Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.

2025-11-21T14:15:08Z

Article written and Venn diagram created.

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== Billiards vs. Pool ==
The terms "billiards" and "pool" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct cue sports.<ref name="ref1" /> 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.<ref name="ref2" /> Pool, also known as pocket billiards, is a specific type of billiards played on a table with six pockets.<ref name="ref3" /><ref name="ref4" />

The main distinction lies in the equipment and objective. Carom billiards uses three balls on a table with no pockets.<ref name="ref3" /> 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.<ref name="ref5" /> In contrast, pool games like eight-ball or nine-ball use a cue ball and numerous object balls on a table with pockets.<ref name="ref2" /> The primary objective is to shoot the object balls into the pockets.

=== Comparison Table ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Category !! Billiards (Carom) !! Pool (Pocket Billiards)
|-
| '''Table''' || No pockets.<ref name="ref1" /> Standard tournament tables are typically 10 ft x 5 ft. || Six pockets. Common table sizes are 7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft long.<ref name="ref2" />
|-
| '''Number of Balls''' || 3 (one red, one white, one yellow or spotted white).<ref name="ref3" /> || 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).<ref name="ref2" /> || A game focused on pocketing balls.<ref name="ref2" /> Strategy involves both offensive shots and defensive positioning.
|-
| '''Cue Stick''' || Generally shorter and lighter, with a thicker butt and a sharper taper.<ref name="ref3" /> || Typically longer and thinner than a billiards cue.
|}

[[File:Venn_diagram_Differences_between_Billiards_versus_Pool_comparison.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Venn diagram for Differences between Billiards and Pool|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.<ref name="ref3" /> 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.<ref name="ref3" />

=== 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.<ref name="ref5" /> 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.<ref name="ref2" />

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Comparisons]]

Differences between Billiards and Pool - Revision history

Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.