213 chapters
6 hour read
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213 chapters
INTRODUCTORY.
INTRODUCTORY.
Apart from its inviting to moderate and wholesome exercise, billiards, as popularly played, is pre-eminently a mental pastime. Nearly all its exponents of approved skill, whatever were the drawbacks of their youth, are intellectually quick and bright. This is due in some measure to the ready mathematical requirements of the play as a routine, but in a much greater degree to its taxing the eye, stimulating the fancy, and disciplining the mind by imposing watchfulness, invention, and analysis. Slo
2 minute read
HISTORICAL.
HISTORICAL.
Billiards was practically without beginning. As with untold other excellences, so with that. Until merit is established, curiosity as to origin rarely begins. When merit is acknowledged, it is too late to trace origin. “Let us to billiards, Charmion,” is one of Shakespeare’s many anachronisms. As introduced into “Antony and Cleopatra,” its significance is simply that the amusement was growing in favor at the English court in the time of Elizabeth, Shakespeare, and Mary, Queen of Scots, the last
6 minute read
HOW TO SELECT A TABLE.
HOW TO SELECT A TABLE.
Never attempt it. Rather consult with and rely upon reputable manufacturers. In this country there are the standard size, which is 5 × 10 feet, and the popular size, which is 4½ × 9. Experts use the former, and the latter is preferred in many public rooms and clubs, as well as in most private houses, in the last of which the 4 × 8 also often finds a place. Tables are of various styles and shapes, but mostly now without pockets, and with the broad rails at sides and ends beveled, ogee, or square.
10 minute read
MANUAL.
MANUAL.
In billiards first impressions form no inconsiderable bearing upon the future practice, and success depends, to a considerable extent, whether these impressions be good or bad, true or false. Too often one endeavoring to learn without the aid of an instructor falls into error through a misunderstanding of the first principles, or a disregard for them, in efforts to accomplish the desired ends, by means which at the moment appear the readiest, but are liable, in the majority of cases, to be at va
28 minute read
DIAGRAM OF STROKES.
DIAGRAM OF STROKES.
The fractional parts of the table are indicated by the figures ¼, ½ or ¾, and when employed are to be understood as directing that such force shall be imparted to the cue-ball as to carry it the distance denoted, either in excess or below the space traversed by the ball when struck with either of the five degrees of strength; thus ½ in excess of slow instructs the player to use such force as shall return the ball one-half the length of the table after contacting with the cushion. Diagram 1. —Cue
4 minute read
PLATE XIII. THE TABLE LAID OUT FOR THE SEVERAL GAMES.
PLATE XIII. THE TABLE LAID OUT FOR THE SEVERAL GAMES.
The letters A, B, C, D, and E, on the diagram opposite, show the position of the spots on the billiard-table. In placing them a line is drawn down the centre of the bed, from and to the middle nails or sights in the head and lower cushions; another line is then drawn from the centre sights in the side cushions, across the table, and where the lines intersect the spots are placed. The spot at A, being next the head of the table, is, in the American or four-ball game, the light red spot, and an im
2 minute read
PLATE XIV. THE OPENING STROKE.
PLATE XIV. THE OPENING STROKE.
The object of a good player is to keep the balls before him in such manner that every stroke when completed shall leave another to follow. Directions. —The cue-ball is placed about three inches from either side of the white spotted ball. In this diagram the left side is employed. When the stroke is perfectly made the course of the balls and position left, will approximate the dotted lines, and at the spots g , h , and d . With the ordinary player, perhaps, the success of the carom will alone be
1 minute read
PLATE XV. SIMPLE CAROMS.
PLATE XV. SIMPLE CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball centre, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.” Diagram 2. —Cue-ball centre, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.” Diagram 3. —Cue-ball centre, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, “ordinary.” Caroming on ball 2. Diagram 3. —Cue-ball centre, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, “hard.” Caroming on ball 3. Particular attention must be given to the different degrees of strength of stroke. It is necessary to learn these caroms thoroughly, as upon the principles involved in them depend, to a gr
36 minute read
PLATE XVI. DRAW AND FOLLOW STROKES.
PLATE XVI. DRAW AND FOLLOW STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ below, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, “medium,” effecting carom on ball 2. Ball 1 will return to corner, gathering with ball 2. A wrist stroke. An easy, direct draw. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “medium,” caroming on ball 2, gathering ball 1 in corner with ball 2. An easy quarter-spread draw. Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, “ordinary,” effecting carom on ball 2. Long draw stroke, somewhat difficult. Diagram 4. —C
48 minute read
PLATE XVII. GATHERING STROKES FROM PLAIN CAROMS.
PLATE XVII. GATHERING STROKES FROM PLAIN CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ above, ¼ left, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, ¼ less than “slow,” effecting carom on ball 2 at point a . This stroke is played as a half follow, in order to gain the position, although the carom can be easily effected by playing on ball 1, ¼ right, but this would spread them beyond position for the succeeding stroke. The course and final resting-place of the different object-balls are indicated in all the diagrams by the dotted lines and spots, the heavy lines showing the co
2 minute read
PLATE XVIII. EAST COMPOUND ANGLES.
PLATE XVIII. EAST COMPOUND ANGLES.
From ball 1. —Cue-ball ¼ above, 1 16 left, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “ordinary.” The course of the cue-ball is marked by the heavy line, that of the object-ball by the dotted line. From ball 2. —Cue-ball ¼ above, ⅛ left, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” From ball 3. —Cue-ball ¼ above, ¼ left, object-ball ⅜ left; stroke, “ordinary.” From ball 4. —Cue-ball ¼ above, ½ left, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ greater than “medium.” The natural line of departure from the object-ball, if the cue-b
1 minute read
PLATE XIX. PLAIN AND ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
PLATE XIX. PLAIN AND ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Play on ball 1, cushion at a , carom on ball 2. Cue-ball ⅝ right, ¼ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Object-ball cushions at b , c , gathering at d . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ½ below, object-ball ¼ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at h , effecting carom on ball 3. Object-ball cushions at e , f , gathering at g . Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ¼ above, ¼ right, object-ball ⅜ left; stroke, “medium.” A direct carom, gathering all the balls
39 minute read
PLATE XX. TWO-CUSHION ROUND-THE-TABLE STROKE.
PLATE XX. TWO-CUSHION ROUND-THE-TABLE STROKE.
In effecting this carom and gathering the balls, cue-ball ¼ left, ¼ above, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting a carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , d , e , resting at f , near ball 2. There are many strokes resembling this one, where the balls are in a somewhat similar position, and where the same cushions are used, from either side the table. The cue-ball may be in a more direct line in its bearing to the object-ball, or it may lie more away
53 minute read
PLATE XXI. VARIOUS CAROMS FROM ONE POSITION.
PLATE XXI. VARIOUS CAROMS FROM ONE POSITION.
To carom on ball 2. —Cue-ball ¼ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.” To carom on ball 3. —Cue-ball ½ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” To carom on ball 4. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “ordinary;” effecting carom by reverse “English,” the cue-ball taking but one cushion and straight line back to ball 4. To carom on ball 5. —Cue-ball ¼ right, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.” To carom on ball 6. —Cue-ball
54 minute read
PLATE XXII. THE FOLLOW CUSHION—“ENGLISH” OR “TWIST.”
PLATE XXII. THE FOLLOW CUSHION—“ENGLISH” OR “TWIST.”
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ above, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “medium,” caroming on ball 2. The object-ball passes behind ball 2, taking the direction of dotted line b to c . The cue-ball accomplishes the angle from a to ball 2, through the excessive twist applied. The natural angle for the cue-ball, after meeting cushion at a , is in the direction of d , which it would take were the twist not imparted. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ½ above, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, ½ in excess of “m
53 minute read
PLATE XXIII. CAROM BY CUSHION “ENGLISH” OR “TWIST.”
PLATE XXIII. CAROM BY CUSHION “ENGLISH” OR “TWIST.”
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ right, ¼ below, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “slow.” Cue-ball cushions at a , twist carrying it to ball 2. The object-ball taking direction of dotted line resting at spot b . The natural angle from ball 1 to a is represented by dotted line a to c , but the ½ “English” imparted to cue-ball accomplishes the angle to ball 2 in excess of the natural. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ½ below, object-ball ¼ right, stroke, “medium,” effecting carom on ball 2. The object-ball follows d
48 minute read
PLATE XXIV. CAROMS BY ONE-CUSHION ENGLISH.
PLATE XXIV. CAROMS BY ONE-CUSHION ENGLISH.
Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ below, object-ball ¼ right; stroke “medium.” The object-ball traverses c to e , where it rests. The cue-ball, twist excessive, cushions at a and thence along b to ball 2, where it effects carom. The natural angle is a to d . The stroke is very effective and gathers the balls well....
27 minute read
PLATE XXV. ONE-CUSHION REVERSE ENGLISH.
PLATE XXV. ONE-CUSHION REVERSE ENGLISH.
Cue-ball ⅛ above, ½ right, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , and by reverse twist effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b , c , resting near or at d . This stroke is a very effective one and may be played from various positions. It requires much attention to master it, and the value of the twist and strength must be familiar to the player. The skill is in the judgment displayed in estimating quantity of twist necessary to effect carom, as th
38 minute read
PLATE XXVI. SERIAL ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
PLATE XXVI. SERIAL ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
To carom on ball 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅝ below, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Object-ball cushions at e , f , g , resting at h . Cue-ball cushions at a , caroms on ball 1. To carom on ball 2. —Cue-ball ½ left, ½ below, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” To carom on ball 3. —Cue-ball ½ left, ½ below, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” To carom on ball 4. —Cue-ball ⅛ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” To carom on ball 5. —Cue-ball ¼
1 minute read
PLATE XXVII. SERIAL ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
PLATE XXVII. SERIAL ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
From ball 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” From ball 2. —Cue-ball ½ right, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, “medium.” From ball 3. —Cue ball ¼ right, object-ball ⅛ right; stroke, “medium.” From ball 4. —Cue-ball ½ left, ¼ above, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at c , f , d , e effecting carom on ball 5. The object-ball 4 doubles the length of the table, resting at h . Ball 5 is placed the width of a ball from either cushion. Ball 4 i
46 minute read
PLATE XXVIII. SLOWING CUE-BALL, DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
PLATE XXVIII. SLOWING CUE-BALL, DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ right, ⅛ above, object-ball full centre; stroke, “ordinary.” Object-ball cushions at a , b , c , resting at d . Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2. The delivery ⅛ above gives a slow-follow motive power to cue-ball, while the ½ English, delivered on right of cue-ball, causes the latter to perform the obtuse angle from the cushion at a to the carom-ball. The object-ball is placed in line, so that it will clear the carom-ball and perform the angles shown by do
51 minute read
PLATE XXIX. SLOWING CUE-BALL, DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
PLATE XXIX. SLOWING CUE-BALL, DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
Diagram 1. —To double the object-ball twice across the table by playing as full upon it as is possible. Cue-ball ⅜ below, ½ right, object-ball 15 16 left, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , c , d , and joins ball 2 in corner. Cue-ball is slowed so it barely effects carom. Stroke, “very hard.” Diagram 2. —Gathering stroke, to double object-ball and effect carom. Cue-ball ¼ below, 1 16 left, object-ball 15 16 right; stroke, “ordinary.” Object-ball cushions at a , b , gather
54 minute read
PLATE XXX. SLOWING CUE-BALL DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
PLATE XXX. SLOWING CUE-BALL DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
Cue-ball ¼ below, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, “hard.” Object-ball cushions at a , b , c , d , and rests beyond d . The object-ball is struck nearly “dead” full to cross the table, as the lines indicate; the cue-ball is “slowed” through the ¼ below delivery, effecting carom on ball 2. This stroke requires much practice, as the compound doubling of the cue-ball is of difficult execution when combined with the “slowed” cue-ball. Care should be used in the placing of the cue-ball for the executi
37 minute read
PLATE XXXI. COMPOUND ANGLES.
PLATE XXXI. COMPOUND ANGLES.
To carom on ball 1. —Cue-ball ¼ above, ¼ right, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “medium.” The cue-ball is struck ¼ above, in order to keep it from describing too great a curved line that it would do if hit ½ above, which latter delivery requires greater precision. If hit below ¼ above, the ball will come away more toward the open table. The cue-ball is also hit ¼ right, that it may be kept away from the cushion in its course toward the carom-ball; if struck on left side it would take cushion upon ne
1 minute read
PLATE XXXII. COMPOUND ANGLES.
PLATE XXXII. COMPOUND ANGLES.
In the stroke illustrated, a ⅝ full delivery of the cue-ball on object-ball 1 is absolutely necessary, with the cue-ball struck exactly ⅝ left centre. Cue-ball ⅝ left, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “ordinary.” If the cue is delivered below the centre of the cue-ball, with the object-ball 1 touching the cushion, the cue-ball will rebound at an acute angle that generally fails to effect the carom. The objective point is the cushion at b , which insures the stroke, and if the angle be always calculat
44 minute read
PLATE XXXIII. COMPOUND ANGLES.
PLATE XXXIII. COMPOUND ANGLES.
Cue-ball ¼ left, ⅝ below, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.” The purpose in striking cue-ball ⅝ below is to reach cushion at a by making no more than ½ on object-ball, driving it to c . The ¼ left is given the cue-ball that it may perform the angle a to b , which accomplishes the carom. Greater twist would perform a more obtuse angle to side cushion, striking at e ....
30 minute read
PLATE XXXIV. COMPOUND ANGLES.
