Everyone loves the game of Snooker and Billiards. However, not all knows the differences between the two games as well as their specific rules.
Both are non physical games which are quite similar in some criteria. So we are going to talk about the unique qualities and rules of each game. Let’s begin with snooker.
Snooker Game
Only two players can play snooker at a time. The game of snooker is played when a player uses a cue to strike the object ball with a white ball. This continues until one player fails to put an object ball. When a player pots more ball, he acquires more points. However there are other certain rules a player must never neglect.
Rules of Snooker Game
1. Only two players can play Snooker at a time.
2. All snooker balls are the same size and the diameter of a ball is 2.07. The white ball is called the cue ball. There are 15 red balls and other object balls of different colors. These object balls are 6.
3. Below are the points specifically given to every ball in snooker
- Red balls have 1 point.
- Yellow balls have 2 points
- Green balls have 3 points
- Brown balls have 4 points
- Blue balls have 5 points
- Pink balls have 6 points
- Black balls have 7 points
Remember that the white ball is the cue ball that is used to pot the object balls.
4. There are two ways to score a point in snooker. The first is by using your cue ball to pot the red or object ball. Also remember that each ball has its allocated points. The second way happens whenever your opponent commits a foul.
5. To pot an object ball, the cue ball should come in contact with one of the balls. If it doesn’t, then it’s a foul from the player.
6. When a ball rightfully enters a pot, a player continues to play until he fails to pot a ball.
7. When all object balls and red balls are potted, game ends.
8. First stroke or play should use the cue ball to strike the red ball, provided the red ball is available on the table. If he doesn’t do so, it’s foul from the player.
9. After a player scores with a red ball, he’s to take on other balls as well as the red balls in playing.
10. If a player knowingly or unknowingly hits the cue ball in a way that it jumps from the bed of the table, it is a foul.
11. It is a also a foul for any ball in snooker to fall off the table.
12. When a balls falls off the table and is counted as foul for the player, the incoming player must place the cue ball within the arc line. He’s to play from any position within the arc line and can strike any ball he wants to.
13. Any player that tries to change a ball’s original position when the game’s on has committed foul.
14. A cue ball can end up touching another ball after it has potted a ball. Such situation is called “a touching ball”. Incoming player is to play the cue ball in another direction away from the ball it is touching. If the player doesn’t do so, it’s foul.
Also Read: Highest Paid Sport In the world
Billiards Game
Billiards originated from England and has spread all over the world. Just like in snooker, it is played by two players at a time. That said, it requires more mental prowess than physical ability to win the game.
The goal of this game is for a player to win his opponent by being the first to reach the number of points necessary to win the game.
Rules of Billiards Game
1. Two players at a time
2. There are only three balls to play with in billiards. A yellow ball, a white ball and a red ball. Each player must choose between a white or red ball to be his cue ball.
3. To decide which player to begin the game, both players will strike the cue ball to the end of the table. The player to begin (break) the game is the one whose cue ball is closest to the balk cushion.
4. There are three ways a player can score points.
- The first is called the Cannon. This happens when a cue ball hits two balls at one strike. Such strike awards the player with 2 points.
- The second is In-off. It occurs when a player’s cue ball strike the balls on the table before it (the cue ball) goes in the pocket. The player gains 2 or 3 points.
- The last is the Pot. It happens when any ball aside the cue ball is struck and hits the pocket. The player earns 2 or 3 points as well.
5. Every player continues to play until he fails to score a point when he strikes.
6. If one player commits a foul, the opponent can rearrange the cue ball or play it the way it was.
7. Players strike their ball one after the other, the first to reach the stated number of points wins.
Also check: Rules In Fantasy Football And Ways To Win
Differences Between Snooker & Billiards Game
The main difference between the two games is in the number of balls. Snooker uses one cue ball (white), 15 red balls and 6 coloured object balls. While billiards uses only 3 balls: white, red, and yellow.
Other differences includes the methods to earn points and way to win the games.
FAQs About Rules & Differences Between Snooker and Billiards
1. What is the main difference between snooker and billiards?
The main difference between snooker and billiards lies in the number of balls used, the size of the table, and the objectives of each game. Snooker uses 21 balls (15 reds, 6 colored balls, and 1 cue ball) and is played on a larger table. Billiards, typically referring to English Billiards, uses only three balls (1 red, 2 cue balls) and is played on a similar-sized table but with different gameplay rules.
