There are two types of tabletop game: Pool and Billiards. Both require the use of a cue stick to hit the ball. The differences between pool and billiards are in the size and placement of the balls on the table. Billiards usually uses three balls; pool uses nine to sixteen.
Billiards consists of hitting three balls at once with a long cuestick. This game was first invented in the fifteenth-century and has evolved into a modern variant. This game is commonly referred to as "pool", but they are very different.
Pool, on the other hand, is a game that involves using a cue stick to hit dozens of balls on a pool table. These balls are usually smaller than those used in billiards. They typically measure two-and-a-half inches in diameter. Depending on what game you are playing, you may also need nine to fifteen of these object balls. Some players use a single red ball, while others can play with seven or more of these colored balls.
The goal of billiards is to score the highest amount of points in a given time limit. While it requires lots of practice, it is very difficult to master. Here are some pool shots to help you get started. Bar Games 101 provides more information and helpful strategies.
Although a pool tables can be smaller than those used for billiards, they should still be large enough that you have enough room to play all of your games. A pool table should measure at most 3.5'x7'. If you want to play pool more effectively, you should get a table that measures at least 5ft by 10ft.
You should also make sure your billiard table is covered in cloth. The cloth will help the balls travel faster, but also slow them down.
Billiards and pool are both indoor games, but they have very different rules and characteristics. For example, pool is played on a smaller table with a few pockets while billiards is played on a larger table with no pockets. Different cue sticks sizes are available. You should select a billiards stick with a shorter shaft and a thinner tip depending on the size of your table.
Whatever game you decide to play you will need a set ball and a cue stick. Billiards can either be played at a carom or snooker table. Snooker is more complicated and requires a particular set of tools. However, many people choose to play pool at home or in a bar, because it can be very enjoyable.
Billiards and pool are both very popular in the United States. President Grant is said be the one who installed the first pool table at the White House.