PLATE XXXIV. COMPOUND ANGLES.
Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “ordinary.” The twist is the principal force exerted in this stroke, though aided by the very full play upon the object-ball. A full ball on the object-ball is required for two reasons, to throw it into position at g , and also to reach the point a with cue-ball, without the excessive draw being applied, the twist performing the larger portion of the work. The cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2, the latter resting at or
46 minute read
PLATE XXXV. SLOWED AND TWISTED CUE-BALLS.
PLATE XXXV. SLOWED AND TWISTED CUE-BALLS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball centre, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball, being slowed, effects carom on ball 2; the object-ball cushions at a , b , c , d , resting at e . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , resting at d ....
30 minute read
PLATE XXXVI. THE “TWICE-AROUND-THE-TABLE” STROKE.
PLATE XXXVI. THE “TWICE-AROUND-THE-TABLE” STROKE.
This stroke is played on account of the balls occupying a position directly before each other, insuring a “kiss” should the “follow” be attempted. Cue-ball ⅛ below, ½ left, object-ball 1 16 right; stroke, “hard.” The ⅛ below prevents cue-ball jumping at instant of delivery. Cue-ball cushions at a , b , c , d , e , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball crosses the table twice, cushions at f , a , resting at g . Bear in mind the twist on the cue-ball aids the player in imparting force after conta
57 minute read
PLATE XXXVII. FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE “TWICE-AROUND” STROKE.
PLATE XXXVII. FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE “TWICE-AROUND” STROKE.
Balls in a line, that if a “follow” stroke were played a “kiss” between object and carom ball would result; therefore the play as directed: Cue-ball ⅝ right, ⅛ below, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, “hard.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , c , d , e , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball doubles the table, resting at g . The object-ball must be struck but ⅛ in order to carry the cue-ball to cushion at a and to give proper direction to the former ball. The quick movement of the cue insures speed to the
40 minute read
PLATE XXXVIII.
PLATE XXXVIII.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ½ below, object-ball, “very fine,” 1 32 left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium”. Cue-ball cushions sharp at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball moving slowly, having been cut exceedingly fine, up table to c . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅝ below, object-ball 1 16 right; stroke, “ordinary.” The point of aim on object-ball, 1 16 right, is to prevent cue-ball striking cushion after leaving object-ball....
33 minute read
PLATE XXXIX. “KISS” AND THREE-CUSHION CAROM.
PLATE XXXIX. “KISS” AND THREE-CUSHION CAROM.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ above, ¼ right, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, “slow.” The balls here are in a direct line. After delivery object-ball “kisses” carom-ball, throwing it to point a , where the cue-ball has been carried by ¼ right, and carom is effected. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ below, object-ball, “fine cut,” 1 16 right. Cue-ball cushions at a , b , c , and receiving the excessive twist describes angles shown, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball rolls up table to d . The carom is
39 minute read
PLATE XL. SLOWED CUE-BALL.
PLATE XL. SLOWED CUE-BALL.
Cue-ball ⅛ below, object-ball 31 32 left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball effects carom and rolls to f , carom ball rests at e , and object-ball cushions at a , b , c , stopping at d . The ⅛ below delivery “slows” the cue-ball, imparting strength merely sufficient to drive carom-ball to e for position. This is one of the most important strokes known in the game, and should be mastered perfectly by the pupil....
32 minute read
PLATE XLI. SLOWED CUE-BALL.
PLATE XLI. SLOWED CUE-BALL.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅛ below, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball caroms slowly on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , resting at c . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ¼ below, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball caroms slowly on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b , resting at c . Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ⅜ below, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball caroms by slowed ball. Object-ball cushions at d , e , f , h , resting at g ....
37 minute read
PLATE XLII. ACUTE DRAW STROKES.
PLATE XLII. ACUTE DRAW STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ¼ right, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball caroms on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , c , and rests in corner near ball 2. Allowance must be made for curve of the cue-ball when it leaves the object-ball, and it must be considered in calculating the imaginary line of progress over the cloth of the cue-ball. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ¼ left, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball describes acute curve on leaving object-ball, and ca
46 minute read
PLATE XLIII. EFFECTIVE ONE-CUSHION “DRAWS.”
PLATE XLIII. EFFECTIVE ONE-CUSHION “DRAWS.”
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅛ below, ⅛ right, object-ball ½ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ¼ below, ¼ right, object-ball ⅝ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ½ below, ½ right, object-ball ⅝ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Diagram 4. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, ¾ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions in each instance at points a . Object-ball in diagram 1 cushions at b , f , in diagram 2 at c , f , in diagram
1 minute read
PLATE XLIV. DRAW WITH REVERSE AND NATURAL ENGLISH.
PLATE XLIV. DRAW WITH REVERSE AND NATURAL ENGLISH.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ½ right, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, ½ greater than “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , d , e , f , resting at g . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅝ below, object-ball 15 16 right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , through the strong draw delivery of the cue and having also the excessive reverse twist in it, performs the obtuse angle from a to carom-ball. Object-ball cushions at b , c , rest
47 minute read
PLATE XLV. DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
PLATE XLV. DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ left, ⅛ below, taking cushion first at a , then the object-ball, ¾ right, considered from point a on cushion; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions again at b , effecting carom on ball 2 which rolls to d . Object-ball crosses table, cushions at e , stopping at c . This stroke is played with the forearm and wrist. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ½ left, object-ball ¾ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2 which s
49 minute read
PLATE XLVI. SERIAL CAROMS, ALSO TWIST AND “KISS” CUSHION FOLLOW.
PLATE XLVI. SERIAL CAROMS, ALSO TWIST AND “KISS” CUSHION FOLLOW.
Illustration of a series of caroms effected with cue and object-ball in one given position, also a peculiar “kiss” carom with balls in a line. Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ above, object-ball 15 16 right; driving it to cushion at a , b , a little beyond which it contacts with carom-ball forcing it to point d , where the cue-ball meets it and effects carom. Stroke, ½ in excess of “slow.” Cue-ball cushions at c with an excessive spinning twist. Diagram 2. — To carom on balls 1 and 2 : cue-ball ⅜
1 minute read
PLATE XLVII. THREE-CUSHION AND CUSHION “KISS” STROKE.
PLATE XLVII. THREE-CUSHION AND CUSHION “KISS” STROKE.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅛ below, ⅝ left, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , c , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at d , e , resting finally at f , near ball 2. This is a stroke that occurs often in the course of a game, the position being changed to the other side of the table, possibly. Most players are content with making the carom simply, and, with that only in view, merely “ cut fine ” the object-ball, whilst, if they would play ful
1 minute read
PLATE XLVIII. KISS CAROMS.
PLATE XLVIII. KISS CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, object-ball full centre; stroke, “slow.” The excessive twist upon cue-ball causes the latter to curve to the left whilst hitting the object-ball at the line of a full ball. The twist of the cue-ball gives a slight opposite twist to the object-ball, which in its turn communicates the motion in a less degree to the carom-ball, causing the latter to deflect from its natural course on leaving the cushion at a , meeting cue-ball at b , the object-ball being carried to on
1 minute read
PLATE XLIX. PECULIAR DRIVING STROKES.
PLATE XLIX. PECULIAR DRIVING STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ above, ¼ left, object-ball 15 16 right; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at g , d , e , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , c , resting at f . This is a follow-cushion stroke, the cue-ball hugging cushion. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ½ above, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball describes curved line, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball doubles the table, cushions at a , b , c , resting at d . Point the cue and object balls to c
42 minute read
PLATE L. KISS CAROMS.
PLATE L. KISS CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball centre, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball kisses direct onto ball 2. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ left, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball takes cushion at a , and thence to b , where carom-ball meets it, having been forced directly down the cushion by kiss from object-ball. The balls are in such position here that a fine stroke is impossible, and where a massé is exceedingly difficult....
36 minute read
PLATE LI. “KISS” AND “HUG” CUSHION STROKES.
PLATE LI. “KISS” AND “HUG” CUSHION STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ above, object-ball full; stroke, “slow.” Carom-ball, kissed by object-ball, cushions at b , returns to a , where cue-ball meets it and effects carom. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ above, ½ left, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions c , d , e , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball doubles table, takes cushion at a , resting at b . This is termed a “following cushion hug stroke.” Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅛ above, object-ball 15 16 right; stroke, ½
1 minute read
PLATE LII. KISS AND MASSÉ CAROMS.
PLATE LII. KISS AND MASSÉ CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ right , ½ below, object-ball ¾ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , and c , effecting a carom on ball 2. Object-ball is kissed out, resting at d . The object-ball, in this stroke, is touching the cushion; the cue-ball is about ¼-ball below, a right line from the former. The carom is effected by a “kiss” from object-ball to opposite cushion at a , b , and, with an excessive twist, the cue-ball performs angles shown. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ le
1 minute read
PLATE LIII. DOUBLING CUE AND OBJECT BALLS.
PLATE LIII. DOUBLING CUE AND OBJECT BALLS.
Cue-ball ¼ below, ⅛ left, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “ordinary.” Cue-ball doubles the width of the table, cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , d , e , resting at f . If the cue-ball is struck above centre it will describe a curved line from a to b , thereby missing the carom, by taking the end cushion and passing ball 2. The accuracy of this stroke is in delivering the cue below the centre of the ball which causes the cue-ball to take a direc
41 minute read
PLATE LIV. QUARTER AND DIRECT DRAWS.
PLATE LIV. QUARTER AND DIRECT DRAWS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ below, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , resting at c . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at d , b , resting at c . Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at e , f , and rests at c . Th
1 minute read
PLATE LV. “FINE-CUT” AND HUG-CUSHION STROKES.
PLATE LV. “FINE-CUT” AND HUG-CUSHION STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ¼ left, ¼ above, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at d , a , b , c , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball takes direction of dotted line. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ¼ above, ⅛ right, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at d , a , b , c , or possibly the player may not be able to hug the cushion beyond one or two of points indicated by the letters. Object-ball takes direction of dotted lines. The angles in this diagram are more obtus
41 minute read
PLATE LVI. A DIFFICULT GATHERING STROKE.
PLATE LVI. A DIFFICULT GATHERING STROKE.
Cue-ball ⅜ below, ¼ left, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at e , c , resting at d . A carom may also be effected from object-ball 1 by direct kiss to ball 2. In this stroke: cue-ball ½ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”...
30 minute read
PLATE LVII. EFFECTIVE ONE AND TWO CUSHION STROKES.
PLATE LVII. EFFECTIVE ONE AND TWO CUSHION STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ left, ½ below, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , crosses table, and rests at e . The carom-ball rests at d . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ left, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b , resting at c . This stroke is very effective in gathering the balls, and may be readily played, with care. Si
50 minute read
PLATE LVIII. ACUTE DRAWS ALONG CUSHION.
PLATE LVIII. ACUTE DRAWS ALONG CUSHION.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ¼ right, object-ball 31 32 right; stroke, ¼ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2, the latter resting at f ; cue-ball rests at e . Object-ball cushions at f , b , c , resting at d . The secret in this stroke is in getting off the object-ball sharp and clear to cushion at a . The cue-ball should travel slowly to carom-ball from being struck so nearly full on object-ball. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ below, ¼ right, object-ball ⅞ right; s
55 minute read
PLATE LIX. “KISS” CAROM, ALSO ONE AND THREE CUSHION DRAWS.
PLATE LIX. “KISS” CAROM, ALSO ONE AND THREE CUSHION DRAWS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ left, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , c , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at d , e , resting at f . Diagram 2. — A kiss carom. —Cue-ball ⅛ above, object-ball 31 32 right; stroke, ¼ less than “slow.” Carom-ball cushions at b , where it meets cue-ball, and carom is effected. Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ¼ below, ⅛ left, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a, effecting carom on ball 2,
44 minute read
PLATE LX. BANK STROKES.
PLATE LX. BANK STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ¼ right, ½ below, object-ball ½ right, calculated from point a ; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , taking object-ball ½ full, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b , c , resting at d . This is a bank stroke, cue-ball played on cushion first before striking any ball. Object-ball is at such a location in corner that the stroke shown is the only practicable one. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ½ below, object-ball ½ left, calculated from poi
50 minute read
PLATE LXI. “BANK” WITH “TWIST,” CUSHION-“MASSÉ” AND “DRAW”-CUSHION STROKES.
PLATE LXI. “BANK” WITH “TWIST,” CUSHION-“MASSÉ” AND “DRAW”-CUSHION STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ¼ above, cushion first at a ; object-ball ⅞ left from a . Cue-ball cushions again at b , effecting carom on ball 2; stroke, “medium.” This stroke combines a very heavy twist with follow tendency, and, in order that the two forces may be effective, the object-ball must be struck exactly ⅞ left, as calculated from point a . Diagram 2. —A massé. Cue-ball ½ left of perpendicular centre, ⅛ forward in direction of object-ball, object-ball 1 16 right. Line of sight being a
52 minute read
PLATE LXII. INTRICATE CAROM.
PLATE LXII. INTRICATE CAROM.
Cue-ball ⅝ right, ⅝ below, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, “medium.” As the object-ball lies from the cushion—a space ⅛ of a ball, less than the width of a 2⅜ ball—it is impossible for the cue-ball to pass behind it, as it would have to do in order to contact with the cushion first ; as it is, the contact with cushion and object-ball is at the same instant. The cue-ball really takes two cushions, but it is so instantaneous as to be imperceptible....
38 minute read
PLATE LXIII. ACUTE AND “SPREAD”-DRAW.
