Billiards (in this case referring to English Billiards) is a game that is popular not just in England but around the world thanks to its popularity during the time of the British Empire. Billiards is a cue sport that is played by two players and utilizes one object ball (red) and two cue balls (yellow and white).
Each player uses a different color cue ball and attempts to score more points than their opponent and reach the previously agreed total required to win the match.
There are many forms of Billiards around the world, but it is English Billiards that is one of the most common and most popular. Originating in England, it is an amalgamation of a number of different games, including the ‘winning and losing carambole game’. The game is played across the world, especially in Commonwealth countries but over the last 30-years it has seen its popularity decline as snooker (a more straightforward and TV friendly game) has rocketed in the numbers both playing and watching on TV.
Players and Equipment
English Billiards can be played one-vs-one or two-vs-two with the singles version of the game being the most popular. The game is played on a table that has exactly the same dimensions (3569 mm x 1778 mm) as a snooker table, and in many places both games are played on the same table. Three balls must also be used, one red, one yellow and one white, and each must be 52.5mm in size.
Players have a cue each which can be made from wood or fibreglass and this is used for striking the balls. The last essential piece of equipment is chalk. During the game, each player will chalk the end of their cue to ensure there is good contact between the cue and the ball.
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