Billiards is a generic term which covers all of the games which we think of as being billiards, pocket billiards, pool and snooker. A "billiards" table for the game carom, played with three balls, will not have any pocket; this is most popular in Europe. Games such as snooker and pool require six pockets.
Snooker is usually played on large tables than pool, and American pool or American roulette and larger tables than British pool. It is not table size, however, which determines what type of table it is and table for all of these games are available in a variety of sizes, generally from 6 foot long. Billiards tables are half as wide as they are long.
Tables for Competition Tournaments
There are strict rules about the specification of tables for certain tournaments, stipulating the size and construction of the table, the nap and fabric of the cloth, the color of the cloth, and the details of the lighting.
For home and leisure use it is simply important to play on a table which will fit in a room with sufficient space to play all the way around but very small tables limit the enjoyment of the game. Similarly a full sized 12 foot table can be too large for children to play. Tables of 6, 7 and 8 feet are ideal for family homes if space permits.
What is the Difference Between American or English UK Pool Tables?
The difference between the types of tables for different games is in the detail of the pockets, as explained by pool table manufacturer Hamilton. The games of snooker and English UK pool are played with smaller balls into smaller pockets than American pool:
American Pool 2 1/4" balls
British Pool 2" balls and 3" pockets
There are also differences in the shape of the cushions for American and British pool, this will effect how the balls bounce off the cushions.
What is the Difference Between a Pool Table and a Snooker Table
It would be easy to guess that a snooker table is larger but size is important, pool and snooker tables can be the same size. The difference is the detail of the pockets. Snooker table pockets are smaller with the cushions curved in, an entirely different shape to the sharp pool table holes.
Buy a Table for Playing Pool & Snooker
The pockets on a snooker table mean that snooker is more difficult to play. This would be the best table for someone who wants to practice and improve their skills. It is possible to buy tables which can be adapted for both games. The convertible pool to snooker tables from Pool Table Plans have changeable cushions to transform the pockets, they report it will take about two hours to change between a pool and a snooker table. Snooker is usually played on larger tables, so if investing in a snooker table ideally it should be 10 or 12 feet.
Information About Snooker, Billiards & Pool
Mostly pocket billiards is enjoyed by amateurs at their homes, in bars and specialist halls. There are many resources on the web with information about pocket billiards games.
Tips for Buying the Best Billiards Table for Playing at Home
There are a few things to take into consideration when planning to buy a billiards table for fun at home. A good quality table will be an investment that will last through years of play, while a cheap billiards table may be disappointing, a novelty or a toy.
How to Decide What Size Billiards Table to Buy for Home Use
The idea is to have the biggest table possible for the maximum potential for practice and improvement. Billiards tables come in a great variety of sizes and shapes, but they are generally half as wide as they are long and when described as a 7-foot table this refers to external measurements, not playing space. A 7-foot table will have a playing area of 39" x 78". A snooker table is 12 feet long.
The World Pool-Billiards Association require 6 feet clear on every side of the table for competitions but this is not necessary for the home and this space is not always available in pubs and bars either. There must be sufficient space in every direction to use the cue, cues are a minimum of 40", but 57" is typical.
How Big Are Billiards Tables for the Home
In their guide to buying a billiards table, the manufacturer Proline has a useful table which combines cue lengths and typical billiards table sizes to give the required room dimensions. Prolines' advice includes the following:
7-foot billiards table with 42" cue needs room 10'2 x 13'3
7-foot billiards table with 57" cue needs room 12'7 x 15'8
9-foot billiards table with 42" cue needs room 11'2 x 15'4
9-foot billiards table with 57" cue needs room 13'7 x 17'9
Smaller billiards tables are available but 6-foot is the smallest which a teenager or adult would realistically want to play on.
Buying a Slate Bed Billiards Table
The very best tables will have playing surfaces made of three pieces of slate covered by cloth. Cheaper tables, including some coin operated tables may have one piece of thin slate. The cheapest and light-weight tables will not have slate bed. The slate bed is crucial for the way the balls roll and rebound. A slate bed is the minimum requirement anyone should want from their billiards table.
What are the Features of the Best Billiards Tables For Sale
The best billiards tables will have a three piece slate bed of one inch thick slate. Other slate thickness is good for home use. Three pieces of slate are better than one, but one piece is better than none.
Probably the second most important feature of billiards tables are the cushions, these should be K-66 style. Which is the shape used for competitive play.
The third important feature is the cloth surface which covers the slate. It can be any color for home and fun use. It should be of high quality at least 80% wool, with or without a nap,
The very best tables will be heavy and will be installed and moved by professionals.