PLATE LXIII. ACUTE AND “SPREAD”-DRAW.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , resting at c . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball 31 32 right; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball, by an acute draw, effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at d , g , e , resting at f . Positions similar to Diagram 1 frequently occur during play, consequently the pupil should know the gathering angle to cushions a , b , for any object-ball w
48 minute read
PLATE LXIIIA. SLOW “FOLLOW” CUSHION “TWIST” AND DRAW TWIST.
PLATE LXIIIA. SLOW “FOLLOW” CUSHION “TWIST” AND DRAW TWIST.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, ¾ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , d , e , resting at f . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ left, ⅛ above, object-ball “full;” stroke, ½ in excess of “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , c , d , resting at e . The cue-ball performs a slow twisting “follow,” the object-ball running with speed. The “slowed” follo
47 minute read
PLATE LXIV. A FOLLOW WITH EXCESSIVE ENGLISH.
PLATE LXIV. A FOLLOW WITH EXCESSIVE ENGLISH.
Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ above, object-ball “full centre;” stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a , with excessive ⅝ twist, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , c , resting at d . The player may find trouble in striking the object-ball dead full, where he delivers the cue ⅝ left. A little practice will overcome all difficulty....
26 minute read
PLATE LXV. EFFECTIVE GATHERING STROKES.
PLATE LXV. EFFECTIVE GATHERING STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅝ below, object-ball full; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at c through draw and twist delivery, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a , b , finally resting at c . An effective gathering stroke. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ below, ½ left, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effects carom on ball 2 and rolls to i . Object-ball cushions at b , c , d , f , resting at g . Carom-ball cushions at e , crosses table, a
45 minute read
PLATE LXVI. “BANK”-STROKE CAROMS.
PLATE LXVI. “BANK”-STROKE CAROMS.
First. —Cue-ball ¼ below, ½ left; cushions at a , d , strikes object-ball at f , ½ right, calculating from point d ; cue-ball then cushions again at g , h , i , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball takes direction of arrow. Stroke, “hard.” Second. —Cue-ball ¼ below, ½ left; cushions at b , c , hits object-ball at e , ½ left, sighting from cushion at c ; cushions then at j , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball is driven around table, cushions at n , o , p , resting at l . Stroke, “hard.”...
44 minute read
PLATE LXVII. FOUR-CUSHION AND “BANK”-STROKE CAROMS.
PLATE LXVII. FOUR-CUSHION AND “BANK”-STROKE CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ¼ below, ¼ right, object-ball ¼ right, sighting from cushion at a . Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , d , resting at e . Stroke, “ordinary.” The object-ball (1) lies near and cushions so that cue-ball has not room to go around table and gather balls after carom, therefore the bank stroke is employed. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ right, ⅛ below, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Object-ball is width of a ball from
50 minute read
PLATE LXVIII. REVERSE ENGLISH.
PLATE LXVIII. REVERSE ENGLISH.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b , c , resting at d . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅛ below, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , d , e , resting at f . Caroms could be effected by cutting object-ball fine on right, but gathering position for next stroke would the
42 minute read
PLATE LXIX. “KISS” AND “FINE” CUSHION CAROMS.
PLATE LXIX. “KISS” AND “FINE” CUSHION CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ¼ below, object-ball ⅛ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “slow.” Cue-ball cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , resting at or near d . To carom on ball 3. —Cue ball ¼ right, ¼ below, object-ball ⅛ right; stroke, “medium.” Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ½ below, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball kisses from object-ball, takes cushion at a, then, by ⅝ twist, runs to ball 2, effecting carom. The object-ball lie
50 minute read
PLATE LXX. A “FINE-CUT” BALL AND EFFECTIVE ONE-CUSHION GATHERING STROKES.
PLATE LXX. A “FINE-CUT” BALL AND EFFECTIVE ONE-CUSHION GATHERING STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ below, ¼ left, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , resting at e . Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ below, ½ left, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at b , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at d , resting at f . Diagram 3. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ⅝ right, object-ball extremely fine, 1 32 left; stroke, “hard.” Cue-ball cushions at a , describes
1 minute read
PLATE LXXI. REVERSE ENGLISH CAROMS.
PLATE LXXI. REVERSE ENGLISH CAROMS.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ⅛ right; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at b , from which it performs curved line in effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c , d , a , resting at e . The carom-ball crosses table, cushions at g , resting at f . An acute wrist delivery is necessary in order to impart extreme “draw-and-twist” to the cue-ball. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ¾ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball takes cushion at a , b , effectin
57 minute read
PLATE LXXII. ONE-CUSHION AND KISS STROKES.
PLATE LXXII. ONE-CUSHION AND KISS STROKES.
Cue-ball ⅝ below, ½ left, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball “kisses” directly to ball 2. Object-ball is struck ⅛ left, driving it to cushion a , b , resting at c . Carom-ball takes direction d , after carom has been effected. The object-ball must be hit with exactness to get it away from the cushion to the points a , b , c . Again, cue-ball ¼ left, ¼ above, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at e , effecting, carom on ball 2. Object
40 minute read
PLATE LXXIII. CLOSE DRAW.
PLATE LXXIII. CLOSE DRAW.
Cue-ball ⅝ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ¾ left; stroke, “hard.” Cue-ball describes curve, cushions at a , b , c , effecting carom on ball 2, which rests at h , with cue-ball at i . Object-ball doubles the width of table, cushions at d , e , f , resting at g . The carom could be made with a massé, but position would be sacrificed. The close draw is played in order to gather the balls. The stroke is an acute wrist and arm delivery, and should be given with confidence....
42 minute read
PLATE LXXIV. TWIST AND DRAW STROKES.
PLATE LXXIV. TWIST AND DRAW STROKES.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ⅝ below, ⅝ right, object-ball 15 16 left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Object-ball cushions at a , returning to b . Cue-ball, by excessive draw and twist, caroms on ball 2. The object in imparting excessive twist to cue-ball is to avoid cushion in recoil. The object-ball is struck slightly to the left, and the twist overcoming the outward tendency this would naturally give to the cue-ball, brings it back to a straight line. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ⅝ right, ⅛ above, object-b
1 minute read
PLATE LXXV. THE KISS AND TWIST STROKE.
PLATE LXXV. THE KISS AND TWIST STROKE.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ above, ¼ left, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball by kiss effects carom on ball 2. To reach the carom-ball in this stroke it is absolutely necessary that the object-ball be struck ⅞ right, more or less will bring the cue-ball short of or beyond the corner at ball 2. Diagram 2. —Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ left, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball by kiss cushions at a , b , effecting carom on ball 2. This latter diagram shows a comparative
45 minute read
PLATE LXXVI. CLOSE DRAW AND FOLLOW MASSÉ.
PLATE LXXVI. CLOSE DRAW AND FOLLOW MASSÉ.
Diagram 1. —Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a , effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b , resting at c . This stroke is one-half draw with excessive twist, the latter actually effecting the carom. Diagram 2. —Massé follow.—Cue-ball ½ forward, ½ left, object-ball 15 16 right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Elevation of cue 78¾°. Cue-ball describes curve, and effects carom on ball 2. As the balls lie in this diagra
45 minute read
HOW TO FIGURE AVERAGES.
HOW TO FIGURE AVERAGES.
Decimals are Best. —Divide total points by total innings. Thus, 300 points in 28 innings show 10 20 28 in crude fractions, 10 and 5/7ths in the lowest evenly reduced ones, and 10.71 (71/100ths) decimally. The first system seldom gives an accurate idea at sight. In the second, the fractions cannot always be reduced evenly, as above. Ordinarily, the third is closest, briefest and clearest. Avoid a Jumble. —Some computers mix themselves and others up by using all three methods. Others, as a conveni
3 minute read
FOUR-BALL GAME
FOUR-BALL GAME
[Up to 1863, all play not otherwise described was at unrestricted caroms, with 2⅜ balls, on a 6 × 12 ft. six-pocket table; from 1863 to 1869, on a 6 × 12 four-pocket, with the various restrictions mentioned; from 1869 to 1873, chiefly on a 5½ × 11 four-pocket, under a new system of counting; and from 1873 to 1876, almost altogether on a 5 × 10 carom table.] Abbreviations. —P., 2000—12.20—129; S., 1904—157, indicates winner’s total, average, and best run, always in that order, together with loser
36 minute read
1854.
1854.
First Contest in a Public Hall. May 13th, Malcolm Hall, Syracuse, N. Y.—Caroms with unrestricted hazards (pocketings), stake unknown. Joseph N. White, 500; Geo. Smith, 484. This was not technically a public contest, admission having been by invitation only. Mixed caroms and hazards were last played professionally on a six-pocket table by two lads in a hotel billiard-room on Third Avenue, N. Y. City, in 1865, for a stake of $50 a side. The winner is living, but has long been out of billiards. Mau
25 minute read
1858.
1858.
First Match with an “Average” without Guessing. N. Y. City, April 24th, $250 a side.—Totals, winning average and best runs: John Seereiter, 1000—6.94—53; Bernard Crystal, 830—68. This was a billiard-room or private match, and it is given here only because it was the first in which score was kept in figures from beginning to end....
15 minute read
1859.
1859.
First Technically Public Contest. Fireman’s Hall, Detroit, Mich., April 10th.—$250 a side. Dudley Kavanagh, New York, 1000—8.47—177; Michael Foley, Detroit, 989—87. This match was the first to which an admission fee was charged. Michael Phelan (New York) vs. John Seereiter (Detroit). Same hall, April 11th, $5,000 a side, on table taken from Seereiter’s room (used night before by K. and F.), but having a new cloth. P., 2000—12.20—129; S., 1904—157. Admission was five dollars, but this charge was
31 minute read
1860.
1860.
First Professional Tournament. Phelan & Collender’s Union Square Billiard Rooms (upper floor), N. Y. City, October 26–31st.—Invitation or private tournament on a 6 × 12 carom table for two souvenir cues, one given by Claudius Berger, of France. In the table below, a “Lost” column is specially inserted because of a shortage of games, that between Lynch and Geary (the latter substituting for Christian Bird, of Philadelphia) being neither played nor forfeited. All games were 500 up but the
23 minute read
1862.
1862.
First Public Home-and-home Match. Cleveland, O., March 6th.—First of two games, each $500 a side. Dudley Kavanagh, N. Y., 1500—13.39—118; Michael Foley, then of Cleveland, 1065—102. Return: Irving Hall, N. Y. City, April 3d, F., 1500—9.43—99; K., 1466—108. Push and Massé Barred. Half-way game, Kremlin Hall, Buffalo, N. Y., November 6th.—Also for $500 a side, but barring both push-shot and massé. K., 1500—10—86; F., 1296—90. This was the first public match from which the push-shot was excluded. N
53 minute read
1863.
1863.
Kavanagh vs. Goldthwait. Irving Hall, N. Y. City, April 23d.—$500 a side. K., 1500—14.42—125; G., 1282—130. First Public Tournament, First Formal Professional Championship Anywhere, and First Four-pocket Table. Irving Hall, N. Y. City, June 1–9th.—First prize, emblematic cue and a $750 Phelan & Collender billiard-table; second, $250. Instead of the usual 6 × 12 six-pocket, a 6 × 12 four-pocket was used for first time in public. The highest run was made by “jawing,” also for first time in
2 minute read
1864.
1864.
First Public Contest Prohibiting Both Pushing and Jawing. Irving Hall, N. Y. City, April 8th.—Informal match in aid of Workingwomen’s Protective Union, 6 × 12 four-pocket. Michael Phelan, 1000—8.40—56; Dudley Kavanagh, 965—40. First State Championship Tournament—An Unbeaten Amateur. Allyn Hall, Hartford, beginning August 16th.—Tournament for championship of Connecticut. Games, 300 points up, save in the final one, which, between Gershom B. Hubbell, of Hartford, and Geo. B. Hunt, of Bridgeport, w
1 minute read
1865.
1865.
First Public Contest on a 5½ × 11 Table (Four-pocket). Grover’s Theatre, Washington, D. C., January 23d.—$250 a side. Melvin Foster, 1500—19.23—170; John Deery, 1445—205. Return game, Irving Hall, N. Y. City, February 11th.—F., 1500—16.13—137; D., 1124—122. Thomas Foley vs. Chas. A. Frink. Metropolitan Hall, Chicago, January 29, $250 a side, 6 × 12 four-pocket. Foley, 1000; Frink, 872. Same terms and hall, February 11th.—Foley, 1000—14.71—93; Frink, 537—47. Amateurs’ Sixteen-hour Contest for $2,
5 minute read
1866.
1866.
Pennsylvania Restores Push-Shot. Concert Hall, Philadelphia, January 31 to February 4, 1866.—Second championship of State, 6 × 12 carom, c. b., push allowed. Contestants: E. J. Plunkett, R. T. Ryall, Jas. Palmer, J. B. Bruce, and H. W. Hewes. All games 500 up but deciding one, which, between Ryall and Plunkett, was 1000 up; and in that the winner, Plunkett, ran 251, highest of tournament. Ryall, in playing Hewes, had made the next highest, 172. Palmer won third prize. PLUNKETT VS. RYALL. Same ha
3 minute read
1867.
1867.
Third Championship of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, February 14–22d.—6 × 12 carom, c. b., push retained. All games 500 points but the last, in which, 1000 up, Nelms vs. Estephe, the highest run and best winning average (38.46) were made. Other players with winning averages above 15: Estephe, 33.33; Jas. Palmer, 17.86; Wm. Rockhill, 16.73; Ryall, 16.13. Nelms-Estephe game was played in National Hall. Average of tournament, 10.63. Seven games apiece. NELMS VS. RYALL. National Hall, Philadelphia, May
2 minute read
1868.
