What is English billiards and how does it combine elements of other cue sports?

English billiards is a cue sport that merges the disciplines of carom billiards and pool. It is played on a table similar in size to a snooker table and involves using two cue balls (one white, one yellow) and a red object ball. Points are scored by executing cannons (hitting both other balls with the cue ball) and by pocketing the balls.

What are the three balls used in English billiards and how are they designated for players?

English billiards uses three balls: one white, one yellow, and one red. The white ball serves as the cue ball for Player 1 and an object ball for Player 2. The yellow ball is the cue ball for Player 2 and an object ball for Player 1. The red ball is an object ball for both players. Historically, the second cue ball was a white ball with spots.

Where did English billiards originate and what were its predecessor games?

English billiards originated in England and was initially known as the 'winning and losing carambole game.' It evolved from three predecessor games: 'the winning game,' 'the losing game,' and an early form of carom billiards.

What was the 'winning game' in the context of English billiards' origins?

The 'winning game' was a 12-point contest played with two white balls. The player who could strike a ball to rest nearest the opposite cushion without touching it earned the initial right to shoot for points. This is the origin of the modern practice of 'stringing' or 'lagging' to determine who shoots first.

How did scoring for pocketing balls and fouls work in the early 'winning game'?

In the early 'winning game,' pocketing the opponent's ball awarded two points, similar to modern billiards. However, fouls had varied point penalties: missing the opponent's ball added one point to the opponent's score, pocketing one's own ball after hitting the opponent's ball resulted in a concession of two points, and pocketing the cue ball without hitting the opponent's ball meant conceding three points. These specific foul point rules persisted in English billiards until 1983.

What was the 'losing game' and how did it contribute to English billiards?

The 'losing game' was a predecessor where players could only score two points by pocketing their cue ball through a carom off the opponent's ball. Terms like 'winning hazard' and 'losing hazard,' which refer to pocketing a ball and 'in-off' respectively, are still used in the official rules and originate from these earlier games.

How did carom billiards influence the development of English billiards?

Carom billiards, popular in Continental Europe, particularly France, contributed the 'cannon' or 'carom' shot to English billiards. This game involved two white cue balls and a red object ball, played without pockets. The adoption of the red ball into the English game, which retained pockets, allowed for scoring points by cannoning off both the red and the opponent's ball in a single shot.

What role did French billiard tables play in the spread of carom billiards in England?

French billiard tables became popular in English coffee houses during the 18th century. The presence of these tables facilitated the introduction and adoption of elements from French carom billiards, including the red object ball, into the developing English game.

When did English billiards, as a combined game, emerge, and what equipment change occurred?

The three ancestral games had their peak popularity in the 1770s, and by approximately 1800, they had combined into English billiards, typically with a 16-point score total. The increasing skill required for these games led to the phasing out of the 'billiard mace' in favor of the cue stick.

What cue sports games are directly descended from English billiards?

Several pocket billiard games are directly descended from English billiards. These include bull dog, scratch pool, thirty-one pool, and thirty-eight pool. The game of thirty-eight pool, in turn, gave rise to the more widely known game called cowboy pool.

How and when did English billiards gain popularity in the United States?

English billiards was largely unknown in the United States until 1913, when Melbourn Inman visited and played against Willie Hoppe. By 1915, the game had become quite popular, leading American billiard hall owners to increase the number of English-style tables in their establishments.

Who was Walter Lindrum and what was his significance in English billiards?

Walter Lindrum was an Australian player who held the World Professional Billiards Championship title for an extended period, from 1933 until his retirement in 1950. His long reign highlights the game's popularity in former British colonies.

What is the current status of English billiards' popularity in the UK?

While English billiards remains popular in the UK, its prominence has been largely overshadowed by snooker. It also faces competition from the rise of English-style eight-ball pool. However, it retains some popularity among snooker players who use the same equipment for practice and ball control.

When was the first governing body for English billiards established, and what was its name?

The first governing body for English billiards, named the Billiards Association, was formed in the UK in 1885. This period saw the establishment of numerous sporting bodies across the British sporting world.

What is the Billiards Association and Control Council (BACC)?

The Billiards Association and Control Council (BACC) became the principal sanctioning body for English billiards by the mid-20th century. It was formed in 1919 through the amalgamation of the Billiards Association and the Billiards Control Club, which had been founded in 1908.

How were championship titles typically decided in English billiards before organized tournaments?

Before the first organized professional tournament in 1870, English billiards champions were determined through 'challenge matches.' A player would issue a challenge to the reigning champion, often accompanied by stake money held by a third party.

