Why is Billiards Called Pool? Unveiling the History

There's no doubt about it: pool—or billiards—is one of the most loved games worldwide. Originating centuries ago, this game has been able to maintain its popularity, evolving into different game plays enjoyed by casual players and experts alike.

But despite how famous this game is, some aspects of it remain mysterious or lesser known. For example, do you know why billiards is often called pool? If you don't, you are certainly not the only one. But don't fret—if you are looking to become more familiar with this game and learn more about its history, 247 Pool has you covered. Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned player, you'll find all you need to know in this guide!

The Origins of Pool in Billiards

Billiards is a historic game that dates back to the 15th century. You may not know that it was initially played with maces on the ground, in a fashion similar to croquet! As it gained popularity across Europe, it earned a purposefully-designed table and eventually became a tabletop game.

But the real transformation occurred in the 19th century, when Americans began adapting the game. This new way of playing is what then led to the creation of pool.

Today, after centuries of history, pool remains captivating to new and expert players alike because it perfectly blends skill and psychological challenge. As a player, you are asked to strategize several moves ahead—an excellent exercise for both analytical and creative thinking!

So, why is this game billiards? Firstly, you'll want to know that the name derives from the term "billiard". This may derive from the French "billart", which refers to one of the sticks used in the game, or from the word "bille", which means ball. While these stories point to two different stories, they point to the equipment that is essential in the game—a stick and a ball!

Now you may be wondering where the term "pool" comes from. One of the theories is that the term "pool" originates from the American billiard parlors of the 19th century, where betting "pools" on horse racing were organized, and the same locations also had spaces dedicated to playing billiards. You'll discover more about the differences between these terms below.

Why Pool and Not Billiards?

A lot of mystery still surrounds the origin of the name of this game. However, there are a few theories that are supported by evidence:

• According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term "pool" may derive from the French word "poule," which literally means "hen" and may refer to a collective prize. This, in turn, may be traced back to the medieval game "jeu de la poule," where participants competed for a prize.
• Another theory suggests that the term "pool" is to be traced back to the fact that this game was originally played in specific American venues, called, back then, "poolrooms". These were places where players gathered to bet collectively on a range of games, including races.

Although "billiards" and "pool" are often used interchangeably, there are some considerable differences between these two concepts. Here's an overview:

• Billiards is played on a table without pockets using only three balls: one red, one spotted white, and one plain white.
• Pool is played on a table with six pockets. Players typically use 15 balls, but variations with fewer words exist.

Different variations of pool have specific names that you may be curious to know—especially when choosing a pool game to play online! Here are some popular options:

• 8-Ball: Uses 15 balls and a cue ball. Players have to pocket their group of balls (solids or stripes) first, then the 8 ball. It is one of the most popular ways of playing worldwide.
• 9-Ball: Involves balls numbered 1 to 9. Players must hit the lowest-numbered ball first, with the aim to pocket the 9 ball.
• One-Pocket: In this game, players target one corner pocket. It requires strategic planning to pocket a set number of balls.
• Snooker: This is played on a larger table with 21 balls. It involves potting reds and colors in sequence, and it is particularly popular in the UK.

The Evolution of Billiards Terminology

While mastering the rules is essential to build your pool skills, understanding its terminology is equally crucial for navigating the game. Terms like "cue ball," "break," and "rack" may seem straightforward to seasoned players but might be overwhelming for beginners!

Here are a few terms and their history that can help you feel more familiar when playing pool:

• Cue Stick: This is used to strike the balls. It was originally called a "mace" but was later refined for accuracy.
• Bank Shot: A term used to describe hitting the ball off one or more cushions to land in a pocket.
• Rack: Refers both to arranging the balls in a triangle before starting a game and the frame used to set up this configuration.

Unraveling Billiards' Pool Mystery

The world of billiards is truly expansive and, if you are just approaching this game, you may be curious to learn more. Here are a few strategies to get started, build an education, and feel more confident next time that you are invited to play pool!

• Read Books: This may seem like an old-school option, but books often provide technical insights that you may not get from other sources.
• Watch Professionals: Observing expert matches, via recorded tournaments or live streams, helps you better understand strategies when these are put into practice!
• Join a Club: if you are looking to build your skills, playing online is a great starting point. You can also join a club to make social collections and learn from others—face-to-face or virtually!
• Attend Tournaments: Even if you are just getting started, participating or even witnessing competition can help you hone your strategy and practice your moves in high-pressure scenarios!
• Try Different Tables: Try different tables and play styles to find the best match for your needs and expectations.

The best way to master pool is consistent practice, and an excellent resource for this is 247 Pool. This platform offers a range of playing options, from traditional games to trivia and educational content. Not only can you play online to hone your skills, but you can also learn more about the rich history of pool and the terminology around this game!

DISCLAIMER: The games on this website are using PLAY (fake) money. No payouts will be awarded, there are no "winnings", as all games represented by 247 Games LLC are free to play. Play strictly for fun.