Snooker · Guide

Snooker vs pool: the differences

Both are cue sports played on a cloth-covered table with six pockets, but snooker is played on a far bigger table with tighter pockets, and it is scored in points instead of being a race to clear your balls.

What carries over

Stance, grip, cue action and controlling the white with screw, stun and follow all work the same way. Many snooker players started on pool tables in pubs, and plenty play both.

What is different to play

• Long pots: the snooker table is twice as long, so small errors are magnified.
• Safety play: in snooker, leaving your opponent nothing is as important as potting.
• Break-building: snooker rewards planning several shots ahead to keep scoring.

New to snooker? Start with the rules and how to play.

Quick answers

What is the difference between snooker and pool?

Snooker uses a much bigger table (12 ft full size), tighter pockets and 22 balls, and is scored in points. Pool is played on a 6 or 7 ft table with fewer balls, and the aim is to pot your group then the black or 8-ball.

Is snooker harder than pool?

Most players find snooker harder, mainly because of the size of the table and the tight, rounded pockets.

Can you play pool on a snooker table?

Not properly: the balls and pockets are a different size. Some home tables come with both sets of balls, but they are a compromise.