Guides / Pool vs Snooker: What’s Actually Different?
Pool vs Snooker: What’s Actually Different?
Both are cue sports played with a white ball and six pockets, but they feel like different games.
| Pool | Snooker | |
|---|---|---|
| Table | 7–9 ft | 12 ft (the big one) |
| Balls | 2¼ in, 15 or 9 | 2 1/16 in, 22 |
| Pockets | Wide, forgiving | Tight, rounded “jaws” |
| Goal | Clear your group, pot the 8 or 9 | Score more points than your opponent |
| Fouls | Opponent gets ball in hand | Opponent gets 4–7 points |
| Strategy | Position and break-outs | Safety play and break-building |
Which should you start with?
Pool is easier to enjoy straight away: the pockets are forgiving and the rules fit on one screen. Snooker rewards patience: you will miss more at first, but the first time you build a break of 30 it is thrilling.
How they play in Cue & Chalk
We simulate the table and balls separately: the snooker table has its tight pockets and bigger dimensions, and the pool tables are smaller and more forgiving. In both, you can aim from eye level, the way you would lean down over a real table. Start with 8-ball or snooker.