Many people have wondered why snooker tables are almost universally green. The answer lies in a combination of historical tradition and practical necessity that dates back centuries.
Lawn Game Origins
The primary reason the cloth of a snooker table is green is that cue sports are direct descendants of outdoor lawn games played by the European aristocracy hundreds of years ago. These early versions of the game, which date back as far as the 1340s, were very similar to croquet and were played on grass.
Bringing the Game Indoors
King Louis XI of France is often credited with moving the sport from the great outdoors into the comfort of a palace by commissioning the first indoor pool table. As the game transitioned inside, the green cloth was specifically chosen to serve as a nod to the traditional lawns where the sport was born.
Experimental Table Colours
Before green became the universal choice for manufacturers, tables actually came in a variety of different hues during the 19th century. One of the most common colours used in the 1800s was a jarring shade of orange.
The Problem with Orange
This bright orange felt was notoriously difficult to play on because it caused eye strain for the competitors during long matches. Players also found it nearly impossible to track the precise movement of the balls against such an off-putting background.
Violent Disputes on the Baize
The difficulty in tracking balls on non-green tables led to frequent disagreements between players that sometimes turned physical. In 1871, a match between Arthur Terry and Riland Metcalfe resulted in Terry being arrested for "occasioning violent harm" after a tracking dispute.
A Judicial Recommendation
When Terry faced the magistrate for his assault, he was reportedly allowed to leave the court without punishment because the judge blamed the table's colour. The magistrate suggested that "harmonious play" would be better served if all tables were manufactured in a standard green.
Visual Contrast for Players
Green was eventually standardised because it provides a perfect contrast against the red balls used in the game. This high level of visibility allows players to see exactly where every ball is positioned even during a tense frame at 3pm or late into the night.
Maintaining the Tradition
Today, the green baize remains the gold standard because it is far less strenuous on the eyes for those playing for several hours at a time, including at the ongoing 2026 World Snooker Championship. It successfully combines the historical roots of the sport with the practical needs of modern professional athletes.
