Snooker and pool are two games that require cue sticks to hit a puck into a pocket. While they share some similarities, there are significant differences. These differences can help to better understand the game and choose the best game for you.
Both pool and snooker are tabletop cue sports. While the rules and equipment are similar, the objectives and play are completely different. In a nutshell pool has eight or 10 balls while snooker is made up of fifteen red balls. The type of pool you play will determine the number of balls you use. Snooker has a lot more to offer than pool.
Snooker's main objective is to keep your opponent's ball from reaching your pocket while capturing as many balls as possible. Each non-red and red ball that you take out earns you one point. You are not given points if you miss a shot. You are given three to six points if all the red balls or non-red balls are collected.
A snooker table looks similar to a pool table except that it has pockets either side. But the balls and table are much bigger. For example, snooker tables can be as long as 6 feet in Europe or the UK while pool tables can only be 5 feet.
Snooker, like pool, has a strict scoring system. To earn points, you must get a specific ball in a given order. When all of the red balls are pocketed, the frame ends. The frame is over. Players can then continue shooting until they miss the shot. The rules will vary depending on the location. Some players may opt to take a call-pocket. This is a great method to learn the game since you have the option of choosing the pocket ball.
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 also requires more precision.
A player can progress from 8-ball level to 9-ball. There are many options for pool, to suit different levels. The most popular version of pool is the 8-ball.
Snooker is much more competitive that pool. Players use the green call to try and get as many points as possible within a certain time. The winner is determined by the player with more points.
Snooker and pool are both fast-paced games that require good reflexes. The scoring system in snooker is stricter. Even when the player pocketed all the balls in sequence, if they pocketed a striped or non-red ball, they were considered fouls.
No matter how you play, snooker or pool can be a lot of fun. The sport is popular in both America and Britain.