The History of BilliardsThe History of Billiards

OriginsOrigins Originated during the 15Originated during the 15thth Century Century First modeled after croquetFirst modeled after croquet The word “billiards” is French, deriving The word “billiards” is French, deriving

either from “billart”, meaning stick, or either from “billart”, meaning stick, or “billie”, meaning ball.“billie”, meaning ball.

Evolution of the Cue StickEvolution of the Cue Stick

Tool used in early billiards was a Tool used in early billiards was a club-like stick called a maceclub-like stick called a mace

In 1600’s, cue stick evolved from the In 1600’s, cue stick evolved from the mace and became the standardmace and became the standard

MilestonesMilestones 1830’s: Development of the leather cue tip1830’s: Development of the leather cue tip

1835: Slate used for table tops1835: Slate used for table tops 1845: Rubber used in billiard cushions1845: Rubber used in billiard cushions 1850’s: Game standardized-no longer a pastime; classified as a “sport”1850’s: Game standardized-no longer a pastime; classified as a “sport”

Billiards in AmericaBilliards in America Popularized by Irish Immigrant Popularized by Irish Immigrant

Michael PhelanMichael Phelan

Contributions:Contributions: Added diamonds to assist aimingAdded diamonds to assist aiming Developed new table and cushion designsDeveloped new table and cushion designs First American Billiard columnistFirst American Billiard columnist

““Poolroom”Poolroom”

““Pool” means a collective betPool” means a collective bet Many non-billiard games involve a Many non-billiard games involve a

pool; the name stuck to pocket pool; the name stuck to pocket billiardsbilliards

In 19In 19thth century, poolrooms were century, poolrooms were betting places for horse racingbetting places for horse racing

Pool tables were installed for patrons Pool tables were installed for patrons to pass timeto pass time

1900’s: The Golden Age1900’s: The Golden Age Championship billiards received wider Championship billiards received wider

coverage than WW II news.coverage than WW II news. Championship players were as popular Championship players were as popular

as members of other professional sportsas members of other professional sports

Movie ThemesMovie Themes

The HustlerThe Hustler

The Color or MoneyThe Color or Money

Latest TrendsLatest Trends

Stand Alone Pool ParlorsStand Alone Pool Parlors

Played by young professional men Played by young professional men and womenand women

Billiards is one of the pastimes that Billiards is one of the pastimes that countless people have enjoyed and will countless people have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy throughout the yearscontinue to enjoy throughout the years

Time to Celebrate….