Who was Jonathan Kentfield and what is his significance in the history of English billiards champions?

Jonathan Kentfield was the first recorded English billiards champion, holding the title from 1820 to 1849. He lost his title after refusing a challenge from John Roberts Sr.

Who were some of the notable English billiards champions from 1870 to 1983?

Notable champions during this period included William Cook, John Roberts Jr., Joseph Bennett, Charles Dawson, H. W. Stevenson, Melbourne Inman, Willie Smith, Tom Newman, Joe Davis, Walter Lindrum, Clark McConachy, Rex Williams, and Fred Davis. Walter Lindrum had a particularly long reign from 1933 to 1950.

When was the Women's Billiard Association formed, and who was one of its founders?

A 'Women's Billiard Association' was established in Britain in 1931. One of its founders was Teresa Billington-Greig, a prominent suffragette who was married to a billiard ball manufacturer at the time.

What are the dimensions and specifications of the balls used in English billiards?

The three balls used in English billiards are the same size as snooker balls, measuring 52.5 mm in diameter with a tolerance of 0.05 mm. They must also weigh the same within a set, with a tolerance of 0.5 grams.

What are the standard dimensions of a tournament-sized English billiards table?

A standard tournament English billiards table has a playing area measuring 11 feet 8 inches by 5 feet 10 inches (3.569 meters by 1.778 meters), with a tolerance of half an inch in both directions. Smaller tables are also commonly found in pubs and homes.

How is the starting player determined in English billiards?

The starting player is determined by a 'lag,' where both players simultaneously strike a cue ball up the table. The ball must hit the top cushion and return to rest near the baulk cushion. The player whose ball stops closest to the baulk cushion wins the lag and can choose to break or let the opponent break.

Where is the red ball placed at the beginning of an English billiards game?

At the start of an English billiards game, the red ball is placed on the 'spot' at the top of the table, which is the same location as the black spot in snooker.

What are the point values for a 'cannon' shot in English billiards?

A 'cannon' shot, which involves striking the cue ball so it hits both the other cue ball and the red ball in any order on the same shot, is worth 2 points.

Explain the scoring for 'winning hazards' in English billiards.

A 'winning hazard,' also known as potting a ball, scores points based on which ball is pocketed. Pocketing the red ball earns 3 points, while pocketing the opponent's cue ball earns 2 points. These points are awarded when the striker's cue ball legally contacts another ball and causes either the red or the opponent's cue ball to be pocketed.

What is a 'losing hazard' (or 'in-off') and how is it scored?

A 'losing hazard,' or 'in-off' in snooker terminology, occurs when the striker's cue ball hits another ball and then proceeds to be pocketed into a pocket. If the red ball is hit first, it scores 3 points. If the opponent's cue ball is hit first, it scores 2 points. If both balls are hit simultaneously, it also scores 2 points.

What is the maximum number of points that can be scored on a single shot in English billiards?

The maximum score achievable in a single shot in English billiards is 10 points. This is accomplished by executing a cannon (2 points), potting the red ball first (3 points), and then potting one's own cue ball (losing hazard, 2 points), totaling 7 points. However, the text states the maximum is 10, implying a more complex combination or a misunderstanding in my interpretation. Re-reading: 'The most that can be scored in a single shot is therefore 10 – the red and the other cue ball are both potted via a cannon (the red must be struck first), and the cue ball is also potted, making a losing hazard off the red.' This implies a cannon (2) + potting red (3) + potting opponent's cue ball (2) + potting own cue ball (losing hazard off red, 3) = 10 points. This is a complex sequence.

How is the winner of an English billiards match typically determined?

The winner of an English billiards match is determined in one of two ways: either by reaching a predetermined number of points set at the beginning of the game, or by having the higher score when a timed game concludes.

What happens to the red ball when it is pocketed in English billiards?

When the red ball is pocketed, it is 'respotted' back onto the spot at the top of the table. If the red ball is pocketed twice in a row from this spot without an intervening cannon or losing hazard, it is then respotted on the middle spot. If the middle spot is occupied, it goes to the pyramid spot, and if that is also occupied, it returns to the top spot.

What is the rule regarding playing from 'in-hand' after a losing hazard?

After a losing hazard (where the cue ball is pocketed), play continues with the striker playing 'in-hand' from within the 'D' area. When playing from in-hand, the striker must ensure their cue ball crosses the baulk line and hits a cushion out of baulk before striking any ball within the baulk area.

