I've been researching the first pyramid billiard games as they are the most important influence on modern American pool games. I'm assuming that the rack was invented shortly after to keep the balls in place. Shamos suggests the game of Hazards is the daddy of pyramid games but I have my doubts. Has anyone here done any research on the subject? I'm going to share what I've found after a few responses.
I never did any real research on either game , my main focus was more on the players of all eras.
Although you do pick up info from lots of unusual places.
Shamos says that hazards was in vogue about 1772 and that Pyramids stemmed from that about 1775
. From what I have seen and read from other sources , that seems like an accurate time frame.
I'm interested in what you found that makes you feel differently.
Also, good luck in your research, you are welcome to any info I have , just make sure you triple check everything I say , my mind wandered off a few years back and has not been heard from lately.