SNOOKER has existed for hundreds of years, but many still question the cue sport’s distinctive green look.
The green cloth called baize covers the rectangular table, but not everybody knows why the colour green was chosen. 9ft Pool Table
There are several theories as to why snooker tables boast the rich green colour they do.
One suggests that the colour comes from the sport's historical roots.
Snooker is thought to have originated from centuries-old lawn games which were, as the name suggests, played outside.
Many believe that when the games were moved inside, the colour green was used to replicate the grass or lawns.
The real reason the cloths on snooker tables are green is because they were originally another colour, but it interfered with the game.
Snooker table baize used to be orange, but in 1871 it was ordered by a magistrate that they be changed to green.
This was because two snooker players ended up in court in 1871 over a fight that occurred during a game.
Due to the orange fabric, it was hard for the players to see the exact movements of some of the balls, leading to the argument.
It was reportedly hard to distinguish between the orange cloth and the red balls and as there are 15 on the table, they need to be clearly shown to make them easy to pot.
Ever since snooker tables have mostly boasted green cloths.
While snooker tables have traditionally been green since the switch from the original orange, many other colours are now available.
Snooker tables used in public spaces or official competitions are normally green, but for those who have one in their home, any colour of baize can be used - even orange.
In some instances, you might come across snooker tables with blue, burgundy, or other coloured cloths
Pool is very similar to snooker, but there are some key differences.
While pool is usually played with one black ball, seven yellow balls, seven red balls and a white cue ball, snooker players play with 15 red balls, six coloured balls and one cue ball.
Snooker balls are also usually larger than ones used in pool.
Pool tables although usually green, are sometimes blue, and there is a very good reason for this.
In the 1970s green pool tables were switched to blue for televised championships, due to the green cloths making it harder for viewers at home to see the balls.
Modern televisions mean that the green snooker tables should no longer cause a problem for those watching, but blue pool tables are still used sometimes, like in the US Open Pool Championships.
World Championship snooker tables are heated to avoid or reduce friction that could interfere with gameplay.
The heaters ensure that the slate parts of the tables stay at even temperature, and reduce the chance of bumps forming on the surface that could change the movement of the balls.
The heat also helps prevent the baize stretching during the game.
Many local clubs that don’t have table heaters tend to just iron their tables to keep them running smoothly.
Snooker tables are famously heavy, with a full-size table weighing a whopping 1250kg.
The tables are typically made of dense hardwoods, such as oak, which adds to their weight.
The playing surface is made from thick and heavy stone, often pieces of precision-cut slate.
This gives the table stability and allows for more precise play.
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