Billiards
The term Billiards comes from the French word billart, a stick used to play early stick and ball games, which is derived from bille which means "ball". History suggests that billiards has evolved from an indoor version of the popular game "croquet" - a game where the object is to push a ball with a wicket to hit a peg.
Billiards is certainly a popular pass time. A study suggested that over 40 million Americans played billiards at least one time in the year 1995.
The most well-known billiards game would be pocket billiards, or pool. There are many different variations of the game that carry different rules and regulations according to who is playing. 8-ball pool and 9-ball pool, however, are the most commonly played in tournaments and in recreational play.
The most reliable brands that manufacture billiards tables and accessories are Connelly Billiards and Brunswick Billiards. For a quality billiards table, your best bet would be these two companies first. Finding their products in a store will ensure you that the retailer deals with the highest quality tables in the business, and should warrant their trust as a buyer.