During the 15th century, billiards began as a lawn game like croquet. A "mace", a wooden stick used by players to hit the ball, was turned around to hit it. However, the head of the mace was inconvenient for use near the rails. Eventually, players would use chalk to increase friction.
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 is the father of American pool. He emigrated from Ireland. He was instrumental in establishing rules and regulations. He also wrote the first American book about billiards. He also developed new cushion designs and tables. Eventually, he merged with J.M. Brunswick & Balke, and created the Brunswick-Balke-Collender company. The company dominated the billiards industry for the next two decades. They controlled all aspects of the game.
The table's first version had vertical walls to support the rails. In the early 1900s, this design was modified to make it more easily recognisable. It had a central hole that could hold the cue balls. It was covered in velvet fabric. This was a softer fabric, which helped to protect the table.
The game of billiards also evolved from a lawn game to a more modern table with six pockets. The primary purpose of the game was not to knock over the "king". Players had the option to return their balls to the original spot or to pot others' balls.
In the past they were made of ivory and wood. They are now made with phenolic or polyester. The ball can also be scratch-proof. These balls can also be made of acrylic or plastic. It was in the 1920s that women had trouble being accepted in the poolroom.
Billiards became more popular among the lower classes in the 1900s. But the high cost of tables and equipment made it prohibitive. It was still played primarily by the European upper classes. According to the billiards industry, table sales for 2015 were their highest ever.
Billiards can be a challenging game. Billiards may also be slower than other games. Some argue that billiards is a croquet game. However, this assertion is not supported. Billiards has grown to be an enjoyable sport, which is also the basis of many other games.
The game was popular among soldiers during the late 1800s through the early 1900s. The cost of equipment became less expensive and the sizes of the tables were standardized. One of the first sports to host a global championship was billiards. It was popular among veterans throughout both World Wars.
Billiards lost popularity in the 1950s. In the early 2000s, though, billiards returned to popularity.