Winton Eliott
Billiards is a game that has been around for centuries. Though the specifics of the game have changed over time, its popularity has remained constant.
Here’s a look at the history of this iconic pastime and some of the people who have helped make it so popular.
Who invented billiards?
That is a question with no definitive answer as the game has evolved over time. Some believe it originated in France during the 15th century, while others argue it came from England or even China.
One of the earliest references to the game comes from 1470 in a French book entitled Royal Book, which outlines rules for an indoor lawn game involving hitting balls with a stick.
By the late 1500s, billiards tables and equipment were being mentioned in royal inventories across Europe.
In the 1800s, a British man named John Thurston became known as the premier maker of billiard tables and equipment.
He popularized the use of ivory for balls and introduced the red and yellow colored balls we still use today.
Another influential figure in the world of billiards was Englishman John Carr, who wrote the first book on billiard techniques and rules in 1770.
He also invented the carom, a type of billiard shot where the cue ball hits both object balls.
In 1807, Mary Ewing Outerbridge brought the game to America after seeing it played on a trip to Bermuda.
She set up the first billiard table in her family’s Staten Island home and it quickly became popular among socialites in New York City.
The rules and equipment of billiards have continued to evolve over time, with new variations such as pool and snooker becoming popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
But one thing remains constant: the enjoyment of a good game of billiards with friends and family.
Overall, it is difficult to pinpoint a single inventor of billiards as the game has evolved over time and been influenced by various players and creators.
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What is billiards vs pool?
Both billiards and pool are types of cue sports that involve hitting balls with a cue stick on a felt-covered table. The main difference is in the type of equipment used and the size of the table.
In billiards, players typically use three larger balls (one white cue ball and two colored object balls), while pool typically uses a set of smaller numbered balls and additional colored object balls.
The billiards table is also larger, with no pockets, while the pool table has six pockets.
Both games require precision and skill, making them popular pastimes for players of all levels.
So whether you prefer to sink shots on a billiards or pool table, the important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game.
Which came first, snooker or billiards?
While the exact origins of snooker are unclear, it is believed to have originated in India during the late 19th century. The game was then brought to England by British soldiers and gained popularity in the 1920s.
On the other hand, evidence suggests that billiards has been played since at least the 15th century in Europe. So technically, billiards came first.
However, both games are considered variations of the broader cue sports category and continue to be enjoyed by players today.
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The takeaway
Billiards is a game that has been around for centuries and has evolved over time, with various people contributing to its development.
While it is difficult to pinpoint a single inventor, we can thank John Thurston, John Carr and Mary Ewing Outerbridge, among others, for their contributions.
Today, billiards remains popular among players of all levels and continues to be enjoyed by many.
