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 head of a mace could not be used near rails because it was too bulky. Eventually, players would use chalk to increase friction.
After the Industrial Revolution billiards started to flourish as a leisure activity. The game was very popular among both men and women. It was popular with soldiers during both World Wars. It was also enjoyed by all classes, even royalty. Billiards became a popular game in the early 20th century and tournaments were regularly held.
Michael Phelan is the father of American pool. He emigrated from Ireland. He helped set rules and regulations and also wrote the first American book on billiards. He also invented new cushion and table designs. 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 every aspect.
The table's first version had vertical walls to support the rails. This was changed to a more recognizable shape by the early 1900s. It also contained a hole at the top for the cueball. It was covered in velvet fabric. This was a soft fabric which protected the table.
Billiards evolved from a lawn game into a modern game with six pockets. The game's main objective was to not knock over the 'king'. Players can also choose to either return the balls to their original places or pot them against others.
In the past, these balls were made out of ivory or wood. They can now be made from phenolic and polyester. The ball is also scratch-proof. They can be made of plastic or acrylic. Women were initially rejected in the poolroom in 1920.
In the early 1900s, billiards began to become more popular with the lower classes. However, the cost of the tables and equipment was prohibitive. It was still predominantly played by European elites. The 2015 table sales were the highest ever recorded by the billiards business.
Billiards requires different skill levels. It can also take longer than other games. Some argue that billiards was inspired by croquet. 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 extremely popular in the late 1800s to early 1900s, particularly among soldiers. The cost of equipment became less expensive and the sizes of the tables were standardized. Billiards became one of the first sports to hold a world championship. It was still very popular with veterans after both World Wars.
In the 1950s, billiards was losing popularity. In the early 2000s, though, billiards returned to popularity.