Difference between a Pool Table and a Billiards Table

Difference between a Pool Table and a Billiards Table

The terms "pool table" and "billiards table" are often used interchangeably, but technically, there are some distinctions between the two.

A pool table is a type of billiards table that is primarily used for playing pool, which is a popular cue sport played with numbered balls and a cue stick. Pool tables are typically smaller in size, measuring about 7 to 9 feet in length, and they have pockets at each corner and along the side rails. The most common pool game played on these tables is eight-ball, but other variations like nine-ball, straight pool, and snooker can also be played on them.

On the other hand, the term "billiards table" is a more general term that encompasses various cue sports, including pool. Billiards tables are larger and are designed for different cue sports games, such as carom billiards, three-cushion billiards, and English billiards, among others. These games are typically played with different sets of balls and have specific rules and scoring systems. Billiards tables do not have pockets but instead have markings on the playing surface that assist in determining the movement of balls in the absence of pockets.

In summary, a pool table is a specific type of billiards table used for playing pool, while the term "billiards table" is a broader category that includes different cue sports games. Pool tables have pockets, while some billiards tables do not.