Open pool

English pool is very popular in the United Kingdom and several European countries. It is easy to recognize thanks to the smaller table size and the red and yellow balls.

The table

Size

7 ft tables are the most common. 6 ft and 8 ft models also exist.

Pockets

Usually quite tight with rounded corners.

Equipment

Many tables in pubs and bars are equipped with coin mechanisms.

The balls

Size

Balls are typically around 50.8 mm in diameter.

Colours

Two groups, usually red and yellow (slightly different depending on the manufacturer).

Special balls

One black ball (often called the “8”) and a white cue ball, usually slightly smaller.

American pool is one of the most popular billiards formats in the world. It is commonly played in clubs and competitions. It can easily be recognized by its numbered balls and wider pockets.

The table

Size

Most commonly found in 8 ft and 9 ft. 7 ft tables also exist.

Pockets

Usually fairly open, with straighter cuts.

Cushions

Wider cushions designed for larger balls and a more powerful game.

The balls

Size

Balls are usually around 57.2 mm in diameter.

Types

Numbered balls divided into two groups (usually solids and stripes), depending on the game.

Special

A white cue ball used to strike the other balls.

Carom billiards is played on a table without pockets. Popular in Europe and several Asian countries, this discipline focuses on precision and control of ball trajectories.

The table

Size

Tables usually measure between 2.80 m and 3.10 m.

Pockets

Unlike other billiards tables, there are no pockets.

Cushions

High and very responsive, allowing precise spin and complex trajectories.

The balls

Size

Balls are typically around 61.5 mm in diameter.

Colours

Three balls: one red and two cue balls (one white and one yellow).

Principle

The goal is to make a carom by hitting the two other balls successively.

Snooker is one of the most iconic cue sports, extremely popular in the United Kingdom and played worldwide. It is played on a large table (usually 12 ft) and is easily recognised by its many balls and its very tight pockets.

The table

Size

The most common is 12 ft, used in competition. Smaller 10 ft tables can also be found.

Pockets

Very narrow and demanding, with tight openings.

Surface

Large playing area, ideal for long distances and positioning.

The balls

Size

Balls are usually around 52.5 mm in diameter.

Composition

15 red balls, 6 coloured balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black) and 1 white cue ball.

Principle

Players usually alternate a red and a colour while positioning the cue ball to continue scoring.

Chinese 8-Ball, also known as Heyball, is a discipline that is extremely popular in China and increasingly played around the world. The game combines elements of American pool and snooker.

The table

Size

Usually around 9 ft, similar to American pool tables.

Pockets

Narrower than on an American table, with rounded cuts similar to snooker.

Cloth

Usually green and woollen, similar to the cloth used on snooker tables.

The balls

Size

Balls similar to those used in American pool (around 57 mm).

Composition

Numbered balls, solids and stripes, with one white cue ball.

Principle

The game is similar to American 8-ball but played on a more demanding table.

Russian billiards, also known as Pyramid, is a discipline very popular in Russia and several Eastern European countries. It is played on a large table similar to snooker, but with much larger balls and extremely tight pockets.

The table

Size

Generally similar to snooker tables, around 12 ft.

Pockets

Extremely narrow, barely wider than the ball.

Structure

Very robust and heavy tables.

The balls

Size

Very large balls, generally around 68 mm in diameter.

Colours

Often white balls numbered from 1 to 15.

Special

A coloured ball (red or yellow) may be used depending on the variant.