The history of billiards

Discover the history of billiards in more detail

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of billiards, as accounts differ on the games that resembled it. What is certain is that it has evolved from its primitive forms to become the game we know today.

Billiards was originally played without a table

Many agree that billiards was first played on the ground. In several European countries it was played in slightly different ways, but the basic principle was there: passing balls through wooden hoops using cues that looked more like cricket bats.

In the Middle Ages, billiards moved to the table

The first billiard table is attributed to Louis XI, in 1469. Suffering from back pain, he asked for a table so he could play at standing height. This rudimentary first table held a stone top covered with cloth. Little by little the game evolved, but it remained reserved for the nobility.

Later on, billiards remained an elite pastime. This is shown by 17th-century engravings of game scenes, including one of Louis XIV playing. The rules were not yet those we know today.

Billiards becomes popular

In the 18th century, many variants of billiards emerged and the game grew in popularity, notably thanks to academies where anyone could come and play. They sprang up everywhere in Paris: by the end of the 18th century, the capital had more than 800 such rooms. The table evolved too. Color engravings show the introduction of green cloth, the appearance of cushions, and cues replacing the earlier mallets.

Today’s forms of billiards emerged in the 19th century. This was also when the game spread beyond Europe. Arriving in the United States around 1800, billiards developed much faster than on the Old Continent. Genuine international competitions were created there and billiards became a pastime enjoyed by all. Two types of game coexisted at the time: pool and carom, also known as French billiards. Billiards continued to evolve, notably thanks to improvements in equipment. French billiards as it is played today is considered to have been created in 1850.

Today, billiards is played by millions of people around the world, in its French, British and American versions. Another form of billiards is also played today: artistic billiards. Trick shots are amazing shots that demand formidable precision.