As far back as 1500 BC, uncovered ruins and hieroglyphics revealed “Bat-and-ball” games, which most historians believe is the origin of billiards. The name “billiards” itself was derived from the French word bille, meaning a piece of wood, or a curved stick – or billes – which means a variety of spherical objects, including balls.

The first definitive account of the existence of a billiard table was found in a 1470 inventory of the possessions of King Louis XI of France. The cue tip was invented by Captain Mingaud, an imprisoned French soldier, in the early 1800’s. Billiard chalk came into use soon after the advent of Mingaud’s cue tip. But in 1892, William A. Spinks, a professional billiard player from Chicago, began working with chemists on the components of chalk. In 1897, he was granted a patent for a billiard chalk – which does not contain a speck of chalk at all. It was, in fact, comprised entirely of abrasives – which included silica and axolite that were crushed to near-powder and air-floated, to exactly the right fineness.

Michael Phelan, the senior partner of Phelan & Collender, will forever be known as the Father of American Billiards. An accomplished player, businessman, writer and inventor, he almost single-handedly turned American billiards into a socially acceptable pastime. In 1847, Phelan opened his first billiard room, the Arcadia Billiard Parlor in New York City. Phelan’s reputation as “the most expert and scientific billiard player in the country” was only enhanced by his writing and inventions. His “modified” cushions improved consistency and playability. He was the first table maker to put ivory “diamonds” on the rails. These reference or target points would prove invaluable in games, and in the execution of bank shots. His “angular” pockets – which were perhaps his greatest invention – led to incredible shot-making streaks. Previously, cushions had been rounded at the pockets, making access difficult, especially on rail shots. But by straightening the cushion edge, an angle was created. Players could count on a dependable bank, leading the ball into the pocket.

Curiously, the word “pool” in 19th century America, referred to a collective bet or ante. Many games, such as poker, involved the use of a pool, yet the name somehow got attached to pocket billiards. The term “poolroom” now means a place where pool is played. But in the 1800’s, a poolroom was a betting parlor for horse racing. Pool tables were installed in parlors all across the country, so their patrons could amuse themselves in between races.

Occasionally throughout my life, I have played pool, but not nearly enough to consider myself good at it in any way, but now that I work at Secrets – I play at least one game of pool each night – and although I am still no Minnesota Fats –I am getting better.

When I played my first game of pool here – I was horrible. I didn’t know the rules of the game, I was not aware of the order of the balls in the rack – and I couldn’t sink a ball to save my life. But thanks to the fact that I have played at least five games a night for the last six weeks – and the tips I have been getting from my friends John, Jimmy and Walter – I have actually been winning a few as of late. Truth be told that each shot I sink is nothing but pure luck, but I am picking up a few tricks – and getting comfortable with both my cue stick and the game itself.

Of course, I lose a lot to my regulars, who have been playing the game a lot longer than I have – but with each game – my skill is improving. Not only do I play games each night, but I watch everyone else play – and pick up a few pointers from them. Some of the pointers I have acquired are how to manipulate the cue ball so you can sink a shot without scratching, how to use Mr. Phelan’s diamonds to my advantage, the importance of chalking up after every shot – and how to sink a ball on the break. In addition, I frequently watch billiard matches on television so I can learn from the experts. So while I still have a long way to go in my pool playing – I think I am finally getting the hang of this game.

I am not going to enter any billiard competitions in the near future, but I am going to continue to play as many games as I can and hone my skills – so I can join my friends in becoming a damn good pool player like they are.

As a matter of fact – John is playing Alex right now – and I have winners.