Billiards is a sport that has been popular around the world for over a thousand years. It was originally played indoors, with a cue or a ball, in Europe in 15th century. Today, billiards can be found all over the globe in a variety of variations. The goal of most billiards games, is to score more points than your opponent before time runs out. There are many games that you can play, and each one has its own rules.
The most popular billiards games are pool, English, English, carom and snooker. In each of these, players use different cues and balls to earn points. Players can also foul, which will decrease their points.
In the United States, pool is the most widely played game. It's also very popular in other parts of the UK. These games require a table, ball, and cues. The table is typically a large rectangular structure, made of polished slate or woolen cloth. The table is usually equipped with six pockets. But sometimes, the table can have seven or more. Each pocket is assigned a number to ensure that the ball is placed in the right numerical order.
One of the first billiards games was One-Pocket. This game was originally played on a single pocket table. The players occupied the right and left sides of the pocket and used a curving wooden mace to the other side. This was believed to be the original beginning of billiards.
Pocket billiards is a popular game in the United States and Canada. Pocket billiards involves making a combination shot by pocketing the balls in numerical order. Some of the more advanced versions of the game involve very tight pockets.
Carom billiards is a game that is also widely played across the globe. This game involves players trying to get the opponent's cue ball. The table is usually at least 7ft long and heated.
English billiards is a mix of pocket and carom billiards. Most commonly, this game is played at a single table. The cue may be made from plastic, fiberglass, or wood. To win, the player must get closest to cushion.
American billiards are very popular in the United States. Pool is a game played on a table with two red balls and one other ball. To earn points, players need to pocket the red ball. They may be allowed to foul depending on the game. If the cueball hits a cushion or other object, the player will need to make a "lag". If the opponent fails to pick up a ball, they can return it to their original spot.
18.2 balkline is a difficult billiards game. Balkline is an extremely difficult game that is played in many billiards tournaments. The ball must be struck on either the right or left side of straight pool, unlike straight pool which can only be played with the cueball.