What is the origin of billiards?

It evolved from a lawn game similar to the croquet played sometime during the 15th century in Northern Europe and probably in France. Play was moved indoors to a wooden table with green cloth to simulate grass, and a simple border was placed around the edges.

Who invented the game of billiards?

But the answer to the question, 'Who invented billiards and pool?' in the modern form at least, is Michael Phelan. Michael Phelan's father, John Phelan, emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1883.

Why is pool called billiards?

The term billiards comes from the French. The root words are either 'billart' which is one of the sticks or 'bille,' which means ball. The sport had its beginnings way back in the 15th century in Northern Europe. The evolution to what we in America know as Pool has been long and drawn out.

Is billiards older than snooker?

Social and Technical changes that have brought the snooker table to where it is today. The history of snooker can't be understood without first mentioning its sister game "billiards", which is centuries older than snooker, which is a relatively young game.

What is the difference between pool and billiards?

Billiards is played on a table without pockets. The game only has three balls, which are red, white (with a spot), and another white one (without a spot). Pool involves a table with six pockets. You need 15 balls, but some people play with just nine.

A Brief History of Billiards and Pool

What are the three types of billiards?

A "Billiards" category encompassing pool, snooker, and carom has been part of the World Games since 2001.

What is a pool table without pockets called?

Carom billiard is played on a billiard table without pockets and with a set of 3 balls: one red and two white of which one is marked. The player must use the cue ball to make contact with the other two balls on the table in order to score 1 point.

What is snooker called in America?

American snooker is a cue sport played almost exclusively in the United States, and strictly on a recreational, amateur basis.

Why was billiards banned?

From its earliest days, the game was often denounced as a sinful, dangerous, morally corrupt activity. In 15th century France, billiards play was forbidden, by the Church, as well as the King.

What is the oldest pool table in the world?

The oldest known pool table was in the collection of King Louis XI of France. It dates back to at least 1470 and appears on an inventory of his possessions.

What do Americans call billiards?

American pool is a term used in the United Kingdom, and sometimes more broadly outside North America, to refer to pool (pocket billiards) cue sports that make use of formerly American-style and now professionally world-standardised numbered billiard balls that have a standard diameter of 57 mm (21⁄4 in), as opposed to ...

Why is 8 ball pool called 8 ball pool?

The game of eight-ball arose around 1900 in the United States as a development of pyramid pool, which allows any eight of the fifteen object balls to be pocketed to win.

Why is billiard chalk blue?

Silica chalk substitutes were eventually sold in both green and blue, free from Peple's patent due to it's differing composition. Despite the chalk substitute's new availability in green, the color blue still proved to be more popular with players due to it's reputation as a higher quality chalk.

What are some fun facts about billiards?

Who is the best pool table player in the world?

Efren Reyes is often called "Bata," which means "kid" in Filipino, a name given to him by close friends to distinguish him from an older Efren who also played billiards. He is a winner of over 100 professional tournaments and has been regarded as the world's greatest player.

Does anyone play billiards anymore?

For many decades, starting in the mid-19^th century, billiards was the one of the most popular amusements. A hundred years ago, there were 830 pool halls in the city of Chicago. Today, there are 10. Billiards is not what it used to be, but we continue to live in a world affected by its former prominence.

What is the first shot in pool called?

break: the first shot of a pool game where the CB is hit from behind the head string (i.e., in the “kitchen”) into the racked balls; or, in snooker, a series of pots in a single inning.

Why is billiards so addictive?

Kakouros says pool is addictive because the game gives immediate gratification when you make a shot and it's easy to improve steadily every time you play.

What is the white ball called in pool?

The name is a reference to how many balls need to be pocketed to win the game, but all 15 balls are used. All of the striped and colored balls are referred to as object balls, and the solid white ball is the cue ball.

What is the difference between English and American billiards?

The simplest answer is that the American pool tables are generally larger than English pool tables with the standard American pool table being an 7ft, 8ft or 9ft and the standard English pool table being a 6ft, 7ft or 8ft. The official tournament or professional sizes being 9ft for American, and 7ft for English.

What's harder snooker or pool?

Snooker tables are much bigger than pool tables, so are snooker players much more skilful than pool players? The best pool players are very skilful but I'd argue that snooker is harder, given the size of the table.

What is the dot on a pool table called?

They are known as the diamond system or "sights." Traditionally, these visible markings have been shaped like diamonds, hence the name. Today, billiard tables can either have diamond-shaped marks or dots, depending on the manufacturer or the table.

What do you call a pool table player?

Most billiard players are called exactly that - “billiard players”, or sometimes “pool players” or even “players” when the context is understood. A really good pool player, however, is often referred to as a “pool shark”. Tags: Informative.

What is a Chinese pool table?

The Chinese 8 ball pool table is 9 feet long. Full-sized 2 ¼” American pool balls are used in the game. The rules are slightly tweaked, as explained below. The cut in the pockets of a Chinese 8 ball pool table resembles that of a Snooker table.