1868.
McDevitt vs. Goldthwait. Cooper Institute, N. Y. City, January 8.—$250 a side, no restrictions. McD., 1500—166.67—1483; G., 113—48. The 1483 were made nominally in the “jaw,” but in effect it was a carom-table “crotch.” Championship of Nevada. Opera House, Virginia City, January 20th.—$250 a side in gold, unrestricted; 5½ × 11 carom. W. Wright, 1500—71.43—768; Valentine J. Orndorff, 279—59. The 768 were crotched. Hewins vs. L. W. Simonds. Music Hall, New Haven, Conn., March 4th.—$500 a side, j.
1 minute read
1869.
1869.
[In this and all later years until close of the four-ball series, table was a 5½ × 11 four-pocket, when not differently indicated, the game p. and j. b., and the count in ones (for misses), threes and sixes.] Frawley vs. Rhines. Garrett’s Hall, Cleveland, January 22d.—$250 a side. F., 1000—14.02—153; R., 1496—298. J. Dion vs. Foster. Mechanics’ Hall, Montreal, January 28th.—First of home-and-home-and-odd (see Three-ball Caroms, 1869), $1,000 a side every game. D., 1200—36.36—208; F., 1116—355. F
7 minute read
1870.
1870.
Deery vs. C. Dion. Platt’s Hall, San Francisco, February 3d.—$1,000 a side. Deery, 1500—18.42—231; Dion, 1044—120. Parker vs. Adam Kleser. Music Hall, Milwaukee, February 9th.—$100 a side. P., 1200—42.86—277; K., 321—run, 42. (See “Best Record Performances.”) Rudolphe vs. Deery. Mercantile Library Hall, San Francisco, March 17th.—$1,500 a side. R., 1500—32.61—312; D., 970—174. This contest was unique in having three judges in addition to a referee. Parker vs. Coon. Crosby’s Music Hall, Chicago,
2 minute read
1871.
1871.
First Public Handicap Tournament. Allyn Hall, Hartford, February 23d to March 1st.—Five games apiece, Clark E. Wilson winning 4, and prize cue and $250. Melvin Foster, M. H. Hewins and Geo. T. Stone 3 apiece, B. F. Dennison 2, and Wm. Bowen 0. In playing off the ties, Hewins beat Stone and won third ($50), and Foster beat both. In round numbers, the general averages were: F., 18; S., 13; W., 12; Dennison, 11; Hewins, 10. Bowen forfeited two games. First Known Use of 5 × 10 in Four-ball Game. Aca
2 minute read
1872.
1872.
Amateur Championship of Long Island. Assembly Rooms, Brooklyn, March 11–12th.—Carom table of usual size, cue to become personal property of tournament winner. Two games each. Championship of Pacific Coast. Platt’s Hall, San Francisco, March 21st.—Silver cue and $200 a side, 5 × 10 carom. J. F. B. McCleery, 1500—28.85—207; W. W. Wright, 900—117. Same hall, May 7th, A. Kraker, 1500—38.46—147; McC., 754—150. Same hall, October 25th, Kraker, 1500—83.33—348; McC., 930—234. Championship of Massachuset
47 minute read
1873.
1873.
[This year and thenceforward, except when otherwise stated, 5 × 10 carom, c. and p. barred, counting in threes.] Dennison vs. J. G. Bennett. Bumstead Hall, Boston, April 14th.—$200 a side. D., 1500—83.33—300; B., 579—240. Slosson vs. John Bessunger. Kingsbury Hall, Chicago, September 9th.—$250 a side. S., 2000—142.86—534; B., 216—run, 108. On the prior April 19th they had played a similar match in Chicago. S., 2000—44.44—279; B., 1969—213. Dennison vs. Goldthwait. Bumstead Hall, Boston, Septembe
23 minute read
1874.
1874.
Louisiana Double Championship. Crescent Hall, New Orleans, April 6–30th.—Tournament at both four-ball and three-ball games. (For second, see Three-ball Caroms.) First prize, championship locket and $100; second, $50. Six games apiece. Average of tournament, about 13¼. Individual G. A.: H., 14.40; H. M., 20.61; C., 10.11; J. M., 14.31; J. F. M., 15.25; A., 10.31; Q., 10.65. HOA VS. H. MILLER. Same hall, June 1st.—Match, stake $50. M., 500—20.83—155; H., 180—36. H. MILLER VS. MAGGIOLI. Varieties T
25 minute read
1876.
1876.
Slosson vs. Sexton. Foley’s Room, Chicago, September 17th.—Purse game, 5½ × 11 four-pocket table, counting in the old way. Slosson, 2000—33.33—356; Sexton, 1730—257. [The night before they had played the three-ball game on the same table. Slosson, 600—8.22—137; Sexton’s total, 278.] Those games were not matches, and are not records. Not being matches, they furnished no line at all as to Old Billiards vs. New. This is the final four-ball chronicle as to professed experts of standing. The revival
43 minute read
BEST RECORD PERFORMANCES AT FOUR-BALL CAROMS IN MATCHES FOR A GENERAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
BEST RECORD PERFORMANCES AT FOUR-BALL CAROMS IN MATCHES FOR A GENERAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
166.67 in 1500, jawing barred, pushing allowed—J. McDevitt, 1868 (see series under 1863). 25.86 in 1500, push and jaw allowed—J. Dion, 1866 (see series under 1863). 1458, jaw barred, push allowed—J. McDevitt, 1868. 616, due to jawing—J. Dion, 1867. (See series under 1863 for both.) 40.54 in 1500, push and jaw barred—C. Dion, 1876. 31.25 in 1500, push and jaw barred—A. Garnier, 1873. (See series under 1869 for both.) 321 by C. Dion, 1872; 279 by A. P. Rudolphe, 1870; and 249 by Maurice Daly, 1873
2 minute read
1862.
1862.
First Public Match. Louis Fox, of Rochester vs. John Deery, of N. Y. City, $250 a side, 250 points up, 6 × 12 four-pocket table, was the first match made at this game with any idea of playing it in public. It was set for Buffalo, N. Y., but the Deery side forfeited on November 7th....
15 minute read
1864.
1864.
First Technically Public Contest. Irving Hall, N. Y. City, afternoon of April 8th.—$250 a side, 6 × 12 four-pocket table, in aid of the Workingwomen’s Protective Union. Peter D. Braisted, Jr., 100; Wm. H. Freeman, 79. Players were not of the first class, and hence runs and averages were not tallied for publication. There had, of course, been many earlier match-contests, both amateur and professional; but those and scores of others before them were of the nature of billiard-room contests, with th
30 minute read
1865.
1865.
First Formal Public Contest. Gallaher’s Hall, N. Y. City, October 5th.—First of the three-game match (see, Four-ball for others), $1,000 a side, 5½ × 11 carom, 2 5 16 balls. Pierre Carme, from France: Total, 250—winning average, 2.48—high run, 19; Dudley Kavanagh, 224—15. [Note.—This is the order of all matches, the loser’s average being omitted as not a technical record.] The table was a compromise in height between the French and the American....
20 minute read
1868.
1868.
First Match on a 5 × 10 Carom. For this reason, a billiard-room match merits mention. This size is not known to have been used again in any expert match in this country until 1870. Peter D. Braisted’s Room, N. Y. City, January 21st.—$50 a side Wm. N. Wickes, amateur, 150—2.86—15; Braisted, 47—5. Melvin Foster vs. John Deery. Irving Hall, N. Y. City, September 30th.—$250 a side, 5½ × 11 carom. Foster, 300—2.80—40; D., 184—24. Foster vs. Joseph Dion. Academy of Music, N. Y. City, December 28th.—Se
35 minute read
1869.
1869.
Foster vs. Benjamin. Braisted’s Room, N. Y. City, January 6th.—F. giving 150 in 300 and laying $100 to $80, 5½ × 11 carom. F., 300—1.94—16; B., 131 (without odds)—14. Not a record except as a match in which, for many successive innings, both men played alternately for “safety” without leaving their seats. Foster, who began it, had to quit, as he was behind, and the misses, if continued, would have put his opponent out. This contest suggested the rule of 1879, illegalizing more than two consecuti
1 minute read
1870.
1870.
Geo. T. Stone vs. Hewins. Music Hall, New Haven, Conn., January 4th.—$300 a side, Stone giving odds of 60, probably a 5½ × 11 carom. S., 300—1.63—11; H., 267—11. First Public Match Contest at the West. Crosby’s Music Hall, Chicago, January 19th.—$200 a side, 5½ × 11 carom, Frank Parker defeating Henry Rhines by 300 to 260. There had been an announced three-ball match at the West a year or so before, but it was really an exhibition. Carme vs. Henry Miller. National Theatre, New Orleans, March 24–
1 minute read
1871.
1871.
[In this and all later years, table a 5 × 10 carom, with crotch barred, unless mentioned differently.] First Match on a 5 × 10 Between First-Class Players. Platt’s Hall, San Francisco, January 12th.—$500 a side. J. Dion, 500—3.60—46; Deery, 474—37. January 26th, same hall and stake, Dion giving odds of 100. Deery, 600—3.73 (in 500)—57; Dion, 479—42. February 9th, same place and stake, Dion now giving 50. Deery, 600—5.98 (in 550)—83; Dion, 491—25. These were the first public three-ball contests a
2 minute read
1872.
1872.
Garnier and Rhines vs. Deery and Parker. Orpheus Hall, Chicago, May 25th.—$250 a side. G. and R., 336 and 164 (500)—7 and 3.49—82 and 27; D. and P., 181 and 191 (372)—3.85 and 4.07—32 and 46. Parker vs. Rhines. Orpheus Hall, Chicago, July 1st.—$500 a side, 5 × 10 carom. P., 500—4.94—44; R., 359—27. Daly vs. Deery. Irving Hall, N. Y. City, September 3d and 13th.—Match of 500 and 600 points, each for $1,000 a side, c. b. Resulted from match for $250 a side, played July 25th in the private room at
35 minute read
1873.
1873.
Francois Ubassy vs. Henry Miller and John Bessunger. In Harmony Hall, New Orleans, and in Nixon’s Amphitheatre and the Globe Theatre, Chicago, Ubassy gave odds varying from “discount” to 200 in 600 and 300 in 800, in April, May, and June. The half dozen contests were of importance chiefly by reason of Ubassy’s runs and averages. The highest of the former were 117 and 116; of the latter, 15.79 in 300 in New Orleans and 17.78 in 800 in Chicago. Amateur Championship of Louisiana. New Orleans, May 1
3 minute read
1874.
1874.
First Game of Multiple Nights in America. Fall River, Mass., January 19–27th.—Wm. Briggs vs. Jerry Sullivan, for championship of Fall River and a silver cup, played in nightly blocks. Nothing reported but totals and best runs. B., 1500—26; S., 1449—19. Multiple nights’ play, since carried to an extreme in England, originated in France in 1867. First First-Class Tournament in Boston. Bumstead Hall, March 9–13th.—There was a prize for every player, and there was also poor playing for every prize,
4 minute read
1875.
1875.
Championship of Ohio. Cleveland, O., closing January 25th.—Tournament for championship of Ohio and $1000 in money. Eugene Carter first, T. J. Gallagher second, and Anthony Honing, John Bluim, John A. Thatcher, Harry Choate, Joseph Casper, W. A. Burchard, Martin Mullen and H. Coleman following. Stake in match series was $200 a side, and table a 5 × 10. Carter beat Gallagher by 400 to 346, March 25th, and Honing by 400 to 353, both in White’s Hall, Toledo. In the Globe Theatre, Cleveland, October
3 minute read
1876.
1876.
Shaw vs. Carter. Adelphi Theatre, Toledo, January 7th.—$500, 4½ × 9, c. b. S., 500—15.13—108; C., 311—89. Rudolphe vs. Daniels. Bumstead Hall, Boston, January 20th.—$500, 5 × 10, R. giving odds of 150. R., 600—13.04—68; D., 426—44. This match came of a billiard-room encounter between the pair in N. Y. City, Daniels receiving odds then, also, and losing. Sexton vs. Slosson. Tammany Hall, N. Y. City, January 27th.—$1,000. Sexton, 600—15.38—73; Slosson, 482—110. It was this match, with its high win
3 minute read
1877.
1877.
Sexton vs. Slosson. Globe Theatre, New Orleans, January 5th, 6th, 7th.—5 × 10, c. b., $200 a side. Sexton, 1800—24.32—417; Slosson, 976—172. Winner’s run and average surpassed previous records. Schaefer’s Second Tournament. Mechanics’ Hall, Utica, N. Y., beginning March 20th.—300–point games, c. b. John Bessunger, $400, in addition to a gold-mounted cue for best general average; T. J. Gallagher (beaten by Bessunger in play-off), $250; Wm. Burleigh, $150; Jacob Schaefer, $125; and Eugene Carter (
23 minute read
1878.
1878.
Four First-place Ties Out of Seven Players. Championship of Chicago, January 7th to February 4th.—300–point games. Henry Rhines ($150), Frank Parker ($100), Albert Hoa ($50), and M. Honahan ($25) had to play off, result being as given above. Peter Snyder, Ben Saylor, and Chas. P. Miller were the remaining contestants. RHINES VS. PARKER. Same city, April 11th.—Championship and $200. Parker, 500—4.95—65; R., 449—36. First First-class Tourney in New Orleans. January 10–19th, c. b., for $1,000 in pr
1 minute read
1879.
