A Brief History of the Noble Game of Billiards

The history of billiards is long and very rich. The game has been played by kings and commoners,
presidents, mental patients, ladies, gentlemen, and hustlers alike. It evolved from a lawn game similar to
the croquet played sometime during the 15th century in Northern Europe and probably in France. Play
was moved indoors to a wooden table with green cloth to simulate grass, and a simple border was placed
around the edges. The balls were shoved, rather than struck, with wooden sticks called “maces”. The
term “billiard” is derived from French, either from the word “billart”, one of the wooden sticks, or “bille”, a
ball.

The game was originally played with two balls on a six-pocket table with a hoop similar to a croquet
wicket and an upright stick used as a target.

 During the 18th century, the hoop and target gradually disappeared, leaving only the balls and
pockets. Most of our information about early billiards comes from accounts of playing by royalty
and other nobles. It has been known as the “Noble Game of Billiards” since the early 1800’s, but
there is evidence that people from all walks of life have played the game since its inception. In
1600, the game was familiar enough to the public that Shakespeare mentioned it in Antony and
Cleopatra. Seventy-five years later, the first book of billiard rules remarked of England that there
were “few Towns of note therein which hath not a publick Billiard-Table.”

Benefits of Billiards

Fitness Benefits

Flexibility, Calories, Toning

Playing pool involves various poses that require you to bend, stretch, and lean. This increases flexibility
and tones muscles in several body areas when played consistently, such as arms, shoulders, hips, and
even legs with a few one-leg reaches. Let’s not forget those calories that burn from walking around the
table. You can find yourself walking between a quarter of a mile to almost half!

Neurological Benefits

Critical Thinking, Cognition, Accuracy

Billiards trains critical thinking and improves cognitive skills. Focus and hand-eye coordination are vital
aspects of a player’s strategy. Picking and comparing pockets and routes for your ball and predicting your
opponent’s next move all involve calculating force, speed, and impact. Your brain is present and focused.

Behavioral Benefits

Self-control, Patience

During a game of pool, it’s uncommon to find someone becoming outraged. People tend to

embrace a sense of levelheadedness and calm when strategizing, comparable to a chess match.
Similarly, they are constantly waiting patiently for their opponent to make their next move, practicing self-
control and patience.

Social Benefits

Sociability, Family Bonding, Ageless

Usually, people are around the pool table to have fun. They’re ready to laugh, give advice, and tease.
These social interactions build bonds between friends or strangers. There’s no age limit to who can hold
the stick and, with family, that’s the best part. It provides the youngsters enjoyable off-screen time and
social relief for the adults.