In the 15th Century, billiards started as a game of croquet on the lawn. Players used a "mace" to hit balls. The mace was a long wooden stick. However, the head of the mace was inconvenient for use near the rails. Players would eventually use chalk to increase friction.
Billiards became popular as a recreation activity following the Industrial Revolution. Both men and women loved the game. It was also very popular among soldiers during the two World Wars. It was also very popular among all classes, including royalty. Billiards was a popular sport in the 20th century and tournaments were organized regularly.
Michael Phelan emigrated to America from Ireland. He is often credited with being the father in American pool. He created rules and regulations for pool and wrote the first American book. He also developed new table and cushion designs. J.M. eventually merged his business with him. Brunswick & Balke, and created the Brunswick-Balke-Collender company. They dominated the billiards sector for the next twenty years. They controlled every aspect of the game.
The original version of the table featured flat vertical walls that served as rails. In the early 1900s, this design was modified to make it more easily recognisable. It also had a central hole for the cue ball. It was covered in velvet fabric. It was covered in a soft fabric that protected the table.
Billiards evolved from a lawn game into a modern game with six pockets. The goal of the game is to avoid knocking over 'the king'. Players can also choose to either return the balls to their original places or pot them against others.
In the past, the balls were made of ivory or wood. They are now made with phenolic or polyester. The ball can also be scratch-proof. These balls can also be made of acrylic or plastic. It was in the 1920s that women had trouble being accepted in the poolroom.
Billiards gained popularity among lower classes in early 1900s. However, the cost of the tables and equipment was prohibitive. It was still mostly played by the wealthy in Europe. According to industry statistics, 2015 saw the highest table sales ever.
Billiards can be a challenging game. It may take you longer to play than other games. Some believe that croquet is the origin of billiards. This is not true. Billiards has developed into an exciting and popular game, and has served as the basis for many more.
The game was popular during the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, especially among soldiers. The price of the equipment fell and standardization was introduced to the sizes of the tables. Billiards was the first sport to host a world championship. It was still popular among veterans of both World Wars.
Billiards lost popularity in the 1950s. In the 2000s, however, billiards was back in fashion.