Billiard Rules in the Time of George I

The Billiard Times. December, 1911

As the question of a possible change in the rules of billiards has lately been the subject of a general discussion, our readers will no doubt be interested in the quaint old set of rules printed below.

G .R .

Orders to be Observed at Billiards.

Whereas there is an Act of Parliament prohibiting any Journeymen, Labourers, Apprentices or Servants from playing or gaming at Billiards, in any public House, under a penalty of Forty Shillings on the Occupier of the said ‘House, and Twenty Shillings on the person so playing or gaming. This is therefore to desire that every person who comes here will give a proper account of himself to the Owner of this Table, and also to disqualify all those who are disqualified by the aforesaid Act. that they do not game or play at Billiards in this House, as proper Care must be taken to prevent it.

I.—For the lead, put the Ball at one end, and play to be nearest the Cushion next to you.

II.—The nearest to the Cushion shall lead, and choose the Ball, if he pleases.

III.—The Leader to place his ball at the Nail, and not to pass the Middle Pocket, and if he holes himself, he loses the game.

IV.—He that follows the Leader must stand within the corner of the table, and not place his Ball beyond the Nail.

V.—He that plays upon the running Ball, loses one.

VI.—He that touches the Ball twice, and moves it, loses one.

VII.—He that does not hit his adversary’s ball loses one.

VIII.—He that touches both Balls, it is deemed a foul Stroke, and if he put in his adversary’s Ball, he is to have nothing for it; but if he puts in his own, he loses two.

IX.—He that Holes both Balls, loses two.

X.—He that strikes upon his adversary’s Ball, and holes himself, loses two

XI.—He that plays against the Ball, not striking it, but holes himself, loses three,

XII.—He that strikes both Balls over the Table, loses two.

XIII.—He that strikes his Ball over the Table, and does not hit his adversary’s Ball, loses three.

XIV.—He that retains the end of his adversary’s Stick when playing, or endeavours to balk his stroke, loses one.

XV.—He that plays another’s Ball without Leave, loses one.

XVI.—He that takes up his Ball, or his adversary’s, without permission, loses one,

XVII.—He that stops either Ball, when running, loses one; and being near the Hole, loses two.

XVIII.—He that Blows upon the Ball, when running, loses one, and if near the (Hole, loses two.

XIX.—He that shakes the Table when the Ball is running, loses one.

XX.—He that strikes the Table with the Stick, or plays before his Turn, loses one.

XXI.—He that throws that Stick upon the Table, and hits the Ball, loses one.

XXII.—If the Ball stands upon the Edge of the Hole, and after being challenged it falls in, it is nothing, but must be put where it was before.

XXIII.—If any person, not being one of the Players, stops a Ball, the Ball must stand in the Place where it was stopped.

XXIV.—He that plays without a Foot upon the Ground, loses one.

XXV.—He that leaves the Game before it is ended, loses it.

XXVI.—Any person may change his Stick in Play.

XXVII.—If any person breaks the Stick, or the Mace, he must pay Sixpence for the Stick, and Two Shillings for the Mace.

XXVIII.—If any Difference arise about false Play, the blaster of the House, or he that marks the Game, shall decide it.

XXIX.—Those that do not play must stand from the Table, and give Place to the Players.

XXX.—If any person lays any Wager, and does not play, he shall not give Advice to the Players upon the Game.

All persons who Smoke or Quarrel at Billiards, or endeavour to disturb the Players, are liable to be expelled the Room by the Majority of the Company then present. Those who Swear or Curse shall forfeit Sixpence to the Poor.