Billiards, a form of pool, has been in popular use for over a thousandyears. It was invented in Europe around the 15th century and was played indoors using a cue ball. Today, billiards can be found all over the globe in a variety of variations. Generally, the goal of most billiards games is to amass a larger score than your opponent before the timer runs out. However, there are a variety of different games, each of which has its own set of rules.
Billiards are played in many forms, including pool, English billiards, carom billiards, and snooker. For each game, players will use different balls and cues to earn points. Fouling can result in a decrease of points.
The most played game in the United States, and many parts of the UK, is pool. A table, balls, and cues are required for each of these games. The table is usually a rectangular structure made of polished slate and woolen cloth. There are usually six pockets on the table, but sometimes the table has seven or eight. Each pocket is numbered, with the aim of pocketing a ball in numerical order.
One-Pocket is one of the earliest games in billiards. This game was originally played with only one pocket. The left and right pockets were occupied by the players, while the mace was used on the opposite side. Although it was not considered the official start of billiards, it is believed that this is where the sport began.
Pocket billiards is a popular game in the United States and Canada. Pocket billiards allows you to make a combination shot, by placing the balls into numerical order. Some of the more complex versions of the game have very tight pockets.
Carom billiards can also be played all over the world. This game involves players trying to get the opponent's cue ball. The table is usually at least 7ft long and heated.
English billiards blends the best of carom with pocket billiards. This game is most commonly played on a single table. The cue may be made from plastic, fiberglass, or wood. To win, the cue must be closest to the cushion.
In the United States, two of the most popular billiards games are pool and snooker. Pool is a game that is played on a table with a red object ball and two other balls. To score points, players will need to keep the red ball. Players may also be able foul, depending on the game. If the cue ball touches a cushion, the opponent can make a lag. If the opponent fails to pick up a ball, they can return it to their original spot.
Among the more difficult billiards games is 18.2 balkline. Balkline is a challenging game, and it is a popular choice in some billiards tournaments. Contrary to straight pool, where the cue ball is used only, balkline requires that the ball be struck on either the left or right side.