Billiards is a sport that has been popular around the world for over a thousand years. It was invented in Europe around the 15th century and was played indoors using a cue ball. There are many variations of billiards. 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.
The most common billiards games include pool, snooker, English billiards, and carom billiards. To earn points, each game requires players to use different cues or balls. Fouling can result in a decrease of points.
Pool is the most popular game in the United States and in many parts of the UK. These games require a table, ball, and cues. The rectangular table is usually made from polished slate or woolen cloth. The table usually has six pockets, but it can sometimes have seven or eight. Each pocket is designated a number so the ball can be placed in numerical order.
One-Pocket is one of the earliest games in billiards. Originally, this game was played on a table with one pocket. Players were assigned to one pocket on each side. A curved wooden mace was placed on the other end of the table. 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 advanced versions of the game require tight pockets.
Carom billiards is a game that is also widely played across the globe. In this type of billiards, players attempt to carom off the cue ball of their opponent. The table is usually at least 7ft long and heated.
English billiards is a hybrid of carom and pocket billiards. This game is most commonly played on a single table. You have the option of making your cue out of plastic, wood, or fiberglass. To win, the player must get closest to cushion.
Two of the most common billiards games in the United States are snooker and pool. Pool is a game played on a table with two red balls and one other ball. To score points, players will need to keep the red ball. Depending on the game, they may also be able to foul. If the cue ball touches a cushion, the opponent can make a lag. The opponent may choose to return the ball to the original spot if the player is unable to pocket it.
18.2 Balkline is one the more difficult billiards variations. Balkline is a challenging game, and it is a popular choice in some 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.