1879.
Second Championship of the World. Cooper Institute, N. Y. City, January 23d to February 10th.—Tournament for the J. M. Brunswick & Balke Co.’s emblem and $2,100 in cash, 600–point games. Slosson had the highest run by 19 per cent., and the best general average by 25 per cent.; but it was against him that Daly made the best run of his life, and his defeat of Slosson placed the latter in a position from which he could extricate himself only by vanquishing Schaefer twice. Instead, Schaefer
1 minute read
1880.
1880.
Last First-class Match Anywhere. Salle Cremorne, Paris, April 10–14th.—$500 a side. Vignaux, 4000—80—1531; Slosson, 3118—1103. Championship of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, beginning December 4th.—Games, 300 up. Ed. McLaughlin, E. H. Nelms, V. Estephe and Wm. M. Dodds prize-winners. B.-B.-C. Co.’s First Tournament on Pacific Coast. San Francisco, Cal., about 1880–81.—To write from memory, it was won by W. J. Lowry, one of whose strongest competitors was an Eastern amateur, who was persuaded into p
44 minute read
1883.
1883.
St. Louis Handicap. Mussey’s, February 3d to March 10th.—Seven entries, of whom Gallagher (650) and Catton (500) tied on 5—1 each, without playing off. Highest run and best winning average were Gallagher’s 332 and 46.44. Championship of Pacific Coast and $500. Mechanics’ Pavilion, San Francisco, September 25–30th.—Ben Saylor, 2500—10.91—191; J. F. B. McCreery, 1783—112. Ed. McLaughlin vs. Randolph Heiser. Assembly Buildings, Philadelphia, December 12th.—First of match of three games (see Balklin
25 minute read
1884.
1884.
Maggioli vs. Edward Dawson. Theatre, Mobile, Ala., July 8th.—$500 a side, 4½ × 9. M., 1000—13.51—170; D., 789—148. Maggioli vs. Harry Cole. Casino Hall, San Antonio, Tex., October 24–26th.—$500 a side, 4½ × 9. M., 3000—71.43—833; C., 2383—854. They played in Galveston on January 4th, 1885, and Cole won the $500 by 1000 to 254, averaging 66.67, and running 507. First of 1500 Points a Night. Central Music Hall, Chicago, December 19–20th.—$1,000 a side. W. H. Catton, 3000—31.58—933; Edward McLaughl
27 minute read
1885.
1885.
Ben Saylor vs. Lon Morris. San Francisco, April 22d.—$125 a side, Morris discounting. S., 1000—27.77—101; Morris had 470 left—best runs, 554 and 289. Eugene Carter vs. Harvey McKenna. Frasheim Hall, Cleveland, O., May 12–13th.—$1,000 a side, 5 × 10. C., 3000—26.79—289; McK., 2288—417. Championship of Dakota and $200. Mitchell, December 27th. L. E. Stern defeated Max Shauer....
16 minute read
1886.
1886.
W. D. Emery vs. Lansing W. Perkins. Hershey’s Music Hall, Chicago, February 18th.—$500 a side. E., 800—7.16—87; P., 775—75. Amateur Handicap Annuals. Maurice Daly’s Assembly Rooms, Brooklyn, N. Y., March 20th.—Commencement of annual tournaments for jeweled prizes. Eight contestants. Orville Oddie, Jr., won the one-carat diamond stud, having incidentally made highest run (75) and single winning average (12). In tournament of November 8th to 24th, he was awarded another diamond stud, winning 6—1,
23 minute read
1887.
1887.
Amateur Match for $3,000. N. Y. Racquet Club, April 15–20th.—300 points a night. Dr. G. L. Knapp, 1500—4.15—76; Alexander Morten, 1383—52. 500 or No Count. Grand Rapids, Mich., May 21st.—Game of 1000 points, $50 a side. McKenna, 1000; Wm. Burleigh, 143. Numerically, this is the largest odds ever known to have been given to one of Burleigh’s speed. First Amateur Championship of America. May 23–28th.—N.Y. Racquet Club tournament for a silver tankard valued at $500. Five games apiece, 300 points up
38 minute read
1889.
1889.
Brooklyn, N. Y., Amateur Annual. Daly’s Assembly Rooms, February 4–14th.—Handicap tournament for diamonds, 5 × 10. Arthur R. Townsend (scratch, 375), winning 3—1, won first prize and also made highest single average (15), highest general average (7.40), and highest run (116). Townsend was tied by Wm. Barnard (375), but defeated him, in playing off for first and second, by 375 to 185. Third Tourney for Amateur Championship of America. Second and last for Townsend Cup. N. Y. Racquet Club, May 13–1
47 minute read
1890.
1890.
Brooklyn, N. Y., Annual Amateur Handicap. Daly’s Assembly Rooms, March 10–22d.—Average of tournament (five games apiece), 5.10. J. Schaefer vs. J. F. B. McCleery. San Francisco, May 29th, 30th, 31st.—$200 a side, 3000 points, Schaefer giving odds of discount, 4½ × 9, c. b. S., 3000 (winning score)—average, 751 in actual score (3004)—run, 3000; McC., 15—run, 13. F. C. Ives vs. McCleery. Same city, same table, a day or two later, Ives conceding 1000 for a stake of $250 a side. Ives, 3000—176.46—98
57 minute read
1905.
1905.
J. Ferd. Poggenburg vs. Wm. H. Duhy. Rooms of the Cherokee Club, N. Y. City, February 26th.—Contest for the Victor Dowling Championship Cup at “straight-rail,” 4½ × 9 table. P., 150—9.44—run not stated; D., 146—run, 60 (highest of game). At the Lexington Avenue Opera House, N. Y. City, April 30th, for same emblem: Ed. McLaughlin, 300—21.43—158; Wm. Duhy, 153—50. Table, 4½ × 9....
24 minute read
BEST PERFORMANCES, Omitting Tables Larger or Smaller than the Standard 5 × 10 for this Game, as Officially Decreed in 1873.
BEST PERFORMANCES, Omitting Tables Larger or Smaller than the Standard 5 × 10 for this Game, as Officially Decreed in 1873.
333.33 in 1000—J. Schaefer, 1879. 28.57 in 600—Wm. Sexton, 1878. 690 in 1000—J. Schaefer, 1879. 247 in 600—Wm. Sexton, 1877. 85.71 in 600 points—J. Schaefer, 1879. 25.00 in 300—J. Dion, 1874 (championship of America). 37.60 (gen. av. in 3947 points)—G. F. Slosson, 1879. 464 in 600—G. F. Slosson, 1879. 159 in 300—M. Vignaux, 1874 (championship of America). 416.67 in 5000—H. McKenna, 1887 (nominally a match, but actually a purse game. Schaefer averaged 751 in 1890, running 3000, but the table was
1 minute read
1879.
1879.
First Tournament at Restricted Three-ball Caroms. In the Champion’s Game, as originally played in public on the dates given below, an oblique line was drawn near every corner. Its purpose was to make it harder to swing the balls (“turn the corner”) in the progressive nursing process known as “straight rail.” On the short rail, this line ended 14 inches from the nearest corner, and on the long rail 28 inches. Within any one of the four balks so formed, only two successive shots could be wholly ma
59 minute read
1880.
1880.
Carter vs. Gallagher. Union Square Rooms, N. Y. City, March 22d.—$500 a side. C., 600—10.17—140; G., 423—54. Heiser vs. Carter. Same hall, March 26th.—$500 a side. H., 600—10.53—93; C., 566—149. Vignaux vs. Slosson. Grand Hotel, Paris, December 20–24th.—$1,000 a side. V., 3000—29.70—214; S., 2961—273....
13 minute read
1882.
1882.
Longest Run Abroad. Grand Hotel, Paris, January 30th to February 3d.—$1,000 a side. Slosson, 3000—37.97—398; Vignaux, 2553—394. As the first victory of an American abroad in a public match, this was commemorated by a dinner to Slosson at Delmonico’s, N. Y. City, on February 23d, by a professional testimonial to him afterwards at the Columbian Room, not then his, and later by a purse of $700, contributed in part by Charles A. Dana, Frank Queen, and other journalistic patrons of billiards. [The wi
39 minute read
1884.
1884.
Longest Run in America. Madison Square Hall, N. Y. City, February 14th.—$250 a side, last game of match (see Three-ball Caroms and Balkline for others). Edward McLaughlin, 600—15.79—206; J. R. Heiser, 552—351. Handicap Tournament of Chicago Amateurs. Collender Billiard Hall, beginning March 17th.—Messrs. Ed. Rein, Sawyer and Davis played Champion’s Game against Frank Rice and four others. Rein won 6—1, and Rice and Davis 5—2 each, Rice also winning play-off. Sawyer won fourth prize. Line Increas
38 minute read
1885.
1885.
Line Increased from 18 × 38 to 20 × 40. Same hall and stake as foregoing about Feb. 2, Chicago. Schaefer, 800—16.67—78; Slosson, 589—97. Making runs of 100 unlikely or impossible in public defeated the purpose of the game, which was to restrict nursing without prohibiting it, and at this stage this line system was abandoned....
15 minute read
BEST PERFORMANCES IN PUBLIC MATCHES.
BEST PERFORMANCES IN PUBLIC MATCHES.
33.33 in 600 (championship)—G. F. Slosson, 1880. 37.97 in 3000, Paris, France—G. F. Slosson, 1882. 32.52 in 4000—J. Schaefer, 1881. 312 (championship)—J. Schaefer, 1880. 351 (best in America)—J. R. Heiser, 1884. 398 (best anywhere)—G. F. Slosson, Paris, France, 1882. 28.54 in 800—G. F. Slosson, 1884. 236—G. F. Slosson, 1884. 16.67—J. Schaefer, 1885. 97—G. F. Slosson, 1885. All play, unless otherwise stated, was with 2⅜ balls on a 5 × 10 carom table, and until 1885 on an 8–inch line. Abbreviation
45 minute read
1883.
1883.
First Public Contests. What is known simply as “Balkline” took its name originally from the table’s having a continuous line running around it six inches from the cushion. This form, with three shots in balk, was practiced by Rudolphe and the Dions in 1875, pronounced too difficult, and never played in public. The intersecting short lines near every corner were added early in 1883, and the main line was then put eight inches from the cushion; and in this form, with its eight balks and the two sh
2 minute read
1884.
1884.
Vignaux vs. Schaefer. See 1883, November 26–30th. Championship of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. M. H. Hewins’s Room, Hartford (except last game, which was played in Allyn Hall), January 29th to February 15th.—Tournament at “Space Game,” a combination of Balkline and the oblique line of the Champion’s Game. L. A. Guillet, 5—0; Hewins, 4—1; H. Behrens, J. A. Hendrick and C. T. Shean, 2—3 apiece; and J. Pletcher, 0—5. Play-off gave Behrens third money, and Shean fourth. A gold watch was ch
1 minute read
1885.
1885.
First Handicap Tournament. Starting early this year, there were many handicap tournaments during that and the next half dozen or more; but in only a half dozen of such tournaments was aught accomplished worth recording. The one in Platt’s Hall, San Francisco, January 4–6th, this year, is cited first among the exceptional six because of its having been the first at the game, the first tournamental playing of it on a 4½ × 9 table, and the only instance of a player’s single averages being the same
2 minute read
1886.
1886.
Schaefer vs. Vignaux. Cosmopolitan Hall, N. Y. City, January 26–30th.—$2,500 a side. S., 3000—20.97—180; V., 2838—143. Same hall, March 9–13th.—$1,000 a side. S., 3000—25.86—230; V., 1855—149. Gallagher vs. Carter. B. B. C. Co.’s Warerooms, Chicago, March 9th.—$250 a side. G., 500—9.61—41; C., 381—37. McLaughlin vs. Heiser. Cosmopolitan Hall, N. Y. City, March 8th.—$500 a side, home-and-home. McL., 500—7.35—51; H., 435—65. Return game, Assembly Buildings, Philadelphia, March 19th. H., 500—9.61—5
37 minute read
1887.
1887.
Twelve Players Tied Out of Thirteen. St. Louis, January 3d to February 17th.—Handicap for six prizes (aggregating $725) and a challenge medal. Wayman C. McCreery did the handicapping, E. Carter and T. J. Gallagher being high at 300 each. There were two ties of four each, and two of two each, W. H. Catton, sixth from both top and bottom with his 6—6, being the only one who escaped. Among amateurs, Chicago has since surpassed this in the striking particular that all five contestants tied alike, ev
1 minute read
1888.
1888.
Connecticut Championship at 8:2 on a 4½ × 9. M. H. Hewins’ Rooms, Hartford, January 17th to February 6th.—Tournament of 250–point games. Fred Hawks, 5—0, first prize; J. A. Hendrick, 4—1, second prize, and also prize for high run (36); W. G. White, 2—3, third prize, having beaten R. W. Kellogg in play-off. Same room, game, and table, April 9th.—Match for championship. Hawks, 300—4.55—27; John H. Kingsbury, 217—7. The championship emblem was a billiard-table, to be defended fifteen months. First
1 minute read
1890.
1890.
