Snooker vs Pool — What Is the Difference?

Last updated: 30 September 2026

Snooker and pool are both cue sports played on a baize-covered table with pockets, but the differences between them are significant. The table size, number of balls, cue specifications, cloth type, rules, and difficulty level are all different. If you are new to cue sports in Malaysia and wondering which to try, or simply curious about how snooker vs pool compare, this guide breaks it all down.

Quick Comparison: Snooker vs Pool

Table Size Difference

The most obvious difference between snooker and pool is the table. A full-size snooker table measures 12 feet by 6 feet. That is roughly twice the playing area of a standard 7ft pool table. The larger surface means you must control the cue ball over much greater distances.

In Malaysia, most dedicated snooker halls use full-size 12ft tables. Pool tables are typically 7ft or 9ft. Some venues like Century Snooker and Pool in JB offer both snooker and pool tables under one roof. For a detailed breakdown of all table sizes, see our table size guide.

Balls: Size, Number, and Colours

Snooker uses 22 balls: 15 reds (each worth 1 point), 6 colours (yellow 2, green 3, brown 4, blue 5, pink 6, black 7), and 1 white cue ball. Snooker balls are 52.5mm in diameter, which is smaller than American pool balls at 57.2mm.

Standard pool (8-ball) uses 16 balls: 7 solids, 7 stripes, 1 black 8-ball, and 1 cue ball. The balls are numbered and colour-coded. In 9-ball, only balls numbered 1 through 9 are used plus the cue ball.

The smaller snooker ball combined with tighter pockets makes potting harder. A ball that would drop easily in a pool pocket may rattle and stay out on a snooker table. This is one reason snooker demands higher accuracy.

Cue Differences

Snooker cues and pool cues are not interchangeable. Snooker cues have a thinner tip (9-10mm versus 12-13mm for pool) and are lighter (17-19 oz versus 18-21 oz). The thin tip allows for more precise spin and positional play on the larger table.

Snooker cues are traditionally made from ash wood with a visible grain, following British tradition. Pool cues more commonly use maple with a smoother finish. Read our cue buying guide for detailed advice on selecting the right snooker cue, or see our brand comparison for specific recommendations.

Cloth Type

Snooker tables use napped cloth, which has a directional pile. This means the ball rolls slightly differently depending on the direction of the nap. Players must account for this when aiming and applying spin. The nap also slows the ball down more than smooth cloth.

Pool tables use worsted (napless) cloth, which provides a faster, more consistent roll in all directions. Worsted cloth is also more durable and easier to maintain.

In Malaysia's humid climate, napped snooker cloth requires extra care. Humidity causes the cloth to play slower and can promote mould growth. That is why our maintenance guide strongly recommends using a dehumidifier in your table room.

Rules: How Each Game Works

Snooker Rules (Simplified)

Players take turns. You must pot a red ball first, then a colour, then a red, and so on. Each red stays down, but colours are re-spotted until all 15 reds are gone. Then the colours are potted in order: yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black. The maximum possible break is 147 points. Fouls give your opponent at least 4 points. For a complete rules breakdown, see our snooker rules guide.

Pool Rules (8-Ball, Simplified)

After the break, one player takes solids (1-7) and the other takes stripes (9-15). Pot all your group, then legally pot the 8-ball to win. Fouls give the opponent ball-in-hand (they can place the cue ball anywhere).

Key Rule Differences

• Scoring — Snooker accumulates points; pool is about clearing your group first.
• Fouls — Snooker fouls award points to the opponent. Pool fouls give ball-in-hand.
• Frames — Snooker matches are played over multiple frames. Pool matches are races to a set number of racks.
• Safety play — Tactical safety is a major part of snooker. In pool, it exists but is less dominant.

Difficulty Level

Snooker is widely considered the harder sport. The combination of a larger table, smaller balls, tighter pockets, thinner cue tip, and napped cloth means everything requires more precision. Beginners often find it frustrating to pot even basic shots on a snooker table.

Pool is more forgiving. The larger pockets, bigger balls, and smaller table make it easier to pot balls and enjoy the game from day one. This is why pool is the more popular choice for casual players and social venues.

However, pool at the professional level is also extremely skilled. The difference in difficulty mainly affects beginners and intermediate players.

Popularity in Malaysia

Both snooker and pool are popular in Malaysia. The country has produced international-level players in both disciplines. Most large snooker halls like OneCue Snooker JB (44 tables) and Maxi Snooker Club in Ipoh (22 snooker + 2 pool) cater primarily to snooker players.

Pool tables are more common in casual entertainment venues, bars, and smaller clubs. Riley Snooker in KB Mall offers both, with 12 snooker tables and 30 pool tables. This split reflects the broader pattern: snooker attracts dedicated players while pool draws a wider casual audience.

For beginners looking to try snooker in a welcoming environment, venues like Gentlemen Billiard Club in Miri and Century Snooker and Pool in JB specifically offer beginner coaching.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose snooker if you want a deeper strategic challenge, enjoy precision play, and have access to a full-size table.
• Choose pool if you want a faster, more social game that is easier to pick up and requires less space.
• Try both — Many Malaysian players enjoy both sports. Skills transfer well between them, especially cue ball control and safety play.

If you are ready to invest in equipment, our equipment guide covers retailers and brands for both sports. For table purchases, see the buying guide.

Frequently Asked Questions