Billiards is a game that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for more than a thousand year. It originated in Europe during the 15th century, and was played indoors with a cue and a ball. Today, billiards can be found all over the globe in a variety of variations. The aim of most billiards is to get a higher score than your opponent before it runs out. There are many different games and each has its own rules.
Pool, English billiards (or carom billiards), are the most popular billiards game. To earn points, each game requires players to use different cues or balls. Fouling can result in a decrease of points.
Pool is very popular in the United States as well as in many other countries. A table, balls, and cues are required for each of these games. The table is usually a rectangular structure made of polished slate and woolen cloth. There are usually six pockets on the table, but sometimes the table has seven or eight. Each pocket is designated a number so the ball can be placed in numerical order.
One-Pocket was the first game of billiards. This game was originally played with only one pocket. The left and right pockets were occupied by the players, while the mace was used on the opposite side. Although it was not considered the official start of billiards, it is believed that this is where the sport began.
Pocket billiards, a game that is popular in Canada as well as the United States, is very popular. Pocket billiards is where you can make a combination shot and pocket the balls in numerical sequence. Some advanced versions of the game require tight pockets.
Carom billiards has a wide appeal and is played around the globe. This game involves players trying to get the opponent's cue ball. The table is usually at least 7ft long and heated.
English billiards is a hybrid of carom and pocket billiards. The most common way to play this game is at one table. The cue can be made out of wood, fiberglass, and plastic. The cue must be placed closest to the cushion in order to win.
Two of the most common billiards games in the United States are snooker and pool. Pool is a game where you play with two other balls and a red object. To gain points, players must pocket the red object ball. Players may also be able foul, depending on the game. A cue ball hitting a cushion will result in a foul. The player must then make a lag. If the opponent is unable or unwilling to pocket the ball, he/she can place it back in its original location.
18.2 balkline is a difficult billiards game. Balkline is an extremely difficult game that is played in many billiards tournaments. Contrary to straight pool, where the cue ball is used only, balkline requires that the ball be struck on either the left or right side.