Maggioli vs. Hatley. Madison Street Theatre, Chicago, January 23d.—Match for $250 a side and the championship of Western players below first grade. M., 500—9.26—71; H., 327—28. Old Line Against New. Chickering Hall, N. Y. City, February 20th to March 1st.—First appearance of Ives and Catton in the East. To six entrances of $250 apiece, the B. B. C. Co. added $2,500. Games 500 up, Slosson and Schaefer playing 14:2 against the 8:2 of the others, three of whom divided third, fourth, and fifth prize
1 minute read
1891.
1891.
Second New England Championship at 10.2. J. J. Murphy’s Hub Palace, Boston, Feb. 16–26, tournament for challenge emblem valued at $100 and $320 in money, 250 points on 4½ × 9. Eames, Yatter, and Campbell were again 1—2—3, but this time against T. R. Bullock (fourth money) and Wm. Gilman. Eames lost not a game and made best single average, run, and general average—10.87—55—7.58. Second Shortstop Championship. B. B. C. Co.’s Warerooms, Chicago, February 10–27th.—Games, 400 points. Average of tourn
1 minute read
1893.
1893.
First Known 14:2 Tournament of Amateurs. G. F. Slosson’s Room, N. Y. City, 1893. Byron Stark first, Dr. A. B. Miller second, and Dr. A. L. Ranney third. But at Daly’s, Brooklyn, December 23, 1886, two amateurs had played a match at 12.2. Orville Oddie, Jr., who won, gave odds of 100. Winner, 400—4.40—18; loser, 338—21. Sutton’s Caromic Beginnings in Public. Toronto, Can., championship of Canada and $500. George Sutton, 500; Joseph W. Capron, 459. (January 27th, $500, the former ball-pool player
2 minute read
1894.
1894.
Philadelphia Three-handed Handicap. March 19–24th.—Purse of $300 added to entrance fees, Burris and Dodds, second and third, playing 300 to the 400 of McLaughlin, first. Boston Match at 4½ × 9 10.2. April 11–13th.—Eames, 1200; Geo. R. Carter, 883. Sexton vs. Heiser. N. Y. City, August 13–18th.—Opening of Maurice Daly’s Annex. Purse game. S., 1500; H., 1152. Ives vs. Schaefer. Home-and-home match, November 12–17th in New York, and in December 3–8th in Chicago.—$2,500 a side each game. First: I.,
42 minute read
1895.
1895.
Sutton’s First in Carom Tournament. Recital Hall, Chicago, January 18–27th.—Shortstops at 14:2, anchor barred, $1,000 in prizes. Order here is games won and lost, best average, general average, and high run: Gallagher, 5 to 0—28.58—19.80—104; Hatley, 3 to 2—12.15—11.—93; Maggioli, 3 to 2—14.29—10.54—91; McLaughlin, 2 to 3—21.—13.50—114; Sutton, 1 to 4—13.80—9.75—80; Capron, 1 to 4—13.—8.40—54. Hatley and Maggioli divided second and third. Sutton beat McLaughlin only. Amateur Championship of Illi
51 minute read
1896.
1896.
Shortstops in Chicago. Recital Hall, Jan. 18–27; game, 400 points, 14:2; prizes, $1,000. Intercity and Interclub Amateur Tournament. The first was held at Maurice Daly’s Assembly Rooms, Brooklyn, in 1895, and the second, held at his rooms in this city, January 13–27, 1896, is given a place here because of its having embraced nearly all of those who have since been busiest en amateur in and around Manhattan. There were three other competitors—Messrs. Wm. Barnard, Dr. H. D. Jennings, and Fred Oake
1 minute read
1897.
1897.
All Tie in Pittsburg, Pa., Tournament of Shortstops. Davis’s Room, February 27th to March 6th.—14:2 without anchor, $1,000 in 40, 30, 20, and 10 per cent. divisions, 400–point games. Average of tournament, approximately 12.70. In play-off, Sutton beat both, and Spinks, running 187 and averaging 40, put third prize upon Gallagher. Same Players, Plus John Matthews, in Chicago. Under the auspices of and at Clarence E. Green’s Imperial Room, April 6th.—Same game and the like prize-money. In playing
1 minute read
1898.
1898.
Schaefer vs. Slosson. Opera-house, Hartford, Conn., February 16th.—18:1 purse game. Schaefer, 400—7.84—39; Slosson, 317—59. First Handicap at 18:1. Central Music Hall, Chicago, January 17–22d.—Ives and Schaefer playing 400 to the 260 of Sutton, Catton, and Spinks. Schaefer’s defeat of Ives by 22, coupled with his own defeat at the hands of Spinks by 262, caused a tie between the “scratchmen,” who divided first and second moneys, as Spinks and Catton did the fourth prize. The B. B. C. Co. had add
1 minute read
1899.
1899.
A. A. U.’s First Class A Tournament. Knickerbocker Club, N. Y. City, February 13–18th.—Doubled 400–point games of 14:2, anchor barred, for an unchallengeable championship trophy presented by the B. B. C. Co. Martin Mullen, of Cleveland, lost none but opening game, and that to Wayman C. McCreery, of St. Louis, who won no other. Wilson P. Foss, of Haverstraw, N. Y., second. Average of tournament, 8.56. Liederkranz Amateur Trophy. Liederkranz Society’s Room, N. Y. City, May.—300 points of 14:2 nigh
2 minute read
1900.
1900.
A. A. U.’s Second Class A Tournament. Knickerbocker A. C., February 5–16th.—400–point games, 14:2, anchor barred, for championship Silver Cup given by the B. B. C. Co., to become the property of anyone winning it thrice. Average of tournament, 7.95. Metropolitan Amateur Championship of 14:2. First tournament held by Hanover Club, and second participated in by the N. A. A. B. P., Brooklyn, N. Y., March 12–17th. Average of tournament, 6.57. The remarkable features were presented of three players,
3 minute read
1901.
1901.
Championship of the N. A. A. B. P. First tournament, under the patronage of the Hanover Club, Brooklyn, N. Y., for the Brooklyn Eagle’s Gold Cup, but the third annual one of the Association, Brooklyn, N. Y., January 14–26th. Arthur R. Townsend won play-off. Average of tournament, 5.96. Three tied on high run, and the other three were not far from virtually tieing on general average. Such closeness, practicable for any grade of performers at any form of cushion caroms, is phenomenal at 14:2 balkl
3 minute read
1902.
1902.
Last Class B. Tournament of A. A. U. Knickerbocker Club, N. Y. City, winter of 1901–2.—Game, 14:2. Instead of by games, this tournament was to be decided by best general averages in case of tie for first place. A. G. Cutler, W. W. Kellogg, and J. A. Hendrick tied, and Cutler was winner on average. Other contestants were Frank Billiter, of Minneapolis, C. S. Schmitt, of Chicago, and W. A. Paige, of Boston, all new to this series of games. Second Tournament for “Brooklyn Eagle” Gold Cup. Brooklyn,
3 minute read
1903.
1903.
Fast Play by Chicago Amateurs. December 29, 1902, to March 18th.—Thos. Foley’s annual winter handicap. Six ran past 40. G. E. Spears vs. Wm. Ryle. Kansas City, January 12–14th, Minneapolis, January 19–21st.—At 14:2. S., 3000—7.—75; R., 2447—45. April, 1904: S., 1800—73; R., 1493. Third Tournament for “Brooklyn Eagle” Gold Cup. Brooklyn, N. Y., February 2–13th.—Under patronage of Hanover Club, 300 points nightly, 14:2. Game that directly caused a tie: W. P. Foss, 300—10.—67; E. W. Gardner, 280—31
5 minute read
1904
1904
First American Amateur Tournament at 18:2. Daly’s, N.Y. City, beginning January 4th. Handicap. First Match for 18:2 Championship of the World. See Vignaux vs. Sutton, January 29, 1904, under February, 1903. Pittsburg, Pa., Handicap at 14:2. Great Northern Billiard Hall, January 11–26th.—4½ × 9 table. First to fourth, Messrs. Bennie, Jack, Powers, and Brown. Bennie, the only “scratchman,” made highest run and best average—36 and 6.90. Chicago Handicap at 14:2. A. M. Clarke’s Room, ending January
10 minute read
1905.
1905.
Maurice Daly’s Class B Amateur Championship. Begun January 23d, N. Y. City, and won by H. A. Coleman.—In playing off tie for second and third, February 3d, Wm. Gershel averaged 11.11, defeating Albert Lewenberg by 300 to 119. Other contestants were Chas. E. White, Louis A. Servatius, and James Vantine. Games were 14:2, 300 up. Fifth Annual Gold Cup Championship Tourney. Held in Chicago January 30th to February 11th, under the auspices and at the clubhouse of the Chicago Athletic Association. Kno
9 minute read
1906.
1906.
Foley’s 14:2 Handicap, Chicago. Begun October 19th, and finished January 5, 1906.—Jackson (200) and Van Haften (170) tied for first and second, and Jenkins and Roney, 140 each, for third and fourth. Jackson and Jenkins won. High run (33) was made by Cochrane (200), and he and Jackson tied on high single average, which was 7.15. J. M. Miller, another “scratchman,” lost his whole eight games. McLaughlin, Gallagher, and Cutler. See “Professional Tournaments at 18:2,” last paragraph of 1905 but one.
7 minute read
1907.
1907.
Maxine Thomas’s Formal New York Debut. Maurice Daly’s Room, December 31, 1906, and January 1–2, 1907. Style, 18:2. Averaging 16.46, and having 102 for high run, T. J. Gallagher won by 1200 to 889. Calvin Demarest vs. Ora Morningstar. W. P. Mussey’s Room, Chicago, January 14th to 19th.—Exhibition six nights’ game at 18:2, Morningstar to make 500 points nightly to Demarest’s 300, but failing on the whole by 792. Demarest averaged 16.36 in his 1800, with 152 for high run to Morningstar’s 143. World
5 minute read
1908.
1908.
World’s Championship at 18:1 and 18:2. For contests in 1908, see pp. 312 –13. Crescent A. C. Annual 14:2 Championship. At Brooklyn, N. Y., ending January 3d.—Tournament won by Dr. H. D. Jennings from E. A. Clough (second prize) in final game, increased from 200 to 300 points. Jennings, 300—41—5.77; Clough, 145—29. The highest average of the tournament, 8.33, was by Jennings in defeating Banker by 200 to 49. Knickerbocker Annual 14:2 Handicap. F. A. Keeney’s Room, Brooklyn, tournament closing Jan
4 minute read
BEST RECORD PERFORMANCES ON DIFFERENT LINES, BUT ALWAYS ON A 5 × 10 TABLE.
BEST RECORD PERFORMANCES ON DIFFERENT LINES, BUT ALWAYS ON A 5 × 10 TABLE.
26.67 in 800, 14:2—F. C. Ives, 1892. 15.00 in 600, 18:1—F. C. Ives, 1898. 33.33 in 500, 18:2—George Sutton, 1907. 20.83 in 500, 18:1—W. F. Hoppe, Paris, France, 1906. 155 in 800–point game, 14:2—J. Schaefer, 189. 91 in 600–point game, 18:1—F. C. Ives, 1898. 100 in 500–point game, 18:1—J. Schaefer, 1907. 232 in 500, 18:2—George Sutton, 1907. 40 in 600, 8:2—J. Schaefer, 1883. 31.25 in 500, 18:1—F. C. Ives, 1897. 50 in 500, 18:2—M. Vignaux, Paris (championship of France), 1902. 100 in 500, 18:2—G.
2 minute read
1878.
1878.
First Public Match Contest. Bumstead Hall, Boston, February 21st.—$250 a side, Jacob Schaefer discounting John H. Flack. Schaefer’s actual score at close, 300; average of all points he made, 2.50; best run, 35. Flack’s total, 299; best run, 8. Time, 5h. 50m. First Tournament. Begun in a St. Louis billiard room, March 14th.—The games, as reported, were 400 points up, and the best averages of the four prize-winners (Frank Day, S. G. Baldwin, Eugene Wolff, and Edward Warner) 3.60, 2.98, 2.14, and 3
40 minute read
1881.
1881.
The Sexton-Schaefer Matches. All independent of one another. First: Cooper Institute, N. Y. City, February 15th.—$500 a side, Schaefer, 400—3.92—26; Sexton, 396—21. Tammany Hall, same city, $1,000 a side, February 26th.—Sexton, 400—3.33—27; Schaefer, 363—20. Same hall, December 29th.—$2,500 a side. Sexton, 600—3.87—77; Schaefer, 576—23. That 77 is still record-high for a public match. Academy of Music, same city and like stake, April 27, 1882.—Sexton, 600—4.05—32; Schaefer, 538—28. (Owing to the
1 minute read
1882.
1882.
First Tournament “Down East.” Boston, Mass., closing January 5th.—For amateur championship. Prize-winners were Moses Yatter, E. H. Marshall, G. A. Roberts, Thos. R. Tarrant, and Chas. F. Campbell. The last subsequently acquired the emblematic silver cup and lost it to Marshall, April 12th, by 250 to 241. Campbell and Yatter played for the State championship on January 25, 1883, and out of that match (C., 250—1.85—12; Y., 249—11) came the State championship of 1884. Piot vs. Schaefer. Grand Café,
56 minute read
1883.
1883.
Only Championship of America. Tammany Hall, N. Y. City, May 14–25th.—$3,000 in money and an emblem presented by H. W. Collender; 500 points on 4½ × 9; shot to count whether cue-ball cushioned before hitting second object-ball or after hitting both and before hitting either again. This was a revival. It was little followed after 1883, and was expunged from the rules in 1897. This tournament is exceptional among professional ones in that before his one defeat (by Schaefer) Daly had won the champio
1 minute read
1884.
