Entity: BILLIARDS
Billiards is a popular cue sport involving hard balls driven with a cue on a cloth-covered table. It is played by two people, aiming to score points by hitting balls into pockets.
BILLIARDS
Etymology
The word 'billiard' may have originated from the French word 'billart' or 'billette', referring to a stick or mace, which evolved into the modern cue. Alternatively, it could have derived from the French word 'bille', meaning 'ball'.
Definition
Billiards is a cue sport played on a table covered in soft cloth, involving two players using a cue to drive balls into pockets, scoring points by hitting object balls with a cue ball.
Historical Context
Billiards has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, evolving from outdoor lawn games to indoor table games. It gained popularity among nobility and later became a common recreational activity.
Cultural Significance
Billiards is a widely recognized sport globally, with professional tournaments and leagues. It is often associated with social gatherings, bars, and clubs, serving as a form of entertainment and competition.
Related Concepts
Other cue sports related to billiards include snooker, pool, and carom billiards, each with its own set of rules and variations.
See Also
A cue sport played on an oblong table by driving small balls against one another or into pockets with a cue, scoring by causing a cue ball to hit object balls.