When you wander into a game hall or a bar and head for the nearest game table, do you know the name of the game that you are playing? The difference between pool and billiards is something that is debated all over the United States, and the evolution of the game makes the nature of the question itself elusive.
Billiards is not actually a single game, but a collection of games played on a cloth covered table. The word “pool" comes from a 19th century betting hall or pool hall. People gathered in one place to bet on horse races. Betting pools were established, and eventually billiards tables were added to help pass the time, and to add to the betting. These games, known as pocket billiards, evolved into what we now call pool.
The most commonly played types of pool are the games of eight ball and nine ball. Eight ball is played with a total of fifteen balls plus the cue balls. The goal is to be the first to hit your target balls (seven striped balls or seven solids) into the various pockets by hitting them with the white cue ball, and then to “sink" the black eight ball. Sinking the eight ball before you sink your seven causes you to lose the game.
Nine ball is played with only the first nine balls and the cue ball. During game play, the cue ball is struck, with the cue stick. The goal is to use the cue ball to strike the lowest numbered ball and sink it if possible. The first player to legally sink the nine ball, either by sinking all of the lower numbered balls first or by striking a lower numbered ball and then knocking the nine ball into a pocket.
Billiards without pockets is known as carom. The games are played with three balls: one target ball and two cue balls. The goal is generally to accumulate points by using your cue ball to hit both of the other balls on the table. Variations of carom billiards introduce other goals to the table, and additional challenges as well.
Another variation of note is that in England, billiards is usually played with a collection of seven red and seven yellow balls in addition to the black eight ball, instead of colored and striped balls. While shots in the United States are “called", shots in England cannot be called because the balls of one color are indistinguishable. These games, known as British Pool, should not be confused with English Billiards.
No matter what kind of billiards you like to play, there is something intoxicating about the crack of the balls knocking together and the angles of a perfectly executed shot. The game of pool, remaining true to its roots, is often bet upon to increase the excitement. For many players, though, the thrill of the game is exciting enough.
Enjoy, Pool Sharks Team