What constitutes a 'miss' in English billiards, and what is the penalty?

A 'miss' occurs if a player, while playing in-hand, fails to make contact with any object ball or cushion out of baulk before striking a ball within baulk. When this happens, two points are awarded to the opponent, and the opponent must play from where the balls have come to rest.

What happens when an opponent's cue ball is pocketed in English billiards?

If an opponent's cue ball is pocketed, it remains off the table. It is returned to the opponent when it is their turn to play, and they can then play it 'in-hand' from the 'D'.

Describe the exception to the rule regarding a pocketed opponent's cue ball.

There is an exception if the non-striker's ball is off the table due to the final shot of their last turn. If the current striker then makes 15 consecutive hazards, the non-striker's ball is spotted after the fifteenth hazard. It is placed on the middle of the baulk line, or the right-hand corner of the 'D' if the middle spot is occupied. This becomes a 'line ball' and cannot be played directly from baulk.

What is the procedure if the cue ball is touching an object ball at the start of a shot?

If the cue ball is touching an object ball, the balls must be respotted before the shot is taken. The red ball is placed on its designated spot, and the opponent's cue ball is placed in the center of the 'D'. The striker then plays from in-hand.

What is a specific rule for professional matches regarding breaks?

Under professional regulations, players are required to execute a shot in a way that their cue ball crosses the baulk line towards the baulk cushion at least once within every 100 points scored in a continuous break. This rule is enforced once between the 80th and 99th point of a running break.

What is the penalty for committing a foul in English billiards?

When a foul occurs in English billiards, two points are awarded to the opposing player. The opponent then has the choice of either playing the balls from where they lie or having them respotted.

List several common ways a foul can be committed in English billiards.

Common fouls include striking the opponent's cue ball or the red object ball incorrectly, causing any ball to jump off the table, failing to make contact with at least one object ball (unless double baulked), executing a double-hit or push shot, jumping the cue ball over an object ball, playing a 16th consecutive hazard or a 76th consecutive cannon, or, when playing in-hand, failing to hit an object ball or cushion out of baulk before striking a ball in baulk.

How did the game of English billiards evolve from earlier cue sports?

English billiards evolved by combining elements from the 'winning game,' the 'losing game,' and carom billiards. It adopted the objective of pocketing balls from pool and the carom shot from carom billiards, while retaining the use of pockets and incorporating a red object ball.

What is the significance of the term 'cannon' in English billiards?

A 'cannon' is a scoring shot in English billiards where the cue ball strikes both the opponent's cue ball and the red object ball in a single stroke, earning 2 points. This shot is a fundamental part of the game's scoring system.

What is the difference between a 'winning hazard' and a 'losing hazard' in English billiards?

A 'winning hazard' occurs when the striker's cue ball hits another ball and pockets either the red ball (3 points) or the opponent's cue ball (2 points). A 'losing hazard' (or 'in-off') occurs when the striker's cue ball hits another ball and is then pocketed itself, scoring 3 points if the red was hit first and 2 points if the opponent's cue ball was hit first.

How has the introduction of snooker and pool affected the popularity of English billiards?

Over the 20th century, snooker and English-style eight-ball pool have largely surpassed English billiards in popularity in the United Kingdom. Despite this, English billiards is still played and practiced by snooker players due to the shared equipment and its benefits for developing ball control.

What is the role of the 'baulk line' and the 'D' in English billiards?

The baulk line is a line marked on the table, and the 'D' is a semi-circular area marked behind it. These are important areas for starting the game and playing shots 'in-hand,' particularly concerning rules about crossing the baulk line and making contact with balls outside the baulk area.

English Billiards Wiki: The Strategic Depths of English Billiards: A Masterclass in Cue Sport

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Historical Evolution

Origins and Antecedents

English billiards, often simply referred to as "billiards" in the United Kingdom and former British Commonwealth nations, emerged as a synthesis of earlier cue sports. Its lineage traces back to games like "the winning game," "the losing game," and an early form of carom billiards. Initially known as the "winning and losing carambole game," it consolidated these distinct mechanics into a singular, complex discipline.

Rule Evolution

The game's scoring and foul system has undergone significant refinement. Early iterations incorporated distinct points for various outcomes, such as pocketing the opponent's ball (2 points) or committing a foul (adding points to the opponent's score). The introduction of the red object ball, borrowed from Continental carom billiards, added another layer of strategic complexity, allowing for cannons (striking both other balls) and combined scoring opportunities. A notable rule change in 1983 standardized all fouls to two points.

