The history of billiards dates back to 15th century Europe. It is said to have evolved from stick and ball games such as croquet and golf. The word billiards evolves from one of two words. From the French word billiards Prayed invoiced which means stick or from the French word ball which means ball, however, exactly where the word is derived from is still unknown.
Early 1400s – Lawn games such as croquet and golf are popular.
1453-The Iwan Simonis company is founded. This company would go on to produce felt for Iwan Simonis pool tables. Simonis felt is a faster playing felt and is used on tournament tables and those for players who want a faster game.
1470 – The first known pool table is discovered in the possessions of King Louis XI of France.
Mid 1600s: The pool cue is developed. The word cue comes from the French word tail which means tail Originally, players played billiards with a stick called Mallet it was similar to a golf club. Players back then would spin the club and use the back of the club to push the balls across the table. Interesting side note: even after the invention of cleats, women were still forced to wear maces for fear that the sharper cleats would rip fabric.
1623- Shakespeare’s ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’ Act 2 Scene 5- Cleopatra Says “Leave it, let’s go to billiards: come, Charmian.”
1770: English billiards is invented: it is played with three balls and six pockets. originally called the “winning and losing the game of carom”.
1823 – The leather heel is invented in England. This tip allowed players to add side spin to the ball, hence the name. english shot.
1826 – Slate bedding is introduced in England, however it does not catch on in the United States due to the high cost of production.
1829-The two-piece cue is invented.
1834: John Thurston introduces the Imperial Petrosian billiard table with a board bed.
1839-Goodyear discovers the vulcanization of rubber.
1840 – Billiard tables are placed in horse racing betting parlors or also known as “billiard halls”.
1845-Vulcanized rubber is used to make billiard cushions.
1865: John Thurston introduces natural rubber billiard cushions.
1870 – American billiards is invented.
1878-The first American billiards championship is held.
1897-Cube tip chalk is invented.
1900-The eight ball is invented.
1910-The straight pool is invented.
1920 – Nine-Ball is invented.
1927-The first International Snooker Championship is held.
1961-The movie “The scammer” in launch.
1968: The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association was formed.
1986-The film “The Color of Money” is released.
1992-The World Billiards Sports Confederation was formed.
1998-The International Olympic Committee recognizes the confederation.
2005: In the World Games of 2005 a category of billiards was presented that includes pool, snooker and carom.
Famous fans of the sport: Mozart, Louis XIV of France, Marie Antoinette, Immanuel Kant, Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, George Washington, French President Jules Grévy, Charles Dickens, George Armstrong Custer, Theodore Roosevelt, Lewis Carroll, WCFields , Babe Ruth, Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason and many more.
