Guide
Pool vs Snooker: The Real Differences
Same family of games, very different experience. Here is what changes when you walk from a pool table to a snooker table.
The Short Answer
Pool is played on a smaller table with bigger pockets, and you win by clearing your balls and sinking the 8 (or the 9). Snooker is played on a much bigger table with smaller balls and tight pockets, and you win by scoring more points than your opponent.
Pool is quicker and easier to pick up. Snooker is slower, harder and all about control. Both are a lot of fun.
Side by Side
Table
Pool tables are usually 7 to 9 feet. A full size snooker table is 12 feet.
Balls
Pool uses 15 numbered balls plus the cue ball. Snooker uses 15 reds, 6 colors and the cue ball.
Pockets
Snooker pockets are tighter and rounded, so shots must be more accurate.
Winning
Pool: clear your balls and pot the 8. Snooker: score the most points.
How Pool Works
In 8 ball, one player takes solids (1 to 7) and the other takes stripes (9 to 15). Pocket all of yours, then call and sink the 8 ball to win. Sink the 8 too early and you lose the game. In 9 ball you always hit the lowest numbered ball first, and whoever pockets the 9 wins.
How Snooker Works
You start by potting a red (1 point), then any color: yellow 2, green 3, brown 4, blue 5, pink 6 or black 7. The color goes back on its spot and you go for another red. Once all the reds are gone, you pot the colors in order from yellow to black. Highest score wins the frame.
Because the table is so big, snooker rewards cue ball control. Good players think two or three shots ahead and play safety shots that leave the other player stuck.
Which One Should You Play?
New to cue sports? Start with pool. You will make shots right away and have fun from the first rack. Already comfortable with pool and want a challenge? Try snooker. It will humble you, and then it will hook you.
Snooker tables are rare in Michigan. At Playverse Reno in Ypsilanti you can play pool and snooker in the same room, so you can try both in one night.
Playverse Reno
2287 Ellsworth Rd
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Open every day
Mon to Fri: 12 PM to 2 AM
Sat and Sun: 10 AM to 2 AM
Questions People Ask
Is snooker harder than pool?
Yes, for most people. The table is bigger, the balls are smaller and the pockets are tighter, so every shot needs more accuracy.
Can you play pool on a snooker table?
Not really. The balls and pockets are different sizes, so each game needs its own table.
Where can I play snooker in Michigan?
Playverse Reno at 2287 Ellsworth Rd in Ypsilanti has a real snooker table, open until 2 AM every day.
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Plan Your Visit
Playverse Reno
2287 Ellsworth Rd
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Hours
Monday to Friday: 12 PM to 2 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM to 2 AM