In the USA, when they say billiards, they actually mean pool — American billiards. Neither pyramid nor snooker is widely distributed here. If you enter “weekly pool tournaments near me” in the search box, you will be shown establishments where they play pool, and it will most likely be 8-ball, 9-ball, or 10-ball. And yes, each of these formats has its own chips, rules, and players.
A pool tournament is not just a game “for fun”. It is an organized tournament that has its own structure: grids, rules, time, and clear conditions.
The most common formats:
Loser – eliminated. Tough, fast, no room for error. This format is often used at short parties or when time is limited.
A classic of tournament billiards. Lose once – you move to the “lower bracket”. Lose a second time – that’s it, eliminated. Gives a chance to improve, especially if the first defeat was accidental.
Everyone plays with everyone. Ideal for smaller tournaments or regular club players. Everyone has equal chances, and the winner is determined by the number of wins.
A long-term game – for several weeks or months. Participants collect points at the end of the season – the final. This is a serious level, where the score goes to each game.
In billiards pool tournaments, three main types of games are used:
At Peaky Sticks, we alternate these formats every week – depending on the mood, number of players, and difficulty.
Many people think: “A table is a table”. But pool tournament table size matters. In most bars, a bar table (7 feet). It is smaller, forgives mistakes.
We have 9-foot tables, professional. They are played on these in serious tournaments. So if you’ve been practicing at home or in a bar, get ready: on the nine, you need to keep your position better, plan your shots, and work with spin precisely. And this is not a fad — it’s the standard in tournaments.
If you’re looking for weekly pool tournaments near me, it means that you want more than just hitting a ball once a month.
Players of all levels come to our club: from beginners to experienced. Some — for practice. Others — to win a prize. But all for experience. Strong players are born here, a style is formed, and an understanding of the game, not as entertainment, but as a duel comes.
It’s worth understanding that tournament billiards rules may differ slightly depending on the club:
Always ask before playing. It’s better than causing a misunderstanding.
Let me clarify right away: pyramid (a.k.a. Russian pyramid) is a different game. It is complex, very precise, with smaller pockets and different rules. But it is rarely played in the USA. 95% of players come to play pool. And that’s what they are counting on.
Therefore, when looking for billiards near me, they are looking for pool, not pyramid. If you are interested in a pyramid, you will have to look for specialized places.
A pool tournament is not just a way to “play billiards”. It is a way to improve your game, test yourself under pressure, and understand how deep this discipline is.
I’m trying to build something special here at Peaky Sticks — a place where we don’t play by chance. We create an atmosphere where every match matters. Where you can not only win, but also learn. And if you’re looking for real billiards, not just bar entertainment — come by. We’re here for people like you.
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