What Is a Snooker Table?

A snooker table is a type of billiards table, similar to a pool table. It is different from the pool tables used widely in the United States in the exact shape of its pockets and the markings on the playing surface, all of which are significant in how the game of snooker is played.

  1. Identification

    • A snooker table, like other billiard tables, has a playing surface made of green fabric (often worsted wool or baize) over a sheet of slate and 6 pockets. There is one at each corner and one in the center of each long side.

    Features

    • A snooker table's surface contains a line at its bottom end, drawn parallel to the wide sides, with a semicircle across the middle of the line. This makes up the "baulk area." The table's pockets are rounded instead of cornered like a pool table.

    Size

    • A standard size snooker table measures 12 by 6 feet. The actual tournament measurement size is 11 feet 8 1/2 inches by 5 feet 10 inches. There are also smaller 9-by-5 foot tables.

    Function

    • The game starts with 3 balls (green, brown and yellow) placed across the baulk line the other 4 colors (black, pink and blue) running perpendicular to the line across the center. A pyramid of red balls lines up with the pink ball and the cue ball starts in the semicircle.

    Geography

    • Snooker is a popular billiard sport in many of the Commonwealth of Nations countries, which include Canada, Australia and India.