At first
Many people think that the game of billiards began in the Middle Ages. Billiards was originally played outdoors on grass. It developed from a lawn game similar to croquet that is played in northern Europe. People started playing indoors and used a green surface to give the feel of grass. A border was placed around the edges to contain the game. The players used a “mace” which was a large wooden staff with a large head at one end. This instrument was used to push, rather than hit the ball. Almost all of our data regarding early billiards comes from gaming accounts of royalty and other nobles, however there is information that people from all parts of society have enjoyed the game since its inception. By 1600, this sport was so common that Shakespeare discussed it in Antony and Cleopatra.
The times they Are a changing
The current pool cue that you play pool with these days has gradually evolved from an instrument that looked much more like a golf club. The need for change arose when the players found themselves with the ball against the side of the railing. The massive rear end of the club would not allow the player to hit the ball directly, so they would use the tail of the club which was narrow to hit the ball. The term “cue” is derived from “tail”, the French word for tail. The continued use of this style of shooting resulted in the footless cleat we use today.
Billiard cues today
Billiard cues were made in two sections in the early 1800s. The top of a cleat is described as the shaft, while the bottom section is known as the butt. Most pool cue shafts are made from Canadian maple, while other types are made from holly or ash. Some billiard cue manufacturers have chosen to wrap their shafts in graphite or fiberglass. The shaft of the cue is normally completed with a point. Every year new ideas come to the market for the construction of the tip. It is usually designed with various types of leather and amalgamated substances. Tips vary in densities from soft to hard. Signs are not always for play, some are strictly collectible and can demand values of tens of thousands of dollars for the material they are made from and their excellent workmanship. Modern technologies will undoubtedly continue to drive the efficiency and evolution of billiard cues in the future.
