Pool Or Snooker?

[memikey]

I will also throw a guess that 3c is the soccer of pool.

Not sure what you mean by that.......soccer is by a zillion miles the world's most popular sport.

 

[Scaramouche]

Snooker has new management with plans to greatly expand player opportunities internationally.

http://snookerscene.blogspot.com/2010/03/barry-hearn-gamble.html

Such organization of pool would never be accepted by the American Wild West mentality of rugged individualism

 

[BillyKoda]

I grew up on a snooker table, what makes snooker more difficult is the rounded pockets and larger playing surface of the table. The game itself is no more challenging then any other billiard sport. Those are my observations anyway.

 

[mnhighrunlist]

In my area, the overwhelming majority of snooker tables (yes, there are a few) are used to play "golf" on. Rarely see the red balls used.

 

[predator]

Most pool players, including myself tend to quote their high snooker break against either a novice player or just banging balls alone. So we tend to think we can actually play.

The only way to find out how good you are at snooker is to play a real good near pro class player who has had a decade or two of snooker practice. Then you'll be shocked to find out how little you really know. Your breaks will fall to about 1...high break about 16 at best...
Good players simply won't let you shoot...

 

[DangerousDave]

AND cue-ball control for breakbuilding.

AND strategy/pattern play for the same reason.

I'm a pretty good potter, but I'm mediocre at best on a 12ft table when it comes to making runs. The reason is snooker is more than just about potting, it's also about positioning and breakbuilding.

I agree. Saying that "pool is about finesse and control and snooker is about potting" is a ridiculous oversimplification. In 9 ball more of your concentration is on postional play, yes - because it's easier to make the ball. In snooker if you run out of position you are in a world of trouble. This is why it's so important.

The best player in the world today is not the best potter. Ronnie O'Sullivan has been struggling with long pots for a few seasons now, but what sets him apart from everyone else is his positional play and shot selection when he's making a break. I sometimes wonder what games people are watching and playing when they make these sweeping statements. I'm not referring to The Machine specifically here, he just touched on this same idea. I must say, though, I am skeptical of anyone who claims that they used to make century breaks at will after 2 or 3 years, but took an additional 8 years to reach the same level of proficiency at 9 ball.