A Brief History of Pool Tables

At first, the balls were pushed through a wire gate into a wooden peg, just like croquet, but over time, players began using the sides of the tables to purposefully angle the balls into the gates, and eventually, holes or pockets replaced the wire gates.В By the mid-1700s, billiards had taken root as a popular game not only in France, but in England and its American colonies, as well.В  One can imagine the powdered wigs and long-tailed coats surrounding a billiards table sipping ale and English tea in Boston Harbor just before the famous "tea party."В  В 

Over time, the materials used for the rails on the sides of the tables evolved into highly-uniform substances that would produce a uniform rebound.В  From cloths stuffed with horsehair and rags to tightly-rolled cloths, technology marched on.В  Eventually, vulcanized rubber, which kept its shape regardless of temperature changes, was used for the side rails.В 

Technology and innovation also marked the development of the cue, or stick, that replaced the croquet-style billart used in early years.В  By the mid-1800s, chalk was used to provide additional friction, and leather tips were applied to the plain wood tips used previously.В  So Generals Grant and Sherman may have been chalking the tips of their cues as they pondered their next step against the rebels. В 

Nowadays,В pool tablesВ are made with Italian or Brazilian slate, and mahogany or other hard wood is used for a durable finish.В  The frame is usually made of poplar, which makes a strong and durable structure.В The rules of pool have evolved, just as have the tables, balls, and cues.В  Almost all tables are twice as long as they are wide, although they come in many different sizes.В  В 

Why have pool tables made for such a popular game through the centuries?В  You"ll probably have to answer that for yourself, but playing pool is a relaxing yet engaging activity.В  Where some games are based solely on luck, pool is based on both skill and foresight.В  Much like chess, success in pool depends on an ability to look into the future to project future events that are entirely predictable.В  Unlike chess, though, the player has to exhibit some physical prowess to send the ball in the exact direction he or she intends.В  The mixture makes the game enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

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