English billiards is a very specific game played on an eight-ball table. Similar to pool, it’s a challenging but accessible game. It has similar rules as pool and can be learned in no time. So if you are looking for some exciting games to play with your friends, this is it!
In case you don’t know already, the English name for this table billiards originates from the British Army which used this table for training soldiers in the 18th century. As you may have guessed by now, that’s where the name “English billiards” comes from.
Many people mistakenly think that English billiards is similar to snooker. While the two share certain commonalities, like being played on an eight-ball table and having similar scoring systems, they are actually different games altogether.
This article will explain all you need to know about English billiards rules so that next time you play a game of this strategic board game nobody will get confused!
How Do You Score English Billiards?
The most important part of this game is the scoring system. Similar to pool, English billiards has a triangle-shaped rack of balls with one-ball sides and two-ball sides. The object of the game is to pocket balls in order to score points for yourself and your team. The player who pockets the 8-ball on their last turn wins the game and gets an additional point.
Another important aspect of this game is that it’s played with eight-balls, meaning there are no jacks or queens in this game!
What Is a Golden Break in English Billiards?
A golden break is the most important part of English billiards. When a player wins two consecutive shots with the same number of balls remaining in the pack, this is called a golden break. Although this happens only in some situations, you can still make it happen by playing your games strategically.
When a player wins two consecutive shots with the same number of balls remaining in the pack, this is called a golden break.
As you may have guessed by now, that’s where the name “English billiards” comes from: it originated from when soldiers used it for training purposes. The game has been around since 1745 and was originally known as British army billiards which then became English army billiards and finally became English billiards. Billiard games were popularized during the 1800s because they were often played on picnic grounds and served as an inexpensive pastime for soldiers during their downtime. In 1801, British generals created a set of rules to standardize these games which would later evolve into modern-day pool and snooker games.
What Is a Free Ball in English Billiards?
One of the most important rules in English billiards is that a player can only pocket one ball per turn. So, when you have a shot at the 8-ball and there are no other balls on the table, you pocket it. If there is an opponent’s ball in your way, you push it away with your cue stick.
A free ball happens when you knock the 8-ball into another ball from the top of the table or from below. This counts as your first shot of a new turn and gives you another chance to break out in front of your opponent.
Typically, if an opponent makes a mistake during their turn, they are given a free ball.
This article will explain more about this rule and how to play English billiards!
Can You Shoot Backwards in English Billiards?
Yes, you can! English billiards is unique because you can shoot in both directions. This idea actually stems from the British Army’s use of this table as a training tool. Soldiers needed to be able to play from both sides and make quick turns so they could react swiftly.
When it comes to shooting, there are many different rules you have to understand before playing. In contrast to pool, where everyone shoots in the same direction, English billiards has two playing areas on each side of the table.
One area is called the “back” and players need to use a cue ball that is either black or red in color. (The other area is called the “forward” and it’s made up of three balls; they are green, yellow, and blue.) The player who shoots first will have one ball go in one of these areas while the second player will have their opponent choose which area their next shot goes into. After that first shot, whoever chooses where their next shot goes will then choose which area their opponent’s next shot goes into. This pattern continues until all nine balls have been potted!
