The game of billiards is played on a billiards table. Billiard's origin is uncertain, but there are a few documents to back up the fact that in the mid to late 1300's it was played by the kings and rich people in Europa. The name comes from the French word “bille” (“piece of wood”, “curved stick”).
Although at the beginning it was played outside, for unknown reasons it became an indoor activity. By the mid 1700's the passion for the game was spread all over the world. That led to an increased demand for quality and improvements. One of the most dramatical transformations of the game took place in the 1800's when the mace was replaced with the billiard cue (the leather tip will be later added to the cue).
The billiard tables hadn't changed much before the 1800's. John Thurston added a 2-inch slate bed to the table (slate was the choice, because marble was far too expensive). As a result, the playing surface became smoother and the whole table was harder to build. Also in the 1800's the quality of the cushions drastically increased as they started being produced of vulcanized rubber.
Two names had a major impact in American billiard history:
John M. Brunswick – for more than 150 years, the billiard tables made by his company were without competition.
Michael Phelan - also known as “the Father of American Billiards”. He wrote the first book dedicated to billiards. For more than 20 years he published a monthly periodical about billiards. He devoted all his talents as a player, businessman, writer and inventor to the purpose of promoting billiards.
There are different types of billiard tables, made by various companies. When you want to buy one, you have to think of several things: how much money can you afford to pay for it, what size do you need, why do you want to buy it -for fun or for practice, and what design do you want.
Billiard tables for sale
If you don't have enough money for a new one, you can check for “billiard tables for sale” in the local newspaper or on the Internet. You may pay half of the normal price for them and they are delivered along with all the needed accessories (cue sticks, chalk, balls, cloth etc) and they also have a guarantee.
A good bargain: Olio billiard tables
There are several reasons for this low price: some of the discount billiard tables have been already used; others don't have a fashionable design anymore. You can also get a discount price if you buy a little known brand or if they are produced in Asia (for example Olio billiard tables have a low price, although the quality is good - because being produced in Taiwan the manufacturing prices are not high).
Gandy billiard tables
Also you can obtain a good price for the products of a company which doesn't exist anymore or went into bankruptcy. This is the case with Gandy billiard tables. The tables were made of 100% solid hardwood, with a “super frame” construction. They had a high quality, but couldn't be price competitive anymore. The managers and employees from Gandy have established a new company in 2000 -“American Heirloom”- near Atlanta, very close to the old location of the Gandy company.
If you are not a professional, one of these options could be the solution to achieve your hobby, without spending huge amounts of money.
