A Complete Guide to Billiards Balls: Types, Sizes, Counts, Materials & Games
Billiards is played with various types of balls, each designed for specific games. Below is a detailed breakdown of different billiard balls, including their sizes, quantities, materials, and the games they're used in.
1. Snooker Balls
Game: Snooker (popular in UK, Europe, and Asia)
Ball Count: 22 balls
1 × Cue Ball (white)
15 × Red Balls (1 point each)
6 × Colored Balls:
Yellow (2 pts), Green (3), Brown (4), Blue (5), Pink (6), Black (7)
Size: 52.5 mm (2 1/16 inches)
Material: High-grade phenolic resin (Aramith tournament standard)
Gameplay: Players alternate between potting reds and colors, aiming for the highest score.
Keywords: Snooker balls, snooker ball set, Aramith snooker balls
2. Pool (Pocket Billiards) Balls
A. 8-Ball Pool
Game: Standard American/English 8-Ball
Ball Count: 16 balls
1 × Cue Ball (white)
7 × Solid-colored balls (1-7)
7 × Striped balls (9-15)
1 × Black 8-Ball (game-winning ball)
Size: 57 mm (2 1/4 inches)
Material: Phenolic resin (Aramith, Brunswick) or polyester (budget sets)
Gameplay: Players are assigned solids or stripes and must legally pocket the 8-ball last.
Keywords: *8-ball pool balls, Aramith premium pool balls, regulation pool ball size*
B. 9-Ball Pool
Game: Fast-paced, rotation-based game
Ball Count: 10 balls
1 × Cue Ball (white)
9 × Numbered balls (1-9, must be hit in order)
The 9-ball is the money ball (win by legally pocketing it).
Size: 57 mm (standard pool size)
Material: Phenolic resin (for professional play)
Gameplay: Players must hit the lowest-numbered ball first; the 9-ball decides the winner.
Keywords: *9-ball set, 9-ball rules, how to play 9-ball*
C. 10-Ball Pool
Game: More strategic than 9-Ball
Ball Count: 11 balls
1 × Cue Ball
10 × Numbered balls (1-10, must be called)
Size: 57 mm
Material: High-end phenolic resin
Gameplay: Similar to 9-Ball but requires called shots, increasing difficulty.
Keywords: *10-ball rules, 10-ball vs 9-ball*
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