Do you know which cue sport you are playing when you think you see a pool table?
Have you ever looked at a cue table and wondered, “Wait… is this snooker, pool, or billiards? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Most people casually call the game pool without knowing the difference between pool, snooker, and billiards. However, each of these games has its own distinct setup, rules, and scoring methods.
If you are a beginner looking to hone your skills or a pro gamer who wants to play skill-based cue games, understanding the differences between snooker vs pool vs billiards can instantly level up your game.
Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences between each of these games.
What is Pool?
Essentially, the pool game has various variants, including 8-Ball pool, 9-Ball pool, and 3-Ball pool. The name of the variant is based on the number of balls in the game. For instance, an 8-ball pool game includes 16 object balls (solids and stripes), and one 8-ball. Similarly, a 9-ball pool game consists of nine balls, and a 3-ball pool game includes three balls.
When you play 8 ball pool game, your objective is to pot all the assigned balls and finish the game by potting the black 8-ball in the end before your opponent. The game begins with a player taking the first shot, also known as the break shot. When playing online, each player is assigned either stripes or solids after the break shot. A player can win the 8-ball pool game in three situations:
- The player pockets all the assigned object balls, along with the 8-ball, at the end.
- The opponent fouls by potting an 8 ball before potting all the assigned object balls
- If the 8 ball is knocked off the table by a player in a game played on a physical table, the opponent wins.
How 8 Ball Pool Works:
- 8 Ball Pool is one of the most popular cue games played on a rectangular table with six pockets.
- It’s played with 15 object balls, where 7 are solid-colored balls, 7 are striped balls, and one is the black 8‑ball, along with a white cue ball.
- Initially, you break the rack, which can be either solids or stripes. The one you legally pot first becomes your group for the rest of the game.
- The aim is to pocket all your assigned balls while following the rules.
- Finally, you must sink the black 8‑ball in a called pocket.
- Potting the 8‑ball too early or incorrectly means you lose.
How to Play on 8 Ball Pool on MPL:
You can play 8 Ball Pool online on MPL for free or join real-money contests starting from ₹5. Compete against real players, master the break shot, and aim for the top of the leaderboard.
Here are the 8 ball pool rules on MPL:
- Two players join the match and compete against each other.
- You get 1 minute and 30 seconds to play the game.
- Each player starts with 3 lives, so you need to play carefully.
- The points for each pocket start with 10, but they change dynamically as you play, so it’s important to keep checking which pocket is currently offering the highest points.
- Your goal is to pot as many balls as you can within the given time.
- It is smart to aim for the pockets with higher points to quickly increase your score.
- When the time ends, the game ends immediately.
- The player with the highest score at the end of the timer is declared the winner.
- You can play quick battles for ₹10 or ₹50 to make it more exciting, or even join high reward tournaments.
What is Snooker?
Snooker is a British-origin cue sport played with 22 balls on a large table (up to 12 feet). It’s more complex than pool and requires strategic ball placement and scoring.
It’s called billiards as it is played on a table with a similar size and markings to those of an English billiards game. In a game of snooker, 22 balls are used, including one cue ball, 15 red balls carrying 1 point each, one green ball valued at 3 points, one yellow ball valued at 2 points, one brown ball valued at 4 points, one blue ball valued at 5 points, one pink ball valued at 6 points, and one black ball valued at 7 points.
Snooker Rules:
- Snooker is a classic cue sport played with 15 red balls, 6 colored balls, and a single white cue ball.
- Each red ball is worth 1 point, while the colored balls carry different points ranging from 2 to 7, depending on their color.
- You take turns potting balls in a specific sequence. First, a red, then a colored ball, and repeat.
- Once all the reds are cleared, the colored balls must be potted in order, starting from yellow and ending with black.
- When the table is cleared, the player with the highest total score wins the frame.
What is Billiards?
So, what is billiards? Billiards, especially English Billiards, is a cue sport usually played on a pocketless table with only 3 balls:
- 1 red object ball
- 1 white cue ball
- 1 yellow cue ball
While there are multiple variations of Billiards played worldwide, English Billiards is the most popular cue sport played between two players or two teams on a table with no pockets. English Billiards originated from an amalgamation of numerous games, including the winning and losing carambola game. The cue sport is popularly played in the Commonwealth countries.
Billiards Rules:
- In billiards, the objective is to score more points than your opponent using a cue ball of a different color. The goal is to reach a pre-decided score first.
