Differences between Billiards and Pool

Billiards vs. Pool

The terms "billiards" and "pool" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct cue sports. In the broadest sense, "billiards" is a category that includes all cue sports, but it more precisely refers to carom billiards games played on a pocketless table. Pool, also known as pocket billiards, is a specific type of billiards played on a table with six pockets.

The main distinction lies in the equipment and objective. Carom billiards uses three balls on a table with no pockets. The goal is to score points, called caroms, by striking one's cue ball so that it contacts the other two balls on the table. In contrast, pool games like eight-ball or nine-ball use a cue ball and numerous object balls on a table with pockets. The primary objective is to shoot the object balls into the pockets.

Comparison Table

Category	Billiards (Carom)	Pool (Pocket Billiards)
Table	No pockets. Standard tournament tables are typically 10 ft x 5 ft.	Six pockets. Common table sizes are 7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft long.
Number of Balls	3 (one red, one white, one yellow or spotted white).	16 (in eight-ball: 1 cue ball, 7 solids, 7 stripes, 1 eight-ball).
Objective	To strike the cue ball to legally contact both other balls. A common variant, three-cushion billiards, requires the cue ball to hit at least three cushions before hitting the second object ball.	To legally pocket a designated group of object balls, and then the 8-ball (in eight-ball).
Gameplay	A game of precision, focusing on angles and rebounds to score points (caroms).	A game focused on pocketing balls. Strategy involves both offensive shots and defensive positioning.
Cue Stick	Generally shorter and lighter, with a thicker butt and a sharper taper.	Typically longer and thinner than a billiards cue.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Billiards and Pool

Equipment

The equipment used in each game is specialized. Carom billiards tables are larger than pool tables and are covered with a tightly woven, fast cloth that allows the balls to travel farther with less resistance. The balls are also larger and heavier than those used in pool. Pool tables are smaller and have pockets. The cloth on a pool table is generally thicker, resulting in slower ball travel compared to a billiards table.

Gameplay and Object

The object of the games dictates their style of play. In carom billiards, players must have a deep understanding of angles and how the cue ball reacts after hitting rails and other balls. A point is scored on each successful carom. For example, in three-cushion billiards, a player scores only if their cue ball strikes at least three cushions before making contact with the second object ball.

Pool is more widely known and has many variations, with eight-ball being one of the most common. In eight-ball, players are assigned either the solid-colored balls (1-7) or the striped balls (9-15). After a player pockets all of their assigned group, they must then legally pocket the 8-ball to win the game. The gameplay revolves around sinking balls into the six pockets while controlling the cue ball for the next shot.