Billiards

A complete and accurate history of billiards, a popular and intellectual as well as enjoyable sport, seems to be unclear and unknown. Many believe the sport originated in Italy or Spain, while others believe billiards originated in France or England during medieval times.

Most who have documented the history of billiards seem to agree that the sport originated as a ground sport that was played outdoors and was similar to a game known today as croquet. However, as the game was accepted by various countries and populations, billiards became an indoor sport that was played upon a specially designed billiards table and has been reported to have evolved to this stage sometime during the 1400’s. The noble families of France and England were especially fond of billiards, commonly referred to at the time as table billiards, during the 1500’s. By the 17th century, billiards became a quite popular and accessible game of sport for ordinary citizens in public places, while those of nobility enjoyed the game in private billiard rooms.

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During these years that comprise the earliest recorded history of billiards, it is believed that the typical equipment necessary to play billiards consisted of two balls, one belonging to each of the players. The instrument that is today referred to as a cue stick was then called a ‘mace’, which was a twisted stick with a large tip, or head. Unlike the cue stick usage of today, the mace was used to push the balls as opposed to striking them. The balls were pushed through an arch on the table, with the player’s objective being to either strike their opponents ball so that his own ball traveled through the intended pass or to strike the opponents ball so that the opponent’s ball traveled through the intended pass. The scoring of the game was based on a points system and the more proficient player would proceed to accumulate points and finally use his ball to strike the opponents ball and force it to rebound off a small post that was placed on the table and referred to as a ‘king’ or a ‘pin’ in order to finish and win the game.

During the 18th century it is reported that the game of billiards became even more enticing to the general population and made available in many public places such as coffee houses. The furniture craftsman who had previously included billiards tables and accessories as a small portion of their offerings began to specialize in the craftsmanship and design of billiards tables for all to enjoy.