Billiards For Dummies, Or The Average Leisurely American
To understand the art of playing pool, one must first understand the origin of the popular leisure game
. Billiards, in its most primitive form, has been dated back as far as the 1400's.It is commonly said that billiards first originated with the French. Louis XI of France brought real grass in from his gardens to cover his tables for the sport.
Pool tables slowly evolved over time, using cloth, wood, cushions, slate, rubber, and finally felt to cover the "beds," or playing area. While it was later replaced, the first rubber-covered table was presented to Queen Victoria as a gift.
There are generally three different measurement categories of pool tables. Tables are typically 7-feet, 8-fee, or 9-feet in length.
The size of the table is completely left to the preference of the player. The pockets are typically made of leather or plastic, and in some cases lead to a ball-return trough inside the table.
There are common markings on the sides of the rails, which can be used as guides for shots. They are called "sights," or "diamonds." Six, along each rail, is the standard setup.
The equipment used for the game consists of cue sticks (long tapered instruments used for shooting), and balls, which when sunk properly in a pocket, score you a point.
There are two types of playing balls: solids, and stripes. They are marked with numbers, one through fifteen, alternating in pattern, with one plain white ball for the shooter's purpose.
The balls are then placed into a rack, which forms them and creates their placement. Opponents are now ready to "break" the formation, and begin the game!
When it is time to take your shot, stand close to the table, with your feet at least shoulder-length apart. Hold the cue stick with the thick end in your right hand, and the thin tip placed comfortably within the crease of your thumb and forefinger.
Feel free to slide the stick back and forth within the crease until it feels comfortable. You are now ready to aim, pull back, and fire the white ball in the direction of its colored comrades.
Don't worry if none of your balls sink into the table's pockets. You will have plenty of chances to score future points.
However, if you are lucky enough to sink a ball, take note of whether it is striped or solid. For the rest of the game, those balls will be designated yours.
Alternating turns with your opponent, carefully set up your shots and skillfully position your respective balls into their waiting pockets. Remember, when you sink a point, you get to go again!
The typical gentleman may not flaunt his small victories, but feel free. A little gloating never hurt the friendly sense of billiard competition.
Beware the common pitfalls that come to the hasty player. You are too astute to fall prey to them this early in the game.
The most common pool mistakes fall into three categories: "scratching" the white cue ball, placing your opponent's ball into a pocket, and sinking the eight ball before the game is coming to a close.
The first, scratching the white cue ball, is a common mistake for beginners, and those who don't properly set up their shots. The cost is the removal of an already point-worthy ball, along with personal humiliation.
The second, accidentally dropping your opponents ball into a pocket, is merely a frustration, and will put a smile on your competitor's face. Perhaps you could pretend you did it on purpose, out of charity.
The third, sinking the dreaded eight ball too early in the game, is a deadly mistake. The eight ball is typically saved to be a player's last shot; sunk too early, it gives your opponent an instant victory.
Fear not, novice player; knowing these pitfalls beforehand will prepare you to avoid them when the time for competition comes. The calculated player is the victorious player, or "hustler."
For more billiard training and examples, there are a few movies you might want to add to your Netflix cue: "The Hustler (1961)," starring Paul Newman, is an excellent demonstration of skill.
"The Color of Money (1986)" will leave you feeling ready for any billiards competition. Another classic for the pool-loving movie watcher would be James Coburn's "The Baltimore Bullet (1980)."
With these simple instructions, you are ready to play the cheeky game of billiards. All you need now is a cue stick, a little blue chalk, and the confidence to be a champion.
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