In the 15th century, billiards was a simple lawn game that was similar to 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 was a popular leisure activity. Both men and women loved the game. It was popular with soldiers during both World Wars. It was a popular entertainment choice for all classes, and even royalty. In the early 20th-century, billiards became popular and tournaments began to be held.
Michael Phelan, an Irish immigrant, is known as the father of American pool. He was instrumental in establishing rules and regulations. He also wrote the first American book about billiards. 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 all aspects.
The first version of this table used flat vertical walls as the rails. This shape was later changed to something more recognizable by the early 1900s. It also contained a hole at the top for the cueball. It was covered in velvet fabric. This fabric was a softer one, which protected the table.
Billiards evolved from a lawn game into a modern game with six pockets. The main goal of the game wasn't to knock over "the king". Players could also choose to pot opponents' balls, or return them to the original spots.
In the past, these balls were made out of ivory or wood. They are now made with phenolic or polyester. The ball is also scratchproof. These balls are also available in plastic and acrylic. In 1920s England, it was difficult for women to be accepted into the poolroom.
In the early 1900s, billiards began to become more popular with the lower classes. The tables and equipment were expensive. It was still primarily played by the upper class in Europe. The 2015 table sales were the highest ever recorded by the billiards business.
Billiards is a game that requires players of different skill levels. In addition, it may take longer than other games. Some believe that croquet is the origin of billiards. This is not true. Billiards has evolved into an exciting game that many people enjoy and is the basis for many others.
The game was popularized among soldiers in the late 1800s. The equipment cost was lower after the Industrial Revolution and standardization of table sizes was achieved. Billiards was the first sport to host a world championship. It was popular among veterans throughout both World Wars.
Billiards fell out of favor in the 1950s. In the 2000s, however, billiards was back in fashion.