The history of billiards dates back to 15th-Century Europe. It is said to have evolved from the stick and ball lawn games such a croquet and golf. The word billiard evolves either from one of two words. From the French word billart or billete meaning stick or from the French word bille which means ball, however it is still unknown exactly where the word was derived from.
Early 1400’s- Lawn games such as croquet and golf are popular.
1453-The Iwan Simonis company is founded. This company would go on to produce Iwan Simonis pool table felt. Simonis felt is a faster playing felt and is used on tournament tables and those of players who want a faster playing game.
1470-The first known billiard table is discovered in King Louis XI of France possessions.
Mid 1600’s- The cue stick is developed. The word cue comes from the French word queue which means tail. Originally players played pool with a stick called a mace which was similar to a golf club. Players back then would turn around the mace and use the tail-end of the mace to shove around the balls on the table. Interesting note: Even after the invention of cue sticks, women still were made to use maces for fear they would rip the cloth with the sharper cues.
1623- Shakespeare’s play “Antony and Cleopatra” in Act 2 Scene 5- Cleopatra says “Let it alone; let’s to billiards: come, Charmian”.
1770-English Billiards is invented-Played with three balls and six pockets. originally called the “winning and losing carambole game”.
1823-The leather cue tip is invented in England. This tip allowed players to add a side-spin to the ball hence the name English shot.
1826-The slate bed is introduced in England, however it does not catch on in the 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 slate bed.
1839-Goodyear discovers vulcanization of rubber.
1840-Billiard tables are placed in betting parlors for horse racing or otherwise known as “pool rooms”.
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 pool championship tournament is held.
1897-Cue tip chalk is invented.
1900-Eight Ball is invented.
1910-Straight Pool is invented.
1920-Nine-Ball is invented.
1927-The first International Snooker Championship was held.
1961-The movie “The Hustler” is released.
1968-The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association was formed.
1986-The movie “The Color Of Money” is released.
1992-The World Confederation of Billiard Sports was formed.
1998-International Olympic Committee recognized the confederation.
2005-A billiards category encompassing pool, snooker and carom was featured in the 2005 World Games.
Famous enthusiasts 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, W.C.Fields, Babe Ruth, Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, and many more.
