Roberts on Billiards
I propose writing some of the notions and experiences acquired during five-and-thirty years spent over the billiard-table. Many men who have played and marked, and managed rooms, and been connected with the game a much shorter time than I, hate it and all its belongings most cordially. They knocked the balls about for pleasure until they tired, and then play became absolute labour. I, on the contrary, have always felt a strong attachment for billiards, and even now often find myself attempting strokes for amusement when alone in the room. It has frequently been suggested to me that I should put my advice on paper; but lack of inclination has hitherto stayed me. What I have said in the succeeding pages will be found contained in the fewest and simplest words; the abstruse mathematical problems which have adorned so many recent books on the game must, if they are required, be sought elsewhere. I take it that precision is the pivot on which geometry and mathematics work; and this being the case, billiards has no right to claim their aid. A faulty ball or cushion would upset the calculations of hours, while the consequences caused by a slate which “ drew” would prove immensely disastrous.