text: what is the difference between pool, billiards and snooker?   pool and billiards and snooker are all types of billiard games.  billiards is more a "gentleman's" name, while pool is more slang/street.  some call 14.1 or straight pool billiards.  table differences: most billiard games are played on a 7' (bar table) 8' (recreational table) or 9' table (pro table or tournament length).  an american snooker table is 10' in length while an english snooker table is 12' (long long loooonnnngg table to shoot across).  there is also a carom table to play 3 cushion on which is 10' long  balls differences: in most pool games; 8, 9 ball, one pocket and many others use of 15 numbered balls and a cue ball that are the standard 2 1/4" dia ball.  in carom or 3 cushion they use 3 balls (2 whites and 1 red) that are 2 7/16" dia.  snooker they play with 15 red balls, 6 numbered balls and a cue ball that are 2 1/6" dia.  rules differences: i will refer you to the billiard congress of america site. the rules differences would take way to long to post here.  http://www.bca-pool.com/start.shtml  equipment differences: basically the equipment is the same.  rules change from game to game but basically billiards is played with a cue, 58" in length weighing 17oz - 21oz typically.  bridges and jump cues are legal to use in some billiards games, but check and read to know when and where.