English Billiards
English Billiards is a cue sport that originated in Great Britain where it is also simply referred to as Billiards.
The sport is played on a table that is of the same size as a snooker table, measuring 11'8" X 5'10", with six pockets around the table. A total of three balls are required, one cue ball for each player, and a red object ball.
At the start of a game, a play called "string", is used to decide which player gets to play first. Then players take turns to make shots and score points. Points are awarded for the following plays :
- Cannon: Hits the other cue ball and the object ball in any order in a single shot, carries 2 points.
- Potting: Pocket the red ball and other cue ball for points 3 and 2 points respectively.
- In-off: Pocket the cue ball, after the object ball or other cue ball is struck first, for 3 and 2 points respectively.
pool hallMultiple plays can be combined in a single shot to score a maximum of 10 points in one single play. A match is played for a fixed number of points, usually 300, and the player to reach it is the winner.
Similar Sports
- Snooker — played on a table with six pockets. It is played using a cue and 22 snooker balls: one white cue ball, 15 red balls and six balls of different colors. Points are awarded for using the cue ball to pot the red and colored balls.
- Footpool — novelty version of billiards using an oversized table and soccer balls.
- See Cue Sports (general)
Related Pages
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events