During the 15th century, billiards began as a lawn game like croquet. A "mace", a wooden stick used by players to hit the ball, was turned around to hit it. The mace's head was too heavy to be used near rails. The friction would be increased if players used chalk.
After the Industrial Revolution, billiards began to take off as a recreational activity. Billiards was very popular among both women and men. It was also popular among soldiers during both World Wars. It was also a popular entertainment for all classes, including royalty. In the early twentieth century, billiards became a sport, and tournaments were held regularly.
Michael Phelan, who emigrated from Ireland, is considered the father of American pool. He set the rules and regulations. Also, he wrote the first American book regarding billiards. He also created new cushion and table designs. He eventually merged with J.M. Brunswick & Balke, and created the Brunswick-Balke-Collender company. The company was a dominant player in the billiards world for the next two decades. They controlled all aspects.
The table's first version had vertical walls to support the rails. This was changed to a more recognizable shape by the early 1900s. It also featured a central hole to hold the cueball. It was covered in a velvet fabric. This was a lighter fabric that helped protect the table.
Billiards evolved also from a lawn game, to a table with six pockets. The primary purpose of the game was not to knock over the "king". The game allowed players to choose whether to pot their opponents' balls or return them back to their original locations.
In the past they were made of ivory and wood. They are now made with phenolic or polyester. The ball can also be scratch-proof. These balls are also available in plastic and acrylic. Women were initially rejected in the poolroom in 1920.
Billiards started to be more popular in the early 1900s with lower class people. But the high cost of tables and equipment made it prohibitive. It was still played primarily by the European upper classes. The billiards industry reports that table sales in 2015 were the highest ever.
Billiards is a game that requires varying skill levels. In addition, it may take longer than other games. Some people argue that the game of billiards originated from croquet. However, this is not proven. Billiards has evolved into an exciting game that many people enjoy and is the basis for many others.
The game was popular among soldiers during the late 1800s through the early 1900s. The equipment cost was lower after the Industrial Revolution and standardization of table sizes was achieved. The first world championship was held in billiards. It was popular among veterans throughout both World Wars.
In the 1950s, billiards was losing popularity. In the 2000s, however, billiards was back in fashion.