Regent Snooker Lounge

Pool is one of the most popular games in the Western world, but did you know it had been around for hundreds of years?

This popular game was first recorded as being played back in the middle ages, and spread across Europe very quickly. Shakespeare makes reference to the game of Billiards in Anthony and Cleopatra, which was first performed in the early 1600′s.

It’s commonly believed that Billiards developed over the centuries into the game of pool. The first pool cues were invented in the latter part of the century making Pool as we know it today over 300 years old.

Pool and snooker both originated in Britain but the British tended to embrace Snooker whereas Europeans and Americans favoured Pool.

In Britain, major developments in the world of Pool began to happen in the 18th century when improvements to pool tables and custom pool cueswere made.

Improvements in the tools of Pool added to its popularity and it has now become internationally recognised as a popular sport with professional players generating millions in winnings, sponsorship and other revenues.

For almost two centuries the British tended to play a three ball version of the game, with Americans preferring four balls and four pockets. This lasted until around 1870 when variations such as 15 ball, 8 ball and straight pool gradually becoming more prevalent.

Today many amateur and professional players treat themselves to custom pool cues, as well as collecting antique cues and sticks used in old fashioned games.

Custom pool cues can be made to suit the owner perfectly and come in a variety of colours and styles. They can even include laser engraving and personal photographs.

The size of Pool tables has varied over the years. The four pocket table made popular in the Americas was between 11 and 12 feet long. Many homes contain smaller tables at around 7 feet long, whilst professional tables are 9 feet long.

Many professional and amateur players believe that custom pool cues help them to play better and bring them luck. The sport continues to gain popularity and is going from strength to strength with more and more people taking up amateur and professional pool.

Many people who don’t play any cue sports would assume that all games tables are the same.  But from the fifteenth century which the earliest billiard table dates from, distinct differences in the size and materials manufacturers use, have developed. Should anyone be considering purchasing a games table, it is well worth brushing up on your knowledge of the differences.

Traditionally, all cue sports were called “billiards” but over the years, the term billiards has developed into different meanings around the world.  In Britain and Australia for example, “billiards” usually refers exclusively to the game of English billiards but in America and Canada, it refers to cue games generally.  In the UK the term “pocket billiards” is rarely used and “Pool” is the name most often heard for this game. Although “Snooker” is really a variation of pocket billiards, it has been formally recognised as a professional sport in its own right and its rules bear little resemblance to those of Pool.

English Pool Tables (also known as Traditional Pool Tables) vary in length from 6 foot long to 9 foot. Snooker tables range from 6 foot to 12 foot and American Pool Tables vary from 6 foot to 9 ½ foot in length. All types of Pool Tables can be purchased these days in a variety of styles from the traditional to contemporary, or even in “futuristic” styles.  Where space is limited, many pubs and homes may opt to purchase “combination tables” which can be easily converted from a dining table to Pool Table or from a dining table to a multi-games table.

Copyright © 2009

Many people who don’t play any cue sports would assume that all games tables are the same.  But from the fifteenth century which the earliest billiard table dates from, distinct differences in the size and materials manufacturers use, have developed. Should anyone be considering purchasing a games table, it is well worth brushing up on your knowledge of the differences.

Traditionally, all cue sports were called “billiards” but over the years, the term billiards has developed into different meanings around the world.  In Britain and Australia for example, “billiards” usually refers exclusively to the game of English billiards but in America and Canada, it refers to cue games generally.  In the UK the term “pocket billiards” is rarely used and “Pool” is the name most often heard for this game. Although “Snooker” is really a variation of pocket billiards, it has been formally recognised as a professional sport in its own right and its rules bear little resemblance to those of Pool.

English Pool Tables (also known as Traditional Pool Tables) vary in length from 6 foot long to 9 foot. Snooker tables range from 6 foot to 12 foot and American Pool Tables vary from 6 foot to 9 ½ foot in length. All types of Pool Tables can be purchased these days in a variety of styles from the traditional to contemporary, or even in “futuristic” styles.  Where space is limited, many pubs and homes may opt to purchase “combination tables” which can be easily converted from a dining table to Pool Table or from a dining table to a multi-games table.

Copyright © 2009

Question by Neil M: Is Ronnie O’sullivan the greatest snooker player in the history of the game?
If not who should be given the title and why?

Best answer:

Answer by The Pants
Steve davies was the greatest player in the 1980s even better than ronnie is now.

Add your own answer in the comments!