The question of who invented pool billiards can be very inaccurate and often misleading. The word “billiard” is mainly derived from the French word ‘Bille” meaning a ball. For the most part, billiards was played as mainly an out door lawn game, much like modern golf or croquet, in Northern Europe during the 15th century. Even though, the French gave new meaning and life to the game, and popularized it, they cannot claim to have invented it.
Actual evidence of billiards was first found in the 1470 library of King Louis XI of France in the form of a game board. Although the game originated from a lawn game and matured into a table top game many billiard historians find it difficult to trace the actual lineage of the game. Whether it was played for entertainment, social or religious aspects in ancient times is still a debate among most historians.
Billiards soon went from the outdoor to indoor games and became extremely popular among the french nobles in the mid 15th century. This game was especially popular by all types of people because it allowed a level playing field for competitors regardless of physical ability, which many women enjoyed during this time. Soon, billiards acquired its status as a scientific game with precisely designed equipment, manufacturing custom built tables and standardized rules.
Some historians say that Captain Minguard invented a leather pool grip for protection of the cue which assisted in the pin point accuracy of the game. By 1850’s, billiards spread through most of the globe and was soon found in many homes and billiards halls throughout the United States. Although the question of who invented pool billiards may not definitely answered, it can be assumed that it provided just as much enjoyment to all generations.