Transition and Standardization

The development of the cue stick gradually replaced the mace, facilitating more precise play. By approximately 1800, the amalgamation of its precursor games had solidified into the form of English billiards we recognize today, typically with a 16-point total. The game's popularity spread to British colonies and the United States, though it was eventually eclipsed in the UK by snooker and pool.

Governance and Champions

Formal organization began with the establishment of the Billiards Association in 1885, followed by the Billiards Association and Control Council. Championship titles were historically decided through challenge matches, a practice that persisted until the mid-20th century. Notable figures like Jonathan Kentfield, John Roberts Sr. and Jr., and Walter Lindrum represent significant eras in the sport's competitive history.

The Mechanics of Play

The Equipment

The game utilizes three balls: one white cue ball for Player 1 (and an object ball for Player 2), one yellow cue ball for Player 2 (and an object ball for Player 1), and a red object ball for both players. These balls are identical in size and weight to snooker balls (52.5 mm diameter, with strict weight tolerances). The playing surface is a standard tournament-sized billiard table, identical in dimensions to a snooker table (11 ft 8 in x 5 ft 10 in).

Beginning the Game

The game commences with a "lag" procedure to determine the first player. Both players simultaneously strike their cue ball towards the top cushion, aiming for it to return and stop nearest the baulk cushion. The winner of the lag chooses their cue ball and decides whether to break or let the opponent break. The red ball is placed on the designated "spot" (equivalent to snooker's black spot), and the first player plays "in-hand" from the "D" area behind the baulk line.

Scoring System

Points are awarded for specific successful shots:

Cannon: Striking the cue ball to hit both the opponent's cue ball and the red ball (2 points).
Winning Hazard (Pot): Pocketing the red ball after striking it (3 points), or pocketing the opponent's cue ball after striking it (2 points).
Losing Hazard (In-off): Pocketing one's own cue ball after striking another ball. This scores 3 points if the red was struck first, or 2 points if the opponent's cue ball was struck first. If both are struck simultaneously, it scores 2 points.

Combinations are possible, with a maximum of 10 points achievable in a single stroke.

Game Progression and Nuances

When the red ball is pocketed, it is "respotted" on the top spot. If the red is potted twice consecutively from the top spot, it is respotted on the middle spot, and subsequently the pyramid spot if necessary. When playing "in-hand" from the "D," a player must ensure their cue ball crosses the baulk line or contacts a cushion before striking a ball within the baulk area. Specific rules govern consecutive hazards (limited to 15) and cannons (limited to 76) to prevent excessive repetition.

Fouls and Penalties

A foul results in two points being awarded to the opponent, who then has the option to play from the current ball positions or have them respotted. Common fouls include:

Striking the incorrect ball.
Causing any ball to leave the table.
Failing to strike any object ball (unless double-baulked).
Executing a double-hit or push shot.
Jumping the cue ball over an object ball.
Exceeding the consecutive hazard or cannon limits.
Improper play when in-hand from the "D".

Further Exploration

Related Disciplines

English billiards shares a common ancestry and equipment with other cue sports, notably snooker and various forms of pool. Understanding its historical context also involves appreciating the evolution of carom billiards, particularly its influence on scoring and shot-making.

Governing Bodies and Resources

The sport is overseen by organizations such as the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF). Official rules and competition results are maintained by these bodies, providing comprehensive resources for players and enthusiasts.

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References

Kumar 2000, p. 101

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not encompass the entirety of current knowledge or practice. It is not intended as a substitute for professional guidance.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified experts in cue sports, rules interpretation, or historical research. Always refer to official rulebooks and consult with experienced players or governing bodies for definitive clarification.

The creators of this page assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

The Strategic Depths of English Billiards

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Evolution 📜

🌱 Origins and Antecedents

⚖️ Rule Evolution

➡️ Transition and Standardization

🏛️ Governance and Champions

The Mechanics of Play ⚖️

⚪🟡🔴 The Equipment

▶️ Beginning the Game

💯 Scoring System

⚙️ Game Progression and Nuances

❌ Fouls and Penalties

Further Exploration 🔗

📚 Related Disciplines

🌐 Governing Bodies and Resources

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Evolution

Origins and Antecedents

Rule Evolution

Transition and Standardization

Governance and Champions

The Mechanics of Play

The Equipment

Beginning the Game

Scoring System

Game Progression and Nuances

Fouls and Penalties

Further Exploration

Related Disciplines

Governing Bodies and Resources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice