What is the Difference Between Pool and Billiards?

The main difference between pool and billiards lies in the table structure and the number of balls used in the game. Here are the key differences:

1. Table: Billiards is played on a table without pockets, while pool involves a table with six pockets.
2. Number of Balls: In billiards, only three balls are used: one red and two white (or one red, one white, and one yellow). In pool, the game typically involves 15 object balls and one cue ball. However, some variants of pool can be played with just nine balls.
3. Gameplay: In billiards, players aim to hit the white cue ball so that it strikes the other two balls in sequence, resulting in a one-point score. In pool, players pocket balls using the cue ball, and each successfully pocketed ball awards the player one point.
4. Popularity: Pool is more well-known outside the United States, including Australia, while billiards is more commonly referred to in the US.

In summary, billiards is played on a table without pockets and uses three balls, while pool involves a table with six pockets and typically uses 15 balls and one cue ball.

Comparative Table: Pool vs Billiards

Here is a table summarizing the differences between pool and billiards:

Billiards is played on a smaller table without pockets, using three balls: two white and one red. The objective is to score points by hitting the red ball with the cue ball and making it. In contrast, pool is played on a larger table with six pockets and typically involves 16 balls (15 object balls and 1 cue ball). There are different variations of pool, including eight-ball, nine-ball, and ten-ball. While both games have unique rules, equipment, and playing styles, they both offer hours of fun and entertainment.