2. How many balls are used in a game of snooker?
A standard game of snooker uses 22 balls in total: 15 red balls, 6 colored balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black), and 1 white cue ball.
3. How many balls are used in a game of billiards?
In English Billiards, there are 3 balls: 1 red object ball, 1 white cue ball for each player, and sometimes a yellow cue ball instead of one of the white cue balls.
4. What is the objective of snooker?
The objective of snooker is to score more points than your opponent by potting (sinking) balls in a specific sequence. Players must first pot a red ball, followed by a colored ball, and continue this sequence. The game continues until all the balls are potted or a player concedes.
5. What is the objective of billiards?
The objective of English Billiards is to score points through a combination of cannons (hitting both object balls with the cue ball), potting the balls, and in-offs (cue ball hitting an object ball and then falling into a pocket). The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
6. How are points scored in snooker?
In snooker, points are scored by potting balls in a specific sequence: red balls are worth 1 point each, and colored balls are worth between 2 and 7 points depending on their color. The objective is to accumulate more points than the opponent by potting balls in the correct order.
7. How are points scored in billiards?
In English Billiards, points are scored in three ways: by potting the red or opponent’s cue ball, by making cannons, and by achieving in-offs. The points vary depending on the action, with potting and cannons typically earning 2 points each and in-offs scoring between 2 and 3 points.
8. What size table is used for snooker?
Snooker is played on a large table, typically 12 feet by 6 feet, with six pockets located at the corners and the middle of the longer sides.
9. What size table is used for billiards?
English Billiards is played on a table of similar size to a snooker table, usually 12 feet by 6 feet, but the table can also be smaller depending on the venue or setting.
10. Can snooker and billiards be played on the same table?
Yes, snooker and English Billiards can be played on the same table, as they both use a similarly sized table. However, the games require different sets of balls and rules.
11. What are the rules for fouls in snooker?
In snooker, fouls occur when a player fails to hit the correct ball, pots the wrong ball, or commits other infractions like a double hit or a push shot. The opponent is awarded points, typically between 4 and 7 points, depending on the severity of the foul.
12. What are the rules for fouls in billiards?
In English Billiards, fouls occur if a player commits an illegal shot, such as failing to hit an object ball, potting the cue ball, or performing a push shot. Points are usually awarded to the opponent, and the incoming player takes control of the table.
13. How does a game of snooker begin?
A game of snooker begins with a break-off shot where the cue ball is struck from the D area of the table, attempting to hit the pack of red balls. The objective is to spread the reds and ideally pot one to continue the break.
14. How does a game of billiards begin?
A game of English Billiards begins with the cue ball in hand, typically played from the D area. The player aims to score by hitting the red ball or the opponent’s cue ball, attempting a cannon, pot, or in-off.
15. What are the key strategies in snooker?
Key strategies in snooker include controlling the cue ball’s position, playing safe shots to leave the opponent with difficult options, and developing break-building techniques to maximize points scored in a single visit to the table.
16. What are the key strategies in billiards?
In English Billiards, strategies focus on maintaining control of the table through precise cue ball positioning, setting up cannons, and creating opportunities for successive in-offs or pots. The ability to combine different scoring methods in a single turn is crucial.
17. Can you play snooker with billiards balls?
Snooker cannot be played with billiards balls because the games require different numbers and types of balls. Snooker uses a larger set of balls with various colors, while billiards typically uses only three balls.
18. Which game is more popular globally, snooker or billiards?
Snooker is generally more popular globally, especially in countries like the UK, China, and India. English Billiards has a strong following in some regions, but snooker has a larger professional circuit and broader international appeal.
19. What are the main differences in equipment between snooker and billiards?
The main differences in equipment include the number and type of balls used, with snooker requiring 22 balls and billiards only 3. Additionally, snooker cues may have a smaller tip diameter compared to billiards cues, which can affect precision and control.
20. How do professional tournaments differ between snooker and billiards?
Professional snooker tournaments are more widespread and feature larger prize pools and international audiences, with major events like the World Snooker Championship. English Billiards also has professional tournaments, but they are less prominent and have a smaller global following.
Finally
A lot of people all over the world have mistaken one sport for another. We hope that with the vital information on our article, you’ll know the difference between the two games and their specific rules.
