There are two kinds of tabletop games: pool and billiards. Both involve using a cue stick to hit a ball to score points. The main difference between pool and billiards is the size and position of the balls. Billiards typically uses three balls while pool may use nine to sixteen.
Billiards is a game in which you use a long cue stick to hit three balls in a row. The original game was created in the 15th century, and it has since evolved to a modern form. Many people consider this game to be the same as pool, but the two are actually quite different.
Pool, on the contrary, involves hitting dozens of balls onto a pool table with a cuestick. These balls are typically smaller than those used for billiards. They are typically two and a half inches in diameter. Depending on what game you are playing, you may also need nine to fifteen of these object balls. Some players play with one red ball and others may have seven or more.
The aim of billiards, is to score the most points within a set time. While it requires lots of practice, it is very difficult to master. Here are some pool shots to help you get started. You can find more information about these and other helpful strategies on Bar Games 101.
Although a pool table might be smaller than an billiards table or a billiards board, it should still hold enough balls to keep everyone happy. A pool table should not exceed 3.5 feet by seven feet in size. You will be more competitive if your pool table is larger than 3.5' by 7'.
In addition, you should make sure that you have a billiards table that is covered with cloth. The cloth allows the balls to travel more quickly and also slows them down.
Billiards and pool are both indoor games, but they have very different rules and characteristics. Billiards is played with more pockets and pool on a smaller, less-crowded table. You will also notice that the cue sticks can be different sizes. You should select a billiards stick with a shorter shaft and a thinner tip depending on the size of your table.
It doesn't matter which game you play, all you need is a set of balls as well as a cuestick. Billiards can be played on a snooker table or a carom billiards table. Snooker is more challenging and requires specific tools. But, pool can be fun at any time, whether you're playing in a pub or at home.
In the United States, pool and billard are very popular. President Grant is said be the one who installed the first pool table at the White House.