The history of billiards has had a long, fascinating evolution, from mediaeval lawn games, seedy pool halls, pop culture trends, to the popular gaming rooms we see today all across the world.
Regardless of whether you’re just learning the game or an experienced pro, American billiards is a blast, and it’s no secret that pool tables have become a popular fixture in many American bars and homes.
However, what may be less well-known is this beloved game’s long and rich history. Billiards has actually been around for centuries and has slowly evolved into the versions that we know and love today.
The History of Billiards - Origins
Billiards originated as a lawn game, similar to croquet, in Western Europe during the 14th century. The game was eventually relocated to an indoor wooden table with green fabric to simulate grass, with a simple border constructed around the edges. Instead of striking the balls with cues, players used wooden clubs called “maces” to push the balls around.
The game was initially set up with two balls on a six-pocket table with a hoop resembling a croquet wicket and used an upright stick as a target. However, the hoop and target began to fade from use during the 18th century, leaving only the balls and pockets. This was when the game started to mirror billiards as we know it today.
The Father of American Billiards
Micheal Phelan is considered the “Founder of American Billiards.” He was born in Ireland in 1819 and immigrated to the United States in 1824. In 1850, he wrote the first American book on billiards, called Billiards Without a Master, which became the game’s first best-seller.
He was a major architect in developing regulations and standards of behavior that are still in use today. As an inventor, he created the table diamonds that players use for aiming and revolutionized new table and cushion designs.
Popularity in the United States
During the 19th and 20th centuries, billiards became increasingly popular in America. The game was played by both men and women of all social classes and quickly spread from residential homes to public spaces such as pool halls and bars. Its rising success is primarily thanks to influential players, actors, and the rebranding of the American poolroom.
Billiards in Pop Culture
The game experienced a decline in popularity after World War II, but it made a comeback in the 1960s thanks to the movie “The Hustler,” based on the novel by Walter Tevis.
In the film, actor Paul Newman plays the pool shark “Fast Eddie” Felson. After releasing “The Hustler” and its sequel “The Color of Money,” billiards became hip and trendy, especially among young people. As a result, enthusiastic players of all ages flocked to pool halls once again.
Reimaging the American Pool Hall
It wasn’t so long ago that American pool halls conjured images of dark, seedy places where unsavory characters went to gamble, smoke cigarettes, and drink alcohol. However, pool halls underwent a complete redesign in more recent years. They are now often seen as a family-friendly space where people of all ages can come to enjoy a game of pool.
These new pool halls typically have open spaces, comfy seating, a full menu of food and drinks, and well-lit pool tables in good condition. Some even come equipped with the latest technology, such as pool table simulators for practicing! Because of this, billiards is experiencing a resurgence in interest, mainly owing to the success of these rooms.
Equipment
Over the centuries, the equipment used in billiards changed considerably. The result? The pool tables, cues, and balls we use today are now fine-tuned instruments designed for the optimal playing experience.
Pool Tables
Pool tables come in various sizes, but the most common is the standard eight-foot table. This is a popular size for homes and private residences. In addition, pool tables in seven-foot and nine-foot sizes exist, but these are generally used in bars and tournaments, respectively.
Pool tables undergo a multi-step manufacturing process involving wood and slate. The design includes six to seven components, depending on their ultimate use. Along with the wooden frame and slate top, tables require legs, rails, pockets, and an apron. Some tables even have a ball return system worked into the frame – like the coin-operated tables you find in bars.
Pool Cues
Pool cues are an essential part of the game of billiards. They’re used to strike the balls and move them around the table. Hard maple is typically the wood of choice for constructing pool cues, particularly the shaft, because of its strength and straight grain.
Regarding cue sizes, 57 inches is considered the standard length, and this typically suits most adults. And while 48-inch cues are still proportional for adults, they’re perfect for youngsters and shorter players. And for the very young, a variety of 36-inch pool cues are available.
Pool Balls
A standard pool set consists of two types of balls: the cue ball and the object balls. There’s only one cue ball, and it’s usually white, allowing it to stand out on the table. Ideally, the cue ball will be the only ball that makes direct contact with your pool cue – its sole purpose is to hit the other balls into the pockets around the table.
The object balls are the 15 colored balls you see sprawled out across the table during any given game. There are two types of these balls: solid and striped, with each ball possessing a number. Balls with a single colorful line down the middle are “stripes.” In contrast, balls with a solid color throughout are, you guessed it, “solids.”
Types of Games
While there are many different billiards games to enjoy, some of the most popular ones in the United States are eight-ball, nine-ball, and straight pool.
Eight-Ball
Eight-ball is one of the most well-known billiards games played by two people. The game’s objective is to sink all of the balls of your assigned group (solid or stripe) into the pockets and then sink the eight-ball into the called pocket without scratching the cue ball.
Nine-Ball
There’s no order in which the ball must be pocketed in nine-ball, as long as each player strikes the lowest numbered ball on the table with the cue ball first. Ultimately, the winner is determined by which player pockets the 9-ball first, whether that’s after the cue ball has struck the lowest ball or if the 9-ball is the last ball in play.
Straight Pool
Straight pool is played continuously to a pre-determined score, often 100 points; however, it can be any number the players agree on. Each legally pocketed ball gains the player one point. A foul is a loss of one point unless it occurs on the break, which results in a two-point penalty. A player receives a 15-point penalty if they commit three fouls consecutively.
History of Billiards - Final Thoughts
Today, billiards is once again a welcomed pastime in the United States. Pool halls and bars reside in every city, and home pool tables are becoming increasingly popular. The game of billiards is a fun and challenging way to spend time with friends and family, so if you haven’t picked up a pool stick yet, we urge you to give it a shot. As they say: chalk is cheap!