Billiards was first developed as a lawn game similar to croquet in the 15th century. Players used a "mace" to hit balls. The mace was a long wooden stick. The mace's head was too heavy to be used near rails. Eventually, players would use chalk to increase friction.
After the Industrial Revolution, billiards began to take off as a recreational activity. The game was very popular among both men and women. It was very popular with soldiers in both World Wars. It was enjoyed by all classes of society, even royalty. Billiards became a popular game in the early 20th century and tournaments were regularly held.
Michael Phelan emigrated to America from Ireland. He is often credited with being the father in American pool. He was instrumental in establishing rules and regulations. He also wrote the first American book about billiards. He also designed new tables and cushions. J.M. eventually merged his business with him. Brunswick & Balke, and created the Brunswick-Balke-Collender company. The company dominated the billiards industry for the next two decades. They controlled all aspects.
The table's first version had vertical walls to support the rails. This shape was later changed to something more recognizable by the early 1900s. It also featured a central hole to hold the cueball. It was covered by velvet fabric. It was covered in a soft fabric that protected the table.
The game of billiards also evolved from a lawn game to a more modern table with six pockets. The goal of the game is to avoid knocking over 'the king'. You could also decide to either pot your opponents' balls or return them to their original positions.
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 the 1920s, women were not 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 played primarily by the European upper classes. According to industry statistics, 2015 saw the highest table sales ever.
Billiards can be a challenging game. Billiards can take more time than other games. Some claim that the croquet game is what spawned the game of billiards. This is not true. Billiards is a popular sport that has been enjoyed by many and has also served as the foundation for many other games.
The game was popularized among soldiers in the late 1800s. After the Industrial Revolution, the cost of the equipment was reduced, and standardization of the table sizes began. Billiards was the first sport to host a world championship. It was still popular among veterans of both World Wars.
Billiards started to lose popularity in the 1950s. In the 2000s, however, billiards was back in fashion.