Billiards
Overview
Billiards (撞球, billiards) is an indoor ball sport in which a long stick called a cue is used to strike balls on a billiard table to hit a target or another ball. In the narrow sense, it includes carom, in which points are scored using cushions; in the broad sense, it also covers pocket billiards and snooker, in which balls are sunk into pockets. It is popular worldwide as a sport with no physical contact, few age or gender restrictions, and a brain sport that combines mathematical thinking and precise control.
Main Content
Origins and History
The origins of billiards are unclear. One theory is that similar games existed in ancient Egypt or China; another strong theory is that a ball game enjoyed on grass in 14th–15th century Europe moved indoors during cold winters and developed there. Initially, balls were rolled on wooden boards covered with soil or cloth, and in the 16th century a form similar to today's took hold in the French court. In the 19th century, plastic balls replacing celluloid and ivory appeared, and in the 20th century various associations and professional tours were organized mainly in the United States and Europe. The Union Mondiale de Billard (UMB) and others govern international rules.
Major Disciplines
- Carom (four-ball and three-ball): On a table without pockets, players score by hitting balls against cushions. In four-ball, a player must hit two object balls simultaneously with their own ball, while in three-cushion, the cue ball must contact cushions at least three times before touching the object ball.
- Pocket billiards (eight-ball, nine-ball, ten-ball): Players sink balls into six pockets to decide the winner. Eight-ball is popular, while nine-ball and ten-ball are often used in professional tournaments.
- Snooker: Played with 15 red balls and 6 colored balls, it is hugely popular in the UK, China, and Europe. It is characterized by high scores and strategy.
- Others: Three-ball, four-ball, three-cushion, artistic (trick shots), etc.
Equipment and Facilities
Billiard tables are made by covering slate with cloth and attaching cushions and pockets. Cues are made of wood (such as maple), with a cue tip attached at the end and chalk applied to increase friction. Balls differ in size and weight by discipline, and specialized equipment such as break cues and jump cues is also used. Lighting is arranged to avoid shadows, and indoor humidity and temperature also affect ball movement.
Competition Format and Terminology
Matches are usually played in sets or innings. Major terms include inning, average (average score), high run (highest consecutive score in one inning), bank shot (a shot using cushions), masse (a technique that applies spin to the ball), and draw shots, follow shots, cut shots, side-rail shots, front-rail shots, large turns, reverse turns, etc. In three-cushion, theoretical systems such as five-and-half, ball system, and plus system have developed, so mathematical calculation ability decides victory.
Billiards in Korea
Billiards is known to have entered Korea in the early 20th century, and for a long time four-ball was popularized around neighborhood billiard halls. Later, as the three-cushion population grew rapidly, Korea established itself as a world power in three-cushion. In 2019, the Professional Billiards Association (PBA) was launched and the LPBA Tour was held alongside it, greatly improving prize money and broadcasting conditions, and star players such as Cho Myung-hee, Seo Han-sol, and Kang Dong-gung gained public recognition. The number of billiard halls nationwide reaches tens of thousands, creating a structure in which recreational sports and professional sports coexist.
Recent Trends
In 2024–2025, the billiards world can be summarized by three major trends. First, the quantitative and qualitative growth of professional tours. PBA and LPBA are steadily increasing the number of tournaments and total prize money per season, and the leveling of skills among domestic and international players has made competition fiercer. Second, diversification of disciplines. In a domestic environment centered on three-cushion, interest in pocket billiards and snooker has grown, and the related club and youth player base is thickening. Third, changes in content and facilities. As billiards lessons and match highlights through YouTube and short-form platforms became popular, new entrants increased, and cafe-style and premium billiard halls, smart tables, match analysis applications, and online reservation systems spread. In addition, the participation rate of women has increased notably, and women-only leagues and instruction programs are on the rise; in international competitions, Korean players are consistently recording top-tier results in the three-cushion category.
Related Topics
- [[Carom]]
- [[Snooker]]
- [[Pocket billiards]]
- [[PBA]]
- [[Recreational sports]]