For most of the population, snooker and pool are household names; even our children have heard of the games. Billiards, however, is still a mystery to many people. "Are billiards and pool the same?", "When was billiards invented?" are a few of the questions you might be asking yourself.
The confusion stops now. At Hamilton Billiards, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the game.
Are billiards and pool the same?
No, while the games are similar, they are not the same. While ‘billiards’ is often used as an umbrella term, referring to all table games, ‘English Billiards’ is a game that combines aspects of carom billiards and pool. It is played using two cue balls and a red object ball, whereas pool uses only one cue ball.
Can you play billiards by yourself?
While English Billiards is usually a two-player game, it is possible to modify the game slightly, allowing you to play alone. Playing solo can help you improve your shot accuracy as well as your overall gameplay.
How to play billiards?
Billiards is played using one red object ball and two cue balls (white and yellow) on a billiards table. Points are scored in three ways, a cannon (striking the cue ball so that it hits the red and the other cue ball (in any order) on the same shot, for two points), a winning hazard (striking the red ball with their cue ball so that the red enters a pocket, for three points) and a losing hazard (striking their cue ball, hitting another ball and then entering the pocket, for three or two points depending on which ball was hit).
The winner is the player who is the first to reach an agreed number of points (usually 300).
How are billiards balls made?
Billiard balls have been made from several different materials in the past, including wood, ivory and clay, but are now made of either phenolic resin, polyester or acrylic.
How billiards got its name?
The word ‘billiard’ comes from one of the following French words: 'billart’ which is one of the sticks or ‘bille’ meaning ‘ball’. Both words make sense in the context, so it is not known which is the original root word.
What is a scratch in billiards?
In billiards, a scratch is the term used to describe when a ball is hit in a way that doesn’t comply with the rules, a foul move. The Billiard Congress of America describes a scratch as potting the cue ball, however, other variations of billiards also define pocketing your opponent’s ball and hitting no balls as a scratch.
What is deflection in billiards?
In billiards, deflection is when a play strikes the cue ball not in the centre, but on the left or right side. This causes the ball to roll in the opposite direction to where it is struck, instead of going straight forward. This move takes a lot of practice, but when done correctly, can help you play better positions.
What is sharking in billiards?
In billiards, sharking is the act of doing something to distract your opponent. For example, a ‘shark move’ may be playing an unusual strike to throw your opponent off, or even using more psychological tactics such as telling your opponent you would have done their move differently to make them question their own strategies.
When was billiards invented?
Billiards was first played in France in the 1340s, but as an outdoor game, fairly similar to croquet. Since, the game has evolved greatly, moving indoors and onto a wooden table. The green cloth on billiard tables represents the green grass on which the game used to be played.
When to use chalk in billiards?
In billiards, chalk should be used after every other shot to add friction to the cue. The friction ensures that the cue does not slide off the ball prematurely, resulting in a miscue. The tips of cues become worn and smooth over time, so you may need to chalk your older cues more frequently than newer cues.
When did billiards become popular?
Billiards started to gain popularity after the Billiards Association, the first governing body of the game, was formed in 1885 in the UK.
Where is billiards most popular?
Billiards is most popular in the UK, with the United States and Australia being a close second and third. However, the game is also enjoyed in Canada, Taiwan, the Philippines, Ireland, and China.
Who is billiards champion of the world?
Pankaj Advani is the billiards champion of the world after beating Babar Masih in the IBSF World Billiards Championship finals.
Why billiards is not a sport?
Billiards is considered a sport as it makes use of muscle energy, reflexes and burns a lot of energy in the process. It also requires a lot of skill and concentration.
Why isn't billiards in the Olympics?
Billiards is not in the Olympics as the International Olympics committee stated there are too many variations of the game, and that they had to ‘form one main body that would totally embed and represent all the sectors.’ However, the World Confederation of Billiard Sports has been pushing to gain a spot in the France 2024 games.
What are the rules of billiards?
Billiards is played with three balls, two cue balls (yellow and white) and a red ball. Each player has their own cue ball. To decide who plays first, both players hit their cue ball the length of the table at the same time and wait for the ball to roll back to them. Whoever’s ball lands nearest to the baulk cushion wins and gets to choose who breaks. The table is set up and the first player plays until they fail to make a scoring shot. After a foul shot, the opposition can choose whether to leave the table as it is or return the balls to their original spots.
At Hamilton Billiards, we stock a wide variety of premium-quality pool, snooker and billiards tables, such as bar billiard tables, snooker tables, pool tables, as well as pool and snooker accessories like snooker training balls. If you have any general inquiries or billiards-related questions, give us a call on 01462 743803 or email us at [email protected].