars around the world, there are several differences between the two that should be taken into consideration. In terms of size, it is quite easy to tell the difference between a snooker table and a pool table; snooker makes use of a much larger playing surface.
The exact dimensions for each type of table can vary depending on manufacturer, but a general guide for size comparison is detailed below:
Snooker Table:
-Length: 12 foot
-Width: 6 foot
-Height from floor to playing surface: 29 inches
-Comfortably accommodates three players at one time.
Pool Table:
-Length: 8 foot
-Width: 4 feet
-Height from floor to playing surface: 30 inches
-Comfortably accommodates two players at one time.
Based on this comparison it’s easy to see why snooker tables are so popular amongst professional players – larger tables equals more room for maneuvering and complex shots!
Differences in Playing Style
The size and configuration of a snooker table can be slightly or significantly different than a pool table. Snooker tables are generally longer, ranging from 11 to 12 feet in length and 5 ½ to 6 feet in width. They have six pockets compared to the four on a billiard table, and each snooker pocket is considerably smaller than those used in pool. Because of its increased size, the snooker cloth (baize) also uses fine nap that results in slower play than a typical billiard game. Snookers also use 22 balls instead of eight or nine billiard balls; though this difference sounds minor, it can actually have a huge impact on strategy.
In contrast to the casually paced nature of the game of pool—where shots can often be easily lined up—the much bigger playing surface provided by a snooker table encourages more skillful playing techniques such as swerving, massé shots and so-called ‘split shots’ (which require not just speed control but an understanding of how the cue ball interacts with other balls). A well-practiced shot like double kissing (where two object balls are hit simultaneously for one point) is fairly rare when playing on an 8ft pool table because balls normally require more exacting angles for success when the table size is small.
This difference in style explains why fans tend to prefer either pool or snooker – many players find themselves drawn to one game rather than both, even though they follow similar rules. The challenge posed by a larger playing surface requires more time investment but allows space for higher-level tactics that frustrate some players yet drive others mad with pleasure!
Materials Used to Make Snooker and Pool Tables
Traditional snooker and pool tables are made using several different materials that add to their strength, durability and attractiveness. Typically, the internal structure is made using a strong wood framing that supports the table surface and provides stability. The internal structure may be fashioned from hardwood or softwood depending on your preference.
The surface of a snooker table is traditionally covered with green baize, while Pool tables are covered with a variety of cloths in different colors. Beneath the surface of the table is typically a slatted mattress padding that protects the balls during playtime. This mattress padding can be made from foam, wool or natural fiber material depending on your preference. Some tables also feature metal straps for added support around their edges, which helps provide further stability during playtime.
The pockets of both snooker and pool tables usually consist of leather skirts around the edge affixed onto a ring of metal underneath them. On some models it’s possible to replace these parts with similarly colored vinyl parts for greater longevity without detracting from the aesthetic appearance of your table.
Railings on both types of tables come in either wood-veneered or wooden designs. The rails can be curved or straight depending upon if you have an American-style pool table or an English-style snooker/pool table respectively. Accessories such as cues, brush sets and score boards are often provided complimentary with the purchase of any type of billiards table but this may vary by retailer so always double check before you buy!
Snooker Table Size vs Pool Table
When it comes to recreational billiards tables, there are typically two choices: snooker tables and pool tables. Each offers its own unique style of play, but what are the differences between them in terms of cost? This article will explore the cost comparison of snooker vs pool tables.
Snooker tables’ prices vary widely depending on size and construction quality. In general, a high-quality full-sized snooker table will cost anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 dollars; while smaller half-width or three-quarter width snooker tables may cost considerably less (typically ranging from $500-$2000). A good full sized pool table can cost as little as $1000 but is also likely to range up to approximately $3000 for a high-end model. The size and type of wood used will affect pricing significantly; however, due to their simpler design and fewer pieces a standard pool table tends to be more affordable overall than a standard snooker table.
The significantly larger playing surface provided by a snooker table does contribute towards the overall higher price tag; however the extra room provides much more strategic possibilities for ball placement along with more tightly contested games between highly skilled players. Most pool halls now offer both types of games so you can decide which suits you and your budget best before making an investment in a personal billiards table of your own.
Popularity and Availability of Snooker and Pool Tables
When comparing snooker vs. pool table sizes and shapes, there are several things to consider. First, the size of table you need depends on the type of game – snooker or pool – and how many people will be playing at once. Snooker tables are typically larger than pool tables, with larger pockets as well; however, some manufacturers offer smaller versions for even tighter spaces.
Pool tables come in a variety of sizes and shapes; the two common ones being American Pool (9-foot size) or British Pool (7-foot size). The vast majority of recreational players prefer the American-sized tables, as they provide ample room for shooting shots from all angles as well as accommodate up to five players. The British Pool table is much more suited for barrelhouse style games due to its smaller size; plus it is also easier to find in store aisles ready to buy.
In terms of popularity and availability, snooker may slightly edge out pool when it comes to local establishments. The extra space required and costlier price tag might make some venues leery about obtaining one, but at least these professional snooker tournaments can act as motivators for some consumers when considering either game in their decision process prior to purchase. Both games bring tremendous entertainment value in their own right regardless if enjoyed within an official structured environment or in your own private functions amongst close friends.
In conclusion, snooker and pool tables differ in several ways. Firstly, the sizes of the two tables vary significantly, with snooker tables being significantly larger than pool tables. Secondly, snooker tables have pockets that are 6-inches in diameter while pool table pockets are 2 ½ inch sized. Finally, the type of balls used for Snooker (22) are far different from the set of balls used for playing pools (15). Different cues may also be required to play on each type of table effectively.
While both games provide a form of leisure entertainment, they require different sizes and types of tables as well as separate sets of balls and cues to play properly.
