The origins of billiards can be traced all the way back to the 15th century, where it was played by royalty and nobility on large tables using the butts of their halberds (look it up, it’s a real thing) as cues and their armor as balls. Let’s start with the granddaddy of them all: billiards. We’ll also take a look at the popularity of billiards and pool tables.īy the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be an expert on both games and able to impress your friends at your next game night. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of both games, the different types of billiards and pool, equipment, strategy, and the competitive scene. Another way to differentiate exactly what you are talking about is to only call it carom billiards instead of just billiards. So although you can say billiards to refer to games played on similar-looking tables with a cue and balls if you want to be exactly precise you should call pool pool and billiards billiards. Each game has its own set of rules, strategies, and equipment as well. Now, you might be thinking, “Oh, that’s it? That’s the big difference? I could have figured that out on my own.” But, trust me, there’s more to it than that. The key difference between the two games is the size of the table and the number of pockets.īilliard balls are also a different color than pool balls (which can help you differentiate between the game tables a bit more easily).īilliards is played on a larger table with no pockets, whereas pool is played on a smaller table with six pockets. But, as you’ll soon discover, that’s pretty much where the similarities end. I’m going to break it down for you in a way that even the most clueless among us (cough, me, cough) can understand.īut before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with the basics.Īlthough some people use the term billiards to describe what’s more commonly known as pool, that actually isn’t exactly correct.īilliards and pool are both cue sports played on a table with balls and a cue stick. Are you here because you’re trying to compare billiards vs pool? Let me guess: you’ve heard the terms thrown around before, maybe even played a game or two, but you’re still not entirely sure what sets these two games apart?įear not, my friends. Have you got a Big Question you'd like us to answer? If so, send it to. And if you get challenged to a game of snooker, be prepared for a very lengthy explanation of the rules. If you're in the UK, it could mean the pocket-less version. The bottom line? If you're in a social setting and get challenged to a game of billiards, it's probably going to be pool. At 10 to 12 feet in length, a snooker table is also larger than a conventional pool surface (from 7 to 9 feet) and its pockets are an inch smaller in diameter. Since it's played with a cue and a cue ball, it's technically billiards, but snooker has a specific rule set involving 22 balls that need to be sunk with consideration given to each color's point value. You may wonder where this leaves snooker, an even more obscure game. In the UK, however, billiards can refer to English Billiards, a variation in which only three balls are used, with the player striking his cue ball and a red striker ball to move his opponent's cue ball. Typically, billiards can refer to any kind of tabletop game played with a cue stick and cue ball, while pool largely means a game with pockets. Some professional pool players still use the term billiards to describe what's more commonly known as pool. Because a collection of wagers is known as a pool, pocket billiards began to be associated with the term. The term billiards comes from the French words billart ("wooden stick") and bille ("ball").Īs the popularity of billiards grew, billiards tables became common sights in gambling parlors where horse racing wagers or other bets were being placed. The game evolved and expanded over time to include pocketed tables and shot-calling for points, enjoying wide popularity in America in the 1920s. Originally, the balls in billiards were driven by a mace with a large tip instead of a stick and through something similar to a croquet wick. When play moved indoors, green tables were used to simulate grass. What's the difference?Īccording to the Billiard Congress of America, billiards was developed out of a lawn game similar to croquet in the 15th century. Yet both terms seemingly refer to the same activity. If you're invited to join, most people will ask about a game of pool, not a game of billiards. Walk into a bar or private rec room and you're likely to encounter a pool table, with patrons and guests leaning over a green felt surface and striking a white cue ball with a cue stick in an effort to sink the rest of the balls into six pockets.
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