Pool Tables Have An Uncertain History

Pool Tables Have An Uncertain History

By:


The game of pool or pocket billiards as it is often referred to have a questionable past. There is no definite answer to the origin of pool tables. Some people believe that pool is derived from the game of croquet. However this cannot be proven.



This explanation may very well have some validity to it considering the similarities. Although croquet is played outdoors and pool or billiards is obviously played on tables there are some similarities. The most obvious of which is the colored balls. Secondly the game of croquet is played on a green field while the top of a pool table is typically covered in green felt.



In fact there are some pictures of King Louis XIV playing croquet on a table top. If you add bumpers and pockets to this simple game then you have a basic pool table. This would make sense, but unfortunately there is no documented proof.



It is known that European aristocracy played the pool. In fact Shakespeare even makes mention of Billiards in one of his plays. Eventually the game played by aristocracy was adapted by common folk. Once the game of pool became popular it was not long after that the first pool hustlers appeared.



When America was settled the first colonist brought over the game of pool with them. Many of our founding fathers were fans of the game of pool and many of them owned pool tables. Among the famous historic figures that enjoyed the game of pool are Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.



Eventually a pool table was installed in the White House. Since that time many of our Presidents have played pool at the white house. The fact that the first presidents enjoyed the game of pool supports the idea that the game was first played by aristocracy and upper class individuals.



The popularity of pool tables grew in the 'United States in the late 1800's as the popularity of pool increased so did the art of hustling. These men included such people as Willie Mosconi and Minnesota Fats. The game these men played differed from what is commonly played now-a-days.



The most popular version of the game played today is the game known as 8 ball. This game first became popular in the 1950's. Part of the reason the popularity of this version of pool was the fact that many of the tables available in public areas were a smaller table. The game of 8 ball is more conducive to the smaller tables.



The popularity of pool tables has grown greatly since the 1950's. Most bars now have at least one table. There are also billiard halls that are designed to provide many tables to those interested in playing. This game eventually became popular by women as well as men and now there are many professional pool players that are women.



Pool tables are no longer just meant for the ultra-rich or for public pool halls. There are now many retailers that sell pool tables intended for home play. There is a wide variety of pool tables available to the home owner, with many different finishes including some made with rare types of wood.

About the Author:
Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is interior design ideas, nursery furniture and side table.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Home-Improvement Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.