Billiards originates from a lawn game similar to the croquet played sometime during the 15th century in Northern Europe and probably in France. The game moved indoors to a wooden table with green cloth to simulate grass and a simple border was placed around the edges.
The balls were pushed, rather than struck, with a wooden stick called a "mace." The mace became a cue in the late 1600, which developed into what we know today.
From the many disciplines of billiards around the world, the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) was formed in 1992 and subsequently was recognised by the IOC in 1996. The WCBS remains to date a member of ARISF and was granted IWGA membership in 1998.
