Pool and Billiards are both games that use similar equipment, which is why most people are unable to distinguish between the two. Also, there are different ways that both these games are played, making it even more confusing for an observer to identify them. In actuality, there are a few main differences in the equipment used in these two games, which are given below:
The Billiards table
There are two main types of billiards; carom billiards and pocket billiards. The first type does not require any pockets, therefore a billiards table which is made only for carom billiards would not have any pockets. This is the traditional form of the game, from which games like pool and snooker have evolved.
Carom billiards involves using two cue balls for two players. There are many types of games which require varying levels of skill. The objective would usually involve striking an object ball, the rail cushions and the opponent’s cue ball in one shot, although there are variations in the sequence and the objectives of different games.
Billiard tables are larger than pool tables, measuring up to ten feet in length. Even the size of the balls used in a billiards game is larger. Racks are generally not used in billiards games, and the cues which are used are relatively shorter and thicker than pool cues.
The Pool table
This is also known as pocket billiards as it involves similar equipment, with the inclusion of pockets being the most important difference. This variant of billiards is very popular all over the world. The basic objective of the game is to strike an object ball into the pocket by using a cue ball.
The pool table needs to have six pockets, one in each corner and one located halfway between each long side. The size of the table is also smaller than traditional billiards tables, with residential sets being as small as six feet in length. The cues used are longer and thinner, and the balls are smaller. Also, a triangular rack is used in pool games to arrange the object balls.
