There are two types of tabletop game: Pool and Billiards. Both games involve hitting a ball with a cue stick. The difference between pool and Billiards lies in the size, number and positioning of the balls on each table. Billiards typically uses three balls while pool may use nine to sixteen.
Billiards consists of hitting three balls at once with a long cuestick. This game was originally invented in 15th century. It has been adapted into its modern form. This game is often mistaken for pool.
Pool, on the contrary, involves hitting dozens of balls onto a pool table with a cuestick. These balls are generally smaller in size than the ones used for billiards. They measure approximately two and a quarter inches in diameter. Depending on the type and game, there can be as many as nine to fifteen object ball. Some players play with one red ball and others may have seven or more.
Billiards' goal is to score as many points in a time period as possible. It takes practice but is quite challenging to master. Here are some common pool shots. Bar Games 101 offers more information about this and other helpful strategies.
A pool table is smaller than a billiard table but it must be big enough to hold all your balls. A pool table should be at least 3.5' by 7' in size. If you want to play pool more effectively, you should get a table that measures at least 5ft by 10ft.
Additionally, you need to make sure that your billiards tables are covered with cloth. The cloth slows down the ball's speed and helps it travel faster.
Billiards and pool are both indoor games, but they have very different rules and characteristics. Pool, for instance, is played on smaller tables with few pockets. Billiards on the other hand is played at larger tables with many pockets. Different cue sticks sizes are available. A billiards cue should have a longer shaft and a smaller tip, depending on how big the table is.
No matter what game you choose, you'll need a set if balls and a stick. Billiards is played on a snooker, carom, or billiards table. Snooker requires more skill and a special set of tools. Many people enjoy playing pool at home, or at a bar.
American pool is very popular. The White House's first pool table was installed by President Grant, it is believed.