1884.
Carter vs. Gallagher. St. Louis, February 20th.—$500 a side. C., 400—4.35—33; G., 327—31. [Carried a term higher, Carter’s average becomes a shade better than the best prior match record, being 4.348 to Daly’s 4.347.] Championship of Massachusetts. W. P. Marshall’s Room, Boston, tournament on 4½ × 9, ending March 1st.—Moses Yatter 8—1, E. H. Marshall 7—2, C. F. Campbell 6—3, and T. W. Allen 3—4, prize-winners. Allen made the best run, 26, and Campbell the highest winning average, 3.33. There wer
42 minute read
1885.
1885.
Second Massachusetts Championship. This was the pioneer prohibition one, Yatter and Campbell being barred. Boston, January 12th to February 13th.—4½ × 9 table. Jas. O’Neil 9—0, Fred Eames 7—2, E. H. Marshall 6—3, and Chas. Barnard 5—4, were prize-winners. Best average, 3.45, was by Eames, whose 22 tied W. G. Gilman’s for high-run prize, won by G. in playing off. Emblem was held successively by O’Neil (forfeited through illness), Marshall, O’Neil again, and Eames finally. Sexton vs. Slosson. Irvi
29 minute read
1886.
1886.
Bookmakers’ Handicaps. The Reeves-Johnson match of 1883, which was a heavily speculative event, led to a series of bookmakers’ tournaments in this city, February 8–18, 1886; January 31st to February 14, 1887; January 23–27, 1888; and January 14–22, 1889, the winners of which severally were Chas. Davis, Joseph Cotton, Davis again, and David Johnson. The last-named was at “scratch” in two out of four, and Davis always at “scratch” except in the third, when Reeves, playing 170 to his 150, tied him,
47 minute read
1887.
1887.
Slosson vs. Schaefer. Central Music Hall, Chicago, April 4th.—First game of match of two (see “Balkline,” 14:2, 1887, for the other), each for $500 a side. Slosson, 500—4.81—25; Schaefer, 488—49. The average is still match-high. Winner overcame the longest lead known to a public match at this game. When Schaefer needed but 130 to go, Slosson was 120 behind. First Contest of Multiple Nights. Light Infantry Armory, Washington, D. C., May 23–28th.—Game for a purse, 300 points nightly. Daly, 1800—4.
42 minute read
1888.
1888.
Championship of Pennsylvania. Continental Hotel, Philadelphia, January 9–26th.—200–point games, eight contestants and seven prize-winners, viz., McLaughlin, 7—0; Burris, 6—1; Bullock, 5—2; Pollard, 4—3; P. Levy, 3—4; J. Cline, 2—5; Palmer, 1—6. Eighth man was Edward Woods, 0—7. Matches were not meant to follow. The championship emblem, won by McLaughlin along with $210, was presented by H. J. Bergman. Saratoga, N. Y., Three-handed Tournament. Town Hall, August 6–8th.—Slosson, $500; Daly, $350; S
22 minute read
1889.
1889.
Five-handed Tournament in Boston. John J. Murphy’s Hub Palace, finishing January 4th.—4½ × 9 table. Eames, 4—0; Yatter, 3—1; and John Dankleman; C. F. Campbell, and W. M. Gilman, 1—3 apiece, divided third money. On January 16th, for $150 a side, 4½ × 9, Eames defeated Yatter by 200 to 209, and in same room, March 7th, and at C. T. Shean’s Room, Springfield, March 20th, he defeated L. A. Guillet in a home-and-home, $100 a side....
20 minute read
1896.
1896.
Last Professional Tournament. Bumstead Hall, Boston, April 13–17th.—Under auspices of Daly and Ives, 300–point games. Approximate average of tournament, 4.67. Ives’s 85 was run against Daly. While it is absolutely the highest in public, yet it cannot properly be compared with Sexton’s 77 in virtually a $6,250 stake match (not counting side bets) that he won from Schaefer by no more than 4 per cent. in 600....
20 minute read
1899.
1899.
Schaefer’s Highest Run of Record. Lenox Lyceum, N. Y. City, May 22d.—Second game of match of two, each for $500 a side (see Balkline, May 13, 1899, for first). Slosson, 500—4.60—34; Schaefer, 359—55. Second Match of Multiple Nights. Madison Square Garden Concert Hall, N. Y. City, October 30 to November 1st.—$500 a side. Slosson, 900—4.57—37; Schaefer, 757—41. McLaughlin vs. Gallagher. Maurice Daly’s, N. Y. City, November 6–10.—Purse game, best in five. McLaughlin, who won the odd, also made the
23 minute read
1902–3.
1902–3.
Amateur Revival Tournaments. After having been out of fashion for years, the game was revived in winter of 1902–3 at Maurice Daly’s, N. Y. City, by Messrs. Mark Muldaur, Albert Brock, Wm. Gershel and F. Poggenburg, who finished in that order without unusual play, and at Foley’s, Chicago, August 31st to October 31st, C. F. Conklin (scratch at 125) winning by 7—1 in games, and making best run (21), and highest winning average (2.75). S. W. Miller made 3.33 in the opening game, but it was canceled
36 minute read
BEST RECORD PERFORMANCES ON 5 × 10 AND 4½ × 9 TABLES, BOTH HAVING BEEN CHAMPIONSHIP STANDARDS
BEST RECORD PERFORMANCES ON 5 × 10 AND 4½ × 9 TABLES, BOTH HAVING BEEN CHAMPIONSHIP STANDARDS
3.55 in 500—G. F. Slosson, 1883. 38 in 500 (still his best record in match, with 40 his best in tournament)—G. F. Slosson, 1883. 6.25 in 200—J. Schaefer (with 3.56 by G. F. Slosson for high general average, but the two were second and third winners only), 1881. 10.00 in 500–point game, 4½ × 9 table—J. Schaefer, with 6.559 for best general average, that of winner-in-chief (M. Daly) being 6.550, 1883. 45 in 200–point game—J. Dion, winner, 1881. 65 in 500–point game, 4½ × 9 table—W. Sexton, 1883 (T
1 minute read
1878.
1878.
First Tournament. C. E. Mussey’s Room, St. Louis, January 14–31st.—50–point games. Leon Magnus, 4—1; Carter, Gallagher, and Heiser, 3—2; W. C. McCreery, 2—3; Thomas Potts, 0—5. Carter won play-off, with Gallagher second. The best run (6) and the best average (.75, or ¾ of a point) were Gallagher’s....
13 minute read
1886.
1886.
First Tournament in the East. Schaefer & Emerich’s Room, N. Y. City, 25–point games. Gus Newland, 7—2, won first prize, $75 and a gold medal, and Al. Sauer, Herbert Haskell, W. Clark and C. Wilson tied at 6—3. The other contestants, not all of whom finished, were Arthur R. Townsend, Charles Heineman, Joseph Stiner, Ed. Williamson, and Mr. Pollock....
16 minute read
1898.
1898.
Schaefer vs. Ives. Auditorium Recital Hall, Chicago, April 4th.—$100 a side. Schaefer, 120—average unreported—8; Ives, 106. Capt. A. C. Anson vs. L. Jevne. Chicago, September.—Each game for $50 a side, Jevne giving odds of 10. First: A., 50; J., 38. Second: A., 50; J., 39....
13 minute read
1899.
1899.
Schaefer vs. Carter. Chicago, Ill., February 4th.—$200 a side. S., 100; C., 89. Frank C. Ives’s Last Match. “Ives Room,” N. Y. City, May 24–25th.—Four-handed for announced $250 purse and $2,500 stake. First game: Ives and W. H. Harrison, 60; Schaefer and J. A. Thatcher, 45. Second game: S. and T., 65; I. and H., 55. While rather an exhibition than a match, nevertheless these games are of interest as the last formal ones in which Ives took part. All but Schaefer were soon dead. First Tournament i
34 minute read
1900.
1900.
Averaging in Short Games. The Daly-Vasquez contest has been given a place because it typifies generalship on the part of a winner lacking his opponent’s executive ability, and the following are added as representing free play or catch-as-catch-can billiards. Chicago, May 30th: Capron, 30—av., 1.25; Sutton, 17. May 31st: Carter, 30—av., .97; Sutton, 15. Carter Loses Championship to Jevne. Clarence E. Green’s Academy, Chicago, June 15th (postponed from June 8th because of C.’s unfitness). J., 100—
1 minute read
1901.
1901.
Amateur Championship of Pacific Coast. “The Waldorf,” San Francisco, October.—Probably 4½ × 9. J. C. Howard, unbeaten, Dr. W. F. Davis, W. I. Barry, J. Berry, and J. J. Roggan (won no game) closed in that order. General averages and best runs: Howard, .48—4; Barry, .42—6; Davis, .38—4; Berry, .36—5....
13 minute read
1902.
1902.
Fred Eames vs. Jevne. Denver, Col., January 28th.—$500, former getting odds of 10. E., 85; J., 61. Table possibly a 4½ × 9. St. Louis Tournament. January.—Clarence Hutchings lost but one game, and that to Wright after having already won the tournament. Wright tied Clayton and Brock for third place, G. E. Hevner being second, and also having the best general average (.44), besides standing off Hutchings, Brock, and Wheeler on high run (5). Best single averages were Hutchings’s .65 and Wright’s .6
47 minute read
1903.
1903.
“Mussey Challenge Trophy.” Closing March 20th at Mussey’s Room, Chicago, “Harris” (scratch, 50) averaging .57, won final game from “Wadsworth,” who took second prize, as well as that for high run (7) in an amateur field of eight. In April, May, and June, a larger and higher class, numbering eleven, comprised a new tournament for the “Mussey Challenge Trophy.” “Harris” made high run (12), but Avery won first prize, and “Harris,” “Wadsworth,” Riley and Wheeler tied for next four places. In the fir
55 minute read
1904.
1904.
San Francisco (Café Waldorf) Tournament. December, 1903, to February, 1904. Won by Mitchell (George), with Pellage second, in a field of eleven. Billiard Club Championship. N. Y. City, tournament of eleven contestants, ending April 19th.—Winner, F. R. White, who lost not a game. E. O. Presby, second, was beaten by White only. An Amateur Average of 1.03 in 50 Points. Tournament at W. P. Mussey’s Room, Chicago, April and May.—Won by James Shea, who in one game scored his 50 in 49 innings, although
3 minute read
1906.
1906.
Handicap Heat Tournament at G. F. Slosson’s. N. Y. City, January 15–26th.—Eight were forced out by their one defeat in the first week, and of the remaining eight the ones longest to last were Rinehart (scratch, 40) and J. A. Pallasco (36). The latter averaged .38, and the former scored 33, Pallasco thus winning first prize, a costly fur overcoat. Bensinger’s Professional Handicap, Chicago. January 15–20th.—Charles Weston (50), third; George Wheeler (45), first; Clem E. Ellison (42), fourth; Fran
24 minute read
1907.
1907.
Amateur Handicap. W. P. Mussey’s Room, Chicago, closing in April.—Ties played off made Stanley first, Austin second, and Lord third. Stanley and Lord, with Fuller, were scratchmen. James Ryan vs. Benjamin Laurie. Imperial Billiard Room, Boston, nights of April 1st, 3d, and 5th.—Ryan, 150; Laurie, 139. They played again May 21st, 22d, 24th, Ryan winning by 150 to 144. Amateurs in Los Angeles, Cal. Jas. F. Morley’s Room, June.—Thirteen entries, and 25–point games. J. B. Bayne promised most, but wa
1 minute read
1908.
1908.
Amateur Handicap at G. F. Slosson’s Room. February 3–11th.—Contestants, Messrs. Gremmels (50), French, Blair, Strauss, and Pallasco, the last four at 40. Won by French, who in his final game, defeating Gremmels by 20, averaged .52. One higher average (.67) had been made by Blair when he ran 6 and defeated Pallasco by 40 to 34. Three-Handed Professional Exhibition. Maurice Daly’s Room, week ending February 22d, 50–point games, playing twice around.—Won by Edward McLaughlin, who lost only his seco
33 minute read
BEST PERFORMANCES.
BEST PERFORMANCES.
There are few unquestionable records. Most of the professional games, whether short or long, have of late years been played in “academies” by “academy” employees. To admit one such to record, on the plea that there was a public admission-fee, as well as more or less of a staking, would be to admit all. Then, again, this is a game that has never had a standard as to length. It is unlikely that since 1878 there has been a better average for 50 points in a match than Wayman C. McCreery’s .94; but t
54 minute read
BEST PERFORMANCES BY AMATEURS
BEST PERFORMANCES BY AMATEURS
The New York Racquet Club was the first to institute a national championship of amateurs (1887–88–89–90), which it did not attempt to renew. There was no second essay until the Amateur Athletic Union entered the field in 1898–99. Anything in the nature of amateur record, therefore, may be said to begin in 1887 and end in 1890, to resume in another direction in 1898 and continue until now. 17.33 in 300 (championship)—Orville Oddie, Jr., 1889. 11.03 in 1500, gen. av. (championship), Orville Oddie,
2 minute read
1878.
1878.
Record properly begins with the First National Championship Tournament. Union Square Rooms, N. Y. City, April 8–20th.—Best in 21 games of 61 up, for an emblematic gold medal and $550 in four parts. Among the contestants were all the recognized first-class American caromers of that period, with the exception of Albert Garnier, Maurice Daly and Jacob Schaefer. In addition were the pool-players Samuel F. Knight, Clarke E. Wilson, George Frey, J. McWarble, and Gottlieb Wahlstrom, “The Swede” No. 1.
