Billiards has been around for more than 1000 years. It was developed in Europe in the 15th Century and was played indoors with a ball and a cue. Today, billiards can be found all over the globe in a variety of variations. The goal of most games of billiards is generally to accumulate a greater score than your opponent before the clock runs out. There are many different games and each has its own rules.
The most popular billiards games are pool, English, English, carom and snooker. In each of these, players use different cues and balls to earn points. Players can also foul, which will decrease their points.
Pool is the most popular game in the United States and in many parts of the UK. Each game requires a table, cues, and balls. The table is typically a rectangular, polished slate or woolen-cloth structure. There are usually six pockets on the table, but sometimes the table has seven or eight. Each pocket is assigned a number to ensure that the ball is placed in the right numerical order.
One-Pocket was the first game of billiards. This game was originally played with only one pocket. The players occupied the right and left sides of the pocket and used a curving wooden mace to the other side. It was not the official beginning of billiards but it is believed this is the place where it all began.
Pocket billiards can be played in both the United States and Canada. Pocket billiards involves making combinations by pocketing the balls numerically. Some versions of this game are very difficult to pocket.
Carom billiards has a wide appeal and is played around the globe. This game involves players trying to get the opponent's cue ball. It is typically 7 feet in length and heated.
English billiards can be described as a combination of carom and pocket pool. This game is best played at a single, small table. You have the option of making your cue out of plastic, wood, or fiberglass. To win, the cue must be closest to the cushion.
The two most popular billiards game in America are pool and snooker. A table with two balls and a red object ball is used to play pool. To earn points, players need to pocket the red ball. You may also be permitted to foul, depending on how the game is played. For example, if the cue ball hits a cushion, the player must make a lag. If the player fails to pocket a ball, the opponent can choose to place the ball back in the original spot.
18.2 Balkline is one the more difficult billiards variations. Balkline, a difficult game, is popular in many billiards tournaments. Instead of straight pool where you only use the cue ball, Balkline requires the ball to be struck either on the right or left side.