The Power of Pool

[Covelo]

Wouldn't it be nice if pool/billiards became a much more recognized game/sport? I have a suspicion that it is on it's way to greater and greater popularity. I'm pretty sure that right now it is one of the most played sports or recreational activities practiced by all peoples of the world.

I do know that this forum is more happenin' than about any other I've been on.

It seems to me that the real power that pool has has not really been revealed to the world on a mass scale yet. Although, I have heard that during the Great Depression years, pool/billiards was a much more sought after event to attend, and was a headline topic in newspapers.

Does anyone here remember those times or know more of the history of the popularity of the Game?

 

[whitey2]

some info from my point of view

Well, I'm not old enough to have experienced the depression era.
But I imagine pool was more popular in those days, since there
were not nearly as many other possible ways to spend time
playing some sort of game. These days, there are enough
video games, and electronic gadgets to occupy most folks for
several lifetimes. Plus, I also imagine back then not as many
folks had transportation, and it was probably pretty cheap to
operate a pool hall, resulting in a very inexpensive avenue for
entertainment (and/or possible income generation) for players.
I could go on, and on, but I'll let other folks participate if they
choose to.

 

[Kyzyl]

Wouldn't it be nice if pool/billiards became a much more recognized game/sport? I have a suspicion that it is on it's way to greater and greater popularity. I'm pretty sure that right now it is one of the most played sports or recreational activities practiced by all peoples of the world.

I do know that this forum is more happenin' than about any other I've been on.

It seems to me that the real power that pool has has not really been revealed to the world on a mass scale yet. Although, I have heard that during the Great Depression years, pool/billiards was a much more sought after event to attend, and was a headline topic in newspapers.

Does anyone here remember those times or know more of the history of the popularity of the Game?

Yeah, I wish pool was more popular. I've never seen it in the newspaper...ever. I agree with you though, pool is on its way to the top.

 

[Covelo]

Here's an interesting quote I just found by Mike Massey, "Most people don't know that pool is the biggest sport in the world as far as participation."


If this is true, then I think we're on the right t-rack.

 

[justnum]

Pool did make the cover page of the times for a New York City Player.

He got a color photo and headline.

And one ex-beach bunny did get a cover spread in a feminist magazine.

 

[jay helfert]

Here's an interesting quote I just found by Mike Massey, "Most people don't know that pool is the biggest sport in the world as far as participation."


If this is true, then I think we're on the right t-rack.

He's close. Pool as a participant sport worldwide is second only to Soccer/Football. It is estimated that more than 100 million people play pool each year. And I think that estimate is low. It's booming in China right now, with large new rooms opening all over.

 

[Kyzyl]

He's close. Pool as a participant sport worldwide is second only to Soccer/Football. It is estimated that more than 100 million people play pool each year. And I think that estimate is low. It's booming in China right now, with large new rooms opening all over.

Cool! I had no idea. Pool might be a little harder to play in other countires, because you have to find a pool table. Soccer you just have to find a ball.