- You earn points through three main types of shots: Cannons, Winning hazards, and lLsing hazards.
- A cannon occurs when your cue ball hits both the other cue ball and the red ball in one shot. This scores you 2 points.
- If your cue ball hits the other cue ball, which then hits the red ball, that’s a more advanced cannon and can earn you 3 points.
- A winning hazard is when your cue ball pots the red ball or the opponent’s cue ball.
- A losing hazard is when your cue ball goes into a pocket after striking another ball, and it also scores points, but usually fewer.
- Players take turns scoring until someone reaches the target score.
How to Score in Billiards:
- Cannon: Hit both the red ball and your opponent’s cue ball and score 3 points.
- Winning hazard: pot the red or your opponent’s cue ball using your own cue ball and score 2 or 3 points, depending on which ball goes in.
- Losing hazard: Pot your cue ball after hitting another ball, and score 2 or 3 points.
- The aim is to reach a set score before your opponent does.
Snooker vs Pool vs Billiards
| Feature | Pool | Snooker | Billiards |
| Balls Used | 15 object balls (7 solids, 7 stripes, 1 black) + 1 cue ball | 15 red balls + 6 colored balls + 1 white cue ball | 1 red ball, 1 white cue ball, 1 yellow cue ball |
| Pockets | 6 pockets | 6 pockets | 0 pockets (English Billiards) |
| Table Size | 7–9 ft (standard) | 10–12 ft (larger) | Similar to pool but with no pockets |
| Cue Stick | 58 inches | 57–58 inches | 54–56 inches |
| Scoring Method | Pot assigned balls + 8-ball to win | Pot reds and colors in order to score | Score through cannons, winning hazards, and losing hazards |
| Objective | Clear your balls and legally pot the 8-ball | Score more by potting balls in a fixed sequence | Reach a target score first through various scoring shots |
| Complexity | Easy to learn, beginner-friendly | More technical and strategic | Classic and strategic, but less commonly played |
| Game Length | Short and quick rounds | Longer frames and matches | Depends on target score; usually longer |
| Online Play | Available on MPL (8 Ball mode) | Not available online on MPL | Not available on MPL |
Why You Should Play 8 Ball Pool on MPL?
While snooker and billiards require physical tables and practice, you can play fast-paced 8-ball pool games online on MPL. Here are some top reasons why you must play 8 Ball Pool online on MPL:
- You play with real opponents for a competitive challenge.
- The app brings you low-stakes entry so anyone can join.
- You have free games if you just want to practice or have fun.
- MPL guarantees a level playing field that ensures fair matches.
- Leaderboard rewards and cash prizes are available to keep things exciting.
- This is a skill-based gameplay where strategy matters.
Whether you are just learning or already a pro, MPL is the perfect choice for you, as every game is fast, fun, and competitive.
Want to take the excitement up a notch? You can even play real-money 8 Ball Pool games on MPL and win cash prizes!
Conclusion
Now that you understand snooker vs pool vs billiards, it’s much easier to tell them apart, isn’t it? If you have ever wondered about the difference between pool and snooker or how to identify pool, snooker, and billiards, you are not alone. But here’s what you must remember. Pool is the most beginner-friendly of the three and extremely easy to access, especially online. It’s fast-paced and perfect for casual or competitive play. Whereas billiards and snooker are more traditional and technical.
Ready to take a shot? Download the MPL app and jump into an exciting match of real money 8-ball pool game today!
FAQs
Are snooker and pool the same?
Not really! Snooker and pool are different cue sports. In fact, even the pool table vs snooker table is different. They vary in balls, rules, and style. To put it simply, pool is quicker and snooker is more strategic.
Which is easier: snooker or pool?
Pool is generally easier than snooker. The rules are simpler, the table is smaller, and it’s more beginner-friendly. To play snooker, it takes more skill, precision, and patience to master.
Can I play pool online for real money?
Yes! You can play 8 Ball Pool online on MPL for real money. It’s fun, skill-based, and matches you with real players. You can win cash and leaderboard prizes too.
What are the main differences between snooker, pool, and billiards?
The main difference is in the balls, rules, and table size. Pool is fast-paced, and snooker is more technical. Whereas billiards doesn’t even have pockets. Each game has its own charm!
What is the most popular cue sport in India?
8 Ball Pool is currently the most popular cue sport online in India. It’s easy to play, and super accessible on apps like MPL, which offer a fun and competitive real-money 8-ball pool game with real players.