53 minute read
1879.
1879.
First Championship of Indiana. Crescent Hall, Indianapolis, January 2–11th.—Won by D. Hough from Albert Hawkins, George Morris, and R. E. Whitney (tied), C. Eden, Weller, Gould, and Mack. After losing his first game to Eden, Mack forfeited his remaining six by withdrawing....
12 minute read
1881.
1881.
Début of Albert Frey. Union Square Rooms, N. Y. City, December 29, 1880, to January 5th.—Frey, Chas. Schaefer, Otis Field, and Joseph King were graduated from a preliminary tournament of nine into the one next following. Second National Championship Tournament. Union Square Rooms, N. Y. City, January 6th.—Under amended rules. Winners of the five prizes were Wahlstrom, Frey, A. Morris, King, and Knight. Among the other four participants was Jacob Schaefer, beaten by Wahlstrom, Frey, and Knight. O
34 minute read
1882.
1882.
Frey vs. Knight. Tammany Hall, March 8th.—$500 a side. F., 21; K., 18. First Tournament at Pyramid (Eight-ball). Republican Hall, N. Y. City, May 3–17th.—Best in 21. Frey beat John Dankleman in playing off for first money and the pyramid championship emblem. George Sutton (début in public) won third, and Jacob Schaefer (tied by Thomas Wallace) fourth. The others were Eugene Carter, John Bessunger, Knight, C. Schaefer, and Albert Lambert....
19 minute read
1883.
1883.
First Amateur Challenge Championship. C. E. Mussey’s Room, St. Louis, October 15th to November 7th.—Matches were to be 150 balls up, for $25 a side, none but St. Louis amateurs eligible. E. Thompson, tied with E. Block for first prize, won play-off. There were eight other contestants. In the match that followed, December 4th, Ed. Dale won championship by 150 to 98....
17 minute read
1884.
1884.
Third National Championship. Madison Square Hall, N. Y. City, beginning January 10th.—Call ball, but not pocket. J. L. Malone won emblem and first money, $250, Frey and King tied for second and third, George Sutton took fourth, Lambert and Charles H. Manning tied for fifth and sixth, and Knight, Dankleman, and J. S. Leonard were the trailers. First Call-ball-and-pocket Tournament. Morrissy’s Room, Syracuse, N. Y., January 28th to February 15th.—Eleven were in, the prize-winners being Frey, Malon
40 minute read
1886.
1886.
First Match of Multiple Nights. Maurice Daly’s Assembly Rooms, Brooklyn, March 15–19th.—80 to win in best 31 games nightly, $250 a side. Frey, 80; Malone, 72. Frey vs. Malone. Irving Hall, N. Y. City, May 11–15th.—Same terms as above, except that stake was $500 a side. F., 80; M., 63. Henry Claess vs. C. Schaefer. St. Louis, Mo., October 15th.—$50 a side. C., 16; S., 14. Same city, January 29, 1887.—$500 a side. C., 21; S., 10. January 29th, S. beat C., and in a later game C. beat S., each for $
27 minute read
1887.
1887.
Fourth National Championship. Fifth Avenue Music Hall, N. Y. City, February 14–20th.—Tournament under amended rules again. Alfredo De Oro, of Havana, Cuba, making his first public appearance, tied Frey and Malone, but was third after play-off, Frey being first, with King, Manning, and James Hamilton fourth, fifth, and last. The first match for this championship, represented by the Grote Challenge Emblem, was played at Daly’s Assembly Rooms, Brooklyn, March 28th to April 1st. Frey, 80; Malone, 40
1 minute read
1889.
1889.
Fifth Championship Series. Hardman Hall, N. Y. City, February 25th to March 2d.—Continuous pool, 100 balls up, for the B. B. C. Co.’s Challenge Emblem and money prizes. Frey, De Oro, and Malone tied as the first three, Clearwater and Manning tied for fourth and fifth, and King came next and last after forfeiting to Manning. The first three ties were played off in Daly’s Assembly Rooms, Brooklyn, March 11–16th, 300 balls, 150 per night, and resulted in Frey first and De Oro second. CHAMPIONSHIP M
2 minute read
1890.
1890.
Tournament for Kuntzsch Medal. Geo. N. Kuntzsch’s Room, Syracuse, N. Y., March 17th to April 8th.—Medal and $125, De Oro; $100, Powers; $75, Clearwater; fourth, Manning; fifth and last, Joseph Dinning. First Handicap Tournament. Lawrence’s Room, N. Y. City, ending April 26th.—Playing off for first prize, C. Erickson (95) defeated P. H. Walsh (95). Powers (100) was third. Later came Edward Dougherty, Edward Barton, James Luddington, Stewart, and Dinning. Binghamton, N. Y. Tournament. Keogh first
22 minute read
1891.
1891.
Clearwater vs. Kuntzsch. Grand Central Rink, Pittsburg, Pa., January 29–31st.—$300 a side. C., 600; K., 428. Second Medal Tournament in Syracuse, N. Y. Grand Billiard Hall, and thence to Standard Theatre, February 23d to March 16th.—Powers first, De Oro and Clearwater tied (De Oro lost play-off), Frank Sherman fourth, Jerome R. Keogh, Wm. Wenrick, and Kuntzsch tied for fifth (divided), and Chas. Strewe, Nathaniel Ward, and Luddington, together with Eulalio Saborido, of Cuba, bringing up the rear
51 minute read
1893.
1893.
“White Elephant” Tournament. N. Y. City, January 16th to February 1st.—Professional games for money prizes. Winners—P. H. Walsh, P. Rodgers, H. E. Stewart and Wm. Wenrick. Championship of America. Syracuse, N. Y., tournament ending March 24th. First, second, and third winners—De Oro, F. Sherman, and Stewart. [For match, see under 1889.] De Oro vs. John Roberts, of London. Madison Square Garden, N. Y., Oct. 16–21.—Match of 1000 balls for $2,000 on standard English and American tables, playing eve
32 minute read
1894.
1894.
Pennsylvania Championship. Philadelphia, closing February 22d.—Winners—Keogh, Sherman, Dougherty, Wilson, and Tate. Clearwater vs. De Oro. Cleveland, O., April.—As reported at the time, there were two series, C. winning the first by 1000 to 863, and the second by 1200 to 1188. T. E. White vs. H. King. May 7–12.—Half in Philadelphia and half in Washington, $1,000. W., 500; K., 372. 100 to 0. Pittsburg, Pa., May 17th.—Clearwater thus won a game with Frank Munsey. Probably a 4½ × 9 table....
23 minute read
1897.
1897.
Seventy-five Balls Consecutively. Dallas, Tex., January 9th.—The late Samuel Barnes, giving his opponent odds of 60, holed 75 balls from the start without a miss. Almost certainly on a 4½ × 9 table, and probably, also, with pocket-openings above regulation size. Ninety-seven Balls in Succession. Toledo, O., September 10th.—By Clearwater. See remarks above. There is the further objection to going outside of a frame to count pocketings as “runs” that the best players are not usually their makers.
44 minute read
1898.
1898.
Roomkeepers’ Championship of Philadelphia. November.—Horning and Levy, 5—1 each; J. Thornton, 4—2; Ed. Burris, 3—3; Sol Allinger and Rhoades, 2—4 each; McCabe, 0—6. Horning won play-off. Championship of America (Nominal). Syracuse, N. Y., December 10–13th.—Tieing Eby and Horgan on 7—2, De Oro won play-off. Challenge matches were not contemplated....
14 minute read
1899.
1899.
Professional Tournaments. N. Y. City, January 23–28th.—Won by Keogh. That in Chicago, Ill., ended in favor of De Oro by his defeating John Daly by 125 to 97. Special Championship of Philadelphia. February 15–17th.—Match. Dougherty, 600; Kelly, 504. Keogh vs. De Oro. Daly’s Room, N. Y. City, 150 balls nightly, for a purse. K., 900; De O., 813....
17 minute read
1901.
1901.
Championship Tournament in Boston. Hub Billiard Palace, February and March.—Announced as for the championship of the world. Frank Sherman won by 6—0, Stofft and De Oro 4—2 each, Eby 3—3, Clearwater 2—4, and Wm. Stubbs and Irving Long 1—5 each. De Oro beat Stofft in play-off, and then De Oro and Sherman entered into the only match ever played for the emblem. See under 1889, “Championship Matches.” De Oro vs. Eby. Boston, Mass., March.—$250 a side. De O., 600; E., 463....
24 minute read
1902.
1902.
World’s Championship, 1902–03. Clarence E. Green’s “Montauk,” Brooklyn, N. Y., March 10–25th.—Continuous pool, 125 balls, for championship emblem and money prizes. Clearwater and Charles Weston tied for first and second, and former won play-off by 20. Wenrick won 6, Keogh 5, Walsh and Long 3 each, Eby and H. P. Stofft 2 each, and W. McCune 1. (For the two matches that followed, see under 1889.) Championship of Louisiana. Miller’s Room, New Orleans, May 26th to June 20th.—Eugene Price and Emile C
35 minute read
1903.
1903.
Professional Tournament for Money Prizes. Clarence E. Green’s “Montauk,” Brooklyn, ending February 6th.—Stofft and Weston, 8—1 each; Kirkland, Sneden, and Rodgers, 5—4 apiece; Burns, 4—5; Smith, Ward, and Wenrick, 3—6 apiece; Hamber, 1—8. Stofft beat Weston for first money, Sneden defeated Kirkland and Rodgers for third, and Kirkland won fourth from Rodgers. Buffalo, N. Y., Tournament. Schwabl’s Room, March.—Byron Gillette unbeaten in field of nine, and Charles Porter, beaten only by Gillette (1
52 minute read
1904.
1904.
World’s Championship Tournament. St. Louis, Mo., October 12th to November 2d.—For a trophy emblematic of the championship of the world, and given by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., with money prizes in addition. Contestants were Alfredo De Oro, Jerome Keogh, Wm. H. Clearwater, Frank Sherman, Grant Eby (all ex-champions then), Thomas Hueston, Charles Weston, and Benjamin H. Brumby, of Marietta, Ga. This was Brumby’s first in tournament, and he withdrew after playing four-sevenths of his games.
1 minute read
1906.
1906.
St. Louis, February 8–10th.—Hueston, 600; Chas. Weston, 589. St. Louis, May 17–19th.—John Horgan, 600; Hueston, 542. St. Louis, October 4–6th.—J. Horgan, 600; H. B. Lean, 454. Horgan resigned emblem to Jerome Keogh. Rochester, N. Y., November 21st, 22d, 23d.—Jerome Keogh (champion), 600; Fred. Tallman (challenger), 346. Buffalo, N. Y., December 27th, 28th, 29th.—Jerome Keogh, 507; Thos. Hueston (challenger), 600. New York City, February 7th, 8th, 9th, 1907.—T. Hueston, 600; Edward Dawson (challe
2 minute read
1906.
1906.
Fifth Avenue Hotel’s Second Annual. New York City, February 15–16th.—Contestants, who played from “scratch” and in heats, one defeat distancing, were Geo. A. Roff, Edward Rice, Joseph E. O’Donahue, Gillman Collamore, S. J. Dewey, Franklin Bien, Jr., F. B. Colton, and Mr. Schutt. The undistanced were Roff and Bien, and the winner of their game, by 100 balls to 46, was Roff, who was awarded a sterling silver cup. All the earlier games were 50 up....
21 minute read
1907.
1907.
Third Fifth Avenue Hotel Annual. New York City, February, 1907.—Eight competitors, George A. Roff winning the silver loving cup by defeating Franklin Bien, 100 to 95, in the final game. Crescent A. C. Championship Annual. Brooklyn, N. Y., February.—Having defeated leaders like J. M. Heatherton and Augustus S. Hart, lost to nobody, and needing to play only H. M. Barrett, who had won but one game out of six, E. H. Griffith was beaten by Barrett. This tied Griffith with Hart, and their play-off inc
1 minute read
1908.
1908.
Final Match of Professional Championship Series. For Hueston-Keogh contest, see under 1907. Last Fifth Avenue Hotel Annual. Held in closing week of February.—Contestants, Geo. A. Roff, Franklin Bien, F. B. Colton, Gillman Collamore, Putnam, and Andrews. The last and decisive game was won by Roff from Bien, 100 to 99. The famous hotel is slated for other uses. Roff has its loving cups for the last three years. This February’s tournament was the fourth. N. Y. A. C. Championship for 1908. Tournamen
1 minute read
RULES GOVERNING VARIOUS GAMES
RULES GOVERNING VARIOUS GAMES
These can be had, free of charge, on application to the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co.’s publishers. At present there are but two, whether at caroms or at fifteen-ball pool, whose terms have not expired. The elder of these is the 18:1 (Eighteen-inch Line, One Shot in Balk), and the other the 18:2 (same line, with Two Shots in Balk). The rules appended relate to the making and the conduct of matches, and not to the general playing. World’s Championship at 18:1 Balkline. 1. Contests for the Emblem
5 minute read
THE ADDITIONS ARE:
THE ADDITIONS ARE:
1. There shall be no intermission, neither shall it be allowable to brush the table or wipe the balls during the progress of the game. 2. Winner shall take all receipts and pay all expenses. 3. The balls shall have a medium-polish finish—that is, between a dead finish and a high polish. 4. There shall not be any string of markers over the table....
30 minute read