Can You Play Snooker on a Pool Table?

If you have ever heard of the game snooker, they might have thought that it sounds like a fun game to try – especially so if you like pool. The question, though, is whether you can play snooker on a pool table.

Well, there might be some ways that you can do this. But, considering the major differences between the two games and between pool and snooker tables, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds.

With that, I decided to write this guide that will take you through the process step by step.

Can You Play Snooker on a Pool Table?

Well, when playing the game of pool, you always play on a pool table. This is a rectangular table with green felt and six pockets for shots. You want to get all of the patterns, either striped or solid colored, balls into all of the pockets before the other player does. Then, to win, you must hit the black ball in a pocket.

However, snooker is played differently. This game uses red balls in a triangle, with six other colored balls in certain spaces on the table. Each player must hit a red ball into a pocket, then one of the colored balls as well. Then, once all red balls are shot and pocketed, they must aim to get each colored ball in a certain sequence.

These games differ because they use different colored and patterned balls, and the rules of the game are different, as you can see above. However, there are ways to use the same pool balls to play snooker, if you want to do so.

Because of the different set of balls that is used for the two games as well as different table sizes and layouts, you will need to do some adjustments. After all, there are more balls in snooker and the table is generally larger. All that said, you can still play snooker on a pool table –  especially if we are talking about a friendly game at your home.

If you are intending to practice snooker for a competition you will be entering, then you can practice on a pool table too. However, you will want to get time on an authentic snooker table as well since the length of the table, the size of the balls, and the size of the pockets are different. If you only practice on a pool table, you will have a disadvantage going into the tournament.

How to Play Snooker on a Pool Table

Here are some of the things you will need to do the job:

• Permanent marker or tape
• Measuring tape
• Proper setup photo or instructions for a snooker table

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Tape (or Mark) Your Table

The first thing that you need to do is use tape or a marker to mark the areas where the balls will be for this game, and where the D line – which is the straight line with a curved arch in the middle – will be on the table.

You will need to mark where the six colored balls will typically be, and where the cue ball and the red balls will be.

If you intend on playing snooker often, then it will be worth it to use a permanent marker. However, if you are only going to play it a few times to try it out, then using the tape is a temporary way to do it.

Step 2: Set Up the Balls

When playing Snooker, you have different colored balls. However, in pool, you have two sets, one with stripes and one with solid colors. If you can, then you will want to purchase a full set of snooker balls for gameplay. This will make it easy to know which balls are for which uses without getting confused.

However, if you are not able to do that, then you can use the pool balls that came with the table. To do this, you will need to use the solid colored balls to make the red triangle that is placed on the far end of the table. Then, use the striped balls that are closest to the colored options on a snooker table.

This will allow you to tell the balls apart, even though they are not the exact colors that are played in snooker.

Step 3: Lay Out the Rules

Because the rules of snooker differ from regular pool, you will need to go over the rules with anyone that will be playing, so they know how the game works. You could even have them posted in your garage or game room so they can just look at the rules themselves.

The rules are simple, but if you don’t follow them then you aren’t playing Snooker.

Also, if you intend to practice so that you can enter into snooker competitions, then you will need to ensure that you know the rules by heart.

Summary

Playing snooker is a fun way to spend your free time, and if you like playing pool, then it is a great way to switch things up while still using the same equipment.

Though there are some differences in the ball patterns and the setup of the game, you can adjust to make it possible to play with the equipment you have. However, you could also choose to purchase snooker balls.

No matter how you do it, you now know that it is possible to transform your pool table into a snooker table. So, if you want to play a new game on your table, this is an option that will give you another fun game to play with your friends.

And, if you want to play in tournaments, you can practice without having to buy another table. Though you should get practice on an authentic snooker table too, this is a wonderful option that will help you save big.