Billiards and Pool are two different types of tabletop games. Both involve hitting a ball using a cuestick. Billiards and pool differ in the number and size of the balls and how they are placed on the table. Generally speaking, billiards uses three balls, while pool can use anywhere from nine to sixteen.
Billiards consists of hitting three balls at once with a long cuestick. This game was invented in the fifteenth century and evolved into a modern version. 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 usually two and a third 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.
Billiards' goal is to score as many points in a time period as possible. It requires a lot of practice, but it is a very challenging game to master. These are common pool shots that will help you get started. These and other useful strategies can be found on Bar Games 101.
Although a pool tables can be smaller than those used for billiards, they should still be large enough that you have enough room to play all of your games. A pool table should measure at most 3.5'x7'. You should choose a table at least 5'x10' if you wish to be more competitive.
Also, make sure you have a cloth-covered billiards board. The cloth allows the balls to travel more quickly and also slows them down.
Billiards as well as Pool are indoor activities, but they have their own rules and features. Billiards is played with more pockets and pool on a smaller, less-crowded table. Also, the size of the cue stick is important. The size of the table will dictate the length and tip thickness of the billiards cue.
No matter what game you choose, you'll need a set if balls and a stick. You can play billiards on either a snooker or carom billiards board. Snooker requires more skill and a special set of tools. However, many people choose to play pool at home or in a bar, because it can be very enjoyable.
Both pool and billiards are very popular in the United States. President Grant is believed have installed the White House's very first pool table.