When you play pool with your friends, do you feel like royalty or a celebrity? Billiards is a game that has entertained kings, elites, and everyday players for centuries. Whether you know it as billiards, pool, or snooker, these games all share a fascinating past. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of billiards, uncover how it evolved into different forms, and look at the next generation of pool with Billight.
What Is Billiards?
Billiards isn’t just one game—it’s a category of cue sports that includes games like pool and snooker. According to Britannica, billiards involves striking balls with a cue stick on a rectangular table, aiming to pocket balls or score points by bouncing them off the cushioned sides.
Historically, billiards was played with simple equipment, but today it’s known for its stylish tables, high-quality cues, and vibrant community. A pool table is typically the most eye-catching piece of furniture and centerpiece of whichever room it is in. Billiards may be easy to get started with, but it is very hard to master. Whether you’re playing Eight Ball, Nine Ball, or a casual game of pool, billiards is all about precision, strategy, and fun.
When Was Billiards Invented?
The history of billiards dates back to at least the 1300s, when it was played as an outdoor game in France. The earliest forms of billiards resembled croquet, with balls hit through arches on grass. By the 1400s, the game moved indoors. King Louis XI of France had the first indoor table made, covered in green cloth to mimic grass.
The first recorded reference to billiards appeared in 1580 in Shakespeare’s play “Antony and Cleopatra” signaling its growing popularity. By the 1600s, the game was thriving in Paris cafés, played by the upper class.
Timeline of Billiards Popularity:
1400s: Transitioned indoors with the first billiard table made for King Louis XI.
1580: First written mention of billiards in English literature - “Antony and Cleopatra” by William Shakespear.
1600s: Cue sticks replaced mallets, and cushions were added to tables.
1775: The first table with pockets appeared in England.
1807: Captain Mingaud invented the modern cue tip, transforming gameplay.
Are Billiards and Pool the Same?
No, billiards and pool are not the same. These two words are used interchangeably, but they are technically different. Billiards is an umbrella term to describe all cue sports, while pool is a type of billiards. The term Billiards used to describe a certain game. Now, that game is known as carom billiards to avoid confusion.
Carom Billiards vs. Pool
Carom Billiards: Played on a pocketless table with just three balls—red, white, and yellow. It’s also known as carom billiards.
Pool: Played on a table with six pockets, using 9–16 balls. The most popular version is Eight Ball, where players aim to pocket their designated group of balls (stripes or solids).
Carom Billiards vs. Snooker
Snooker: Played on a larger table with six smaller pockets and 22 balls, including 15 reds and six colored balls. Invented in 1875, snooker became a hit in England by the early 1900s.
Why is Billiards called Pool?
Billiards has a long and colorful history, but pool, as we know it, evolved in the United States during the 19th century. Originally called “pocket billiards,” pool was popular in horse-racing betting parlors, where tables were installed for gamblers to play while waiting for races. Because the betting funds were called "pools," the game adopted this name.
A Short Timeline of Modern Pool History:
1807: Composite billiard balls were created, replacing fragile ivory balls.
1869: John Wesley Hyatt patented the first composite billiard ball.
1873: The first standardized rules for pool were established.
1903: First coin operated pool table was patented. The price to play a game was 1 penny
1920s: Pool leagues formed, solidifying the game’s competitive nature.
1961: The Hustler, starring Paul Newman, sparked a pool revival in the U.S.
1986: The Color of Money introduced pool to a new generation of players.
Famous People Who Played Billiards
Do you feel a connection to royalty when you grab your cue to line up your shot? Billiards has been enjoyed by some of history’s most notable figures including:
Napoleon Bonaparte: He reportedly had a table installed in his residence, using the game to relax during military campaigns.
Marie Antoinette: The French queen was an avid billiards player, using it as a pastime in Versailles.
Abraham Lincoln: Known for his love of billiards, Lincoln had a table in his home, using the game as a stress reliever during the Civil War.
George Washington: Enjoyed billiards at Mount Vernon, seeing it as a refined gentleman’s activity.
Mozart: The legendary composer played billiards regularly, even mentioning it in his personal letters.
Jackie Gleason: The star of The Hustler and an accomplished billiards player himself, Gleason helped bring pool to mainstream pop culture.
Babe Ruth: Known for his skills on the baseball field, Ruth also enjoyed dominating at the pool table.
The Next Generation of Pool
Pool is moving into the future with innovations like Billight, the world’s first light-up pool table and gaming system. Billight combines modern LED technology with traditional gameplay, creating a stunning visual experience Players can enjoy brand new games, mark their pocket, keep score, run a timer, and much more! With customizable lights that highlight pockets and balls, Billight is redefining the way we experience pool.
Imagine playing on a glowing table where the lights guide your shots, adding a layer of excitement and precision. This innovation appeals to both beginners and seasoned players, offering a fresh way to enjoy the history of pool while looking ahead to its future.
FAQ About the History of Billiards
Who Invented Billiards?
While no single person is credited with inventing billiards, it originated in 14th-century France and was popularized by European nobility.
Where Was Billiards Invented?
Billiards was invented in France, first appearing as an outdoor croquet-like game before transitioning indoors.
How Is Pool Played?
Pool is played by pocketing balls into six pockets using a cue stick. Variations include Eight Ball, where players aim to sink either striped or solid balls, and Nine Ball, where the objective is to sink the nine ball last. Check out our blogs on How To Play Eight Ball Pool and How To Play Nine Ball Pool.
Why Is Billiards Not in the Olympics?
Billiards hasn’t been included in the Olympics due to challenges in establishing universal rules and governance. However, it has been part of the World Games since 2001.
Billiards and pool are timeless games that continue to evolve. From its royal beginnings to modern innovations like Billight, the game has captured the hearts of players for centuries. Whether you’re new to billiards or a seasoned pro, understanding its history can make your next game even more meaningful. Ready to join in? Grab a cue, aim your shot, and become part of this incredible legacy!
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