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….