The Twentieth Century

During the earlier years of the 20th century the popularity of billiards continued. John Roberts, Junior, and other prominent English players travelled to the Dominions and Colonies of the British Empire for major competitive events.

Following the First World War this popularity continued until about 1930. To illustrate the prestige with which the game was held, when Walter Lindrum, the greatest champion of all, toured England during 1931, he met the then English Prime Minister and was summoned for a Royal Command Performance before King George V.

From the 1930s onwards until about 1960 the game of billiards was effectively in decline. It continues today as a pastime pursued by a dedicated minority of enthusiasts.

As far as equipment for the game is concerned, changes during the 20th century have really amounted to refinements.

Although various materials have been used during the period, the billiard table manufactured at the latter end of the century is remarkably similar in design and style to that manufactured in the earliest years. One example of change is in the cushions of the table. Today cushion rubbers are moulded in a single piece, contrasting with the layered strip rubber used in earlier years. Again, in the early 1980s, after much debate consensus was reached in relation to the size and shape and undercut of cushion pocket openings, new templates superseding those laid down in 1892.

The billiard cue is largely the same as formerly, although more likely to be made as a two-piece or three-quarter joint item (the latter normally with its own extension).

Further improvements have been made to the balls. The bonzoline and crystalate synthetic balls being superseded in the 1970s by cast resin balls which are extremely accurate as far as size, weight and spherical shape are concerned.

The first professional snooker championship was held in England in 1927. Over the next thirty years the popularity of snooker overtook that of billiards. Following the advent of colour television snooker became England's most popular indoor game. Large tournaments with very substantial prize moneys and extensive TV coverage led to a great upsurge of interest in the game.

Meanwhile, in North America during the 1980s, partly due to the influence of films, pool games (including nine-ball) became more popular and continued to be so until the end of the century.