with the evolution of table designs and rules of the game, billiards branched into several areas of table games - most popularly known today, and recreationally played, is pool.

after the 1800s individuals decided they preferred the thin handle of their wooden mases and used them more frequently than the large ends - this preference gave birth to the modern day pool cue commonly used today. the pool table was eventually integrated into the game as a tool that could be used for bank shots, instead of previously holding the only function of keeping the balls on the table.