Pool cues are shorter than snooker cues. Pool stick length depends on the height of the player, but overall pool sticks are much shorter than snooker ones. Another difference is that pool cues have a larger tip than snooker cues, which makes it harder for pool players to make shots with sidespin in them. Snooker cues are made of ash wood and pool cues can be made out of different types of materials.
But beyond that, snooker and pool actually have more in common than they do differences: both snooker and pool use a similar table size, bed, balls, and cue ball with the same weight and markings. The way in which the player pockets the balls and scores points is also similar. Even though snooker cues are thicker than pool cues, they are made of the same materials – mostly wood with leather tips on the end to help players apply directly to their shots.
Snooker was actually derived from an English variant of indoor billiards called ‘six-day or ‘seven-day’ in the 1800s. There are also regional variations between snooker and pool, such as eight-ball versus nine-ball.
Regardless of which cue you use to play billiards, it is always important to maintain your equipment well so that it lasts for years. Make sure to clean your cues and chalk them regularly. Pool cues and snooker cues vary in many ways, but in the end, they are all meant to help you make better shots when playing pool or snooker.
Can you play pool with a snooker cue?
The question ‘can you play pool with a snooker cue?’ has two answers – technically yes, but practically no.
Technically speaking: Pool and snooker balls are the same sizes and thus any cue can be used to play either game. However, while this is true for snooker tables, many pool halls have smaller tables with tighter pockets that are not big enough for snooker balls.
Practically speaking: A snooker cue is thicker than a pool cue, so it will not fit through the opening of the smaller tables present in many pool halls. Because of this, even though you can technically play either game with any cue you have available, only a pool cue will actually allow you to play either game on a regular billiards table.
Can I play snooker with a pool cue?
Technically speaking: Pool and snooker balls are nearly perfectly rounded, so they roll and bounce the same way, which means that any cue can be used to play either game. You may not get the same number of shots off every time, but if you are able to ‘play it where it lies, then you can use any cue.
Do snooker players use the same cue?
No – snooker cues come in three distinct weights: 19 ounces (or ~550g), 21. oz (~600 g) and 22 ounces (650 g) as noted by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. All of these cue weights are heavier than those used for pool, which usually ranges from 18 to 21 ounces. Pool cues usually come in a wider variety of weights than snooker and because of this, they are often custom-made to fit the player’s exact preferences.
Are pool cues and snooker cues different?
Yes – as noted above, pool cues tend to be much shorter than snooker cues because the maximum height allowable for a pool player is six feet, which means the cue must be kept under this for it to be used. Pool cues also have a larger tip than snooker cues. Snooker cues are made of ash wood and pool cues can be made out of different types of materials.
However, beyond that, snooker and pool actually have more in common than they do differences: both snooker and pool use a similar table size, bed, balls, and cue ball with the same weight and markings. The way in which the player pockets the balls and scores points is also similar. Even though snooker cues are thicker than pool cues, they are made of the same materials – mostly wood with leather tips on the end to help players apply directly to their shots.
