We are unable even to state when or where the game was born. The French word "Bille", meaning a ball, could provide the first syllable of the word "Billiards". Charles Cotton, author of "The Complete Gamester" in 1674 suggests both Spain and Italy.

   -  Origins - Ground Billiards
   -  Port and King Billiards
   -  The sub-families of Billiards
   -  Billiards in the USA
   -  Women in billiards

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To prevent damage to the balls as a result of striking the rim of the table, the rim was upholstered with layers of felt. This then formed the earliest form of "cushion".

   -  Billiard Equipment Development
   -  Things to Never Do with Any Cue

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   -  General Billiards Rules
   -  Standardized 9-ball Rules

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In billiards, as in any other sport, the ability to do the spectacular comes only after one has practiced and mastered the basic fundamentals of the game. What separates the good from the great is often more a matter of the time one has devoted to mastering the basics, than due to major differences in athletic ability.

   -  Stance
   -  Grip
   -  Bridges
   -  Stroke
   -  Dominant Eye

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