Orders for the Play at Billiards.

The Academy of Armory or a Display of Heraldry. 1701.

Things used about Billiards.

The Table, which is four square, or rather some-thing longer one way, with a Ledge about it to keep the Balls from falling off, which must be covered with fine green Cloth.

The Hazzards,   the Holes in the four corners and sides of the Table, but not at the ends, from whence, and whereunto the Ball Plays.

The King is the little Pin or Peg standing at one end of the Table, which is to be of Ivory.

The Pot is the Arch of Ivory, standing at a little distance from the other end of the Table.

The Tacks are the two Sticks (or what else they are made of) with which the Balls are pushed forwards.

The Bals are round things made of Ivory, which will turn any way.

Some Boards have a Bell and a String instead of a King, but this is a Bungling Play, there being not that Art in it, as the King.

Orders for the Play at Billiards.

1.            If the Leader touch the end of the Table with his Ball at the first stroak, he loseth one Cast.

2.            If the Follower intend to hit his Adversaries Ball, or pass at one stroak, he must string his Ball, that is lay it even with the King, or he loseth a Cast.

3.            He that passeth through the Port hath the advantage of touching the King, which is one Cast if not thrown down.

4.            He that passeth the Port twice (his Adversary having not passed at all) and toucheth the King without throwing him down, wins 2 ends.

5.            He that passeth not hath no other advantage but the Hazzard.

6. He that is a Fornicator (that is, hath past through the back of the Port) he must pass twice through the fore part, or he cannot have the advantage of Passing that end.

7.            He that hits down the Port or King, or Hazzards his own Ball, or strikes either Ball over the Table, loseth that Cast.

8.            He that Hazzards his Adversaries Ball, or makes it to hit down the King, winneth the end.

9.            If four Play two against two, he that mistakes his stroak, loseth one to that side he is of.

10.         He that after both Balls Played, removes the Port without consent, or strikes his Ball twice together, or that his Adversaries Ball touch his Stick, Hand, Cloaths, or Playeth with his Adversaries Ball, loseth One.

11.         He that sets not one Foot on the ground when he strikes his Ball, shall lose an end, or if he lay his hand or sleeve on the Cloth.       

12.         A Stander-by, though, he Betts, shall not instruct, direct, or speak in the Game without content, or being first asked; if after he is advertized hereof he offends in this nature, for every fault he shall instantly forfeit Two Pence for the good of the Company, or not be suffered to stay in the Room.

13.          He that Plays a Ball while the other runs, or takes up a Ball before it lie still, loseth an end.

14.          He that removes the Port with his Stick when he strikes his Ball, and thereby prevents his Adversaries Ball from pasing, loseth an end.

15.          All Controverses are to be decided by the Standers by, upon asking Judgment.

16.          He that breaks the King Forseits 1s. for the Port 10s. and each Stick 5s.

17.          Five ends make a Game by Day light, and three by Candle light.