When people in the U.S. say “billiards,” they usually mean pool. But did you know that there are different types of billiard games around the world? Some you’ve probably never even tried — or maybe never even heard of.
So, when was billiard created? Most historians agree that the earliest form of billiards originated in Europe during the 15th century. It actually started as an outdoor lawn game, similar to croquet. Over time, the game moved indoors, and it was played on wooden tables covered with green cloth to simulate grass.
The first billiard table is believed to have appeared in France sometime during the reign of King Louis XI. Back then, the cue stick didn’t even exist — players used a mace (a long stick with a big head) to push balls around.
The name itself is thought to have originated from the French word billart (stick) or bille (ball). That’s where billiards comes from — and over the centuries, the game evolved into different styles depending on where you played it.
In the U.S., pool is king. When someone Googles “pool near me” or “billiards near me”, they’re usually looking for a classic American-style game — most likely 8-ball, 9-ball, or 10-ball. These are the most common types of billiard variations played in bars and pool halls across the country.
Unlike other forms of billiards, pool tables are standardized and usually come in two sizes: full-size or bar tables. At Peaky Sticks, for example, we play on professional 9-foot tables — slightly larger than standard bar tables — giving players more room to maneuver, strategize, and show off their skills.
By the way, if you’re curious, billiard balls used to be made of ivory, but now they’re made of phenolic resin, which is stronger and holds its shape better.
Here’s where the fun begins. If you’re from the US, you’ve probably never played pyramid, also known as Russian billiards. This type of billiards is very popular in Eastern Europe, but is almost unknown in most American cities. In a pyramid, all the balls are the same size and color, and the pockets are much smaller than in a regular pool. Because of this, the game requires much more precision and accuracy.
There are three main types of the game: free pyramid, dynamic pyramid, and combined pyramid. Each has its own rules and nuances, but they all require serious cue control and real technique. In the US, only about 5% of players dare to switch from pool to pyramid. It is so different—and so much more challenging.
Pool, as we know it, evolved from English billiards in the 19th century. The first table specifically for the pool appeared in the US in the early 1800s. Americans remade the game for themselves – made it simpler, more dynamic, and accessible. Although billiards was once a game for the aristocracy, pool is 100% American entertainment.
It is a game that we see in bars, clubs, and places like Peaky Sticks, where the tables are professional-grade, the balls roll perfectly, and the atmosphere is always at its best.
Whether you prefer American pool or want to explore something more advanced, like pyramid, knowing the roots and rules of each game adds depth to your experience. For enthusiasts like me, that’s what makes billiards more than just a pastime — it’s a craft.
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