Why Are Pool Tables Green? The Lawn Game Origin

Why are pool tables green? Because billiards started as a lawn game. In 15th-century Europe, nobles played "ground billiards" on grass, a game that looked a lot like croquet. When bad weather pushed the game indoors onto tables, the cloth was dyed green to copy the lawn. Green baize stuck, and it is still the traditional color today.

Below is the short history, why TV tournaments switched to blue, and how to pick a cloth color for your own table. Green fan? See our green billiard shirts.

Why are pool tables green? It started on grass

According to Interesting Facts, pool, snooker and billiards grew out of outdoor lawn games, some known as "ground billiards," that "most closely resembled croquet and were particularly popular among the European aristocracy, especially those in England and France, during the 15th century."

The problem was the weather. Play was easy in summer and nearly impossible the rest of the year, so the game moved indoors onto tables.

The first indoor billiard tables

One of the first recorded indoor billiard tables belonged to King Louis XI of France, who reigned from 1461 to 1483. That early table had a single hole in the middle, closer to a putting green than a modern six-pocket table. Wooden borders ran around the edge and cloth covered the surface so the balls would roll smoothly.

For more on how the game developed from there, read our history of pool.

Why green cloth, and what is baize?

The goal was to bring the lawn indoors, so green was the logical color. Baize, a soft, felt-like woven cloth, reached England from France in the 15th century and became the preferred covering. Dyed green, it echoed the game's outdoor roots, and green baize became the default in pubs, pool halls and snooker arenas around the world.

Why are some pool tables blue?

If you watch pro pool on TV, many tables are blue. Interesting Facts explains that blue "became common for televised tournaments in the 1980s due to visibility concerns" because the balls stand out more sharply against blue on screen. It adds that blue also hides blue chalk smudges better than green. That is why you will hear the term "tournament blue." Want to play better on any color? Try our guide on how to aim in pool.

What is the best color for a pool table?

There is no rule that says one color plays better. A few practical points:

• Green is the classic choice and fits traditional rooms with wood and brass.
• Blue gives strong contrast with the balls and matches what you see in pro events.
• Room and lighting matter more than you think. Bring a cloth sample home and look at it under your own lights.
• Chalk color shows less when it matches the cloth.

Rep the green on league night

Green is still the color of pool for a lot of players. Our green billiard shirts come in Men Polo, Men Quarter-Zip, Women Polo and Women Quarter-Zip, with some designs offering more styles, plus a custom name or team name. Styles vary by design, so check each product page.

FAQ

Why are pool tables traditionally green?

Billiards began as an outdoor lawn game. When it moved indoors in the 15th century, the table cloth was dyed green to imitate grass.

Why are pool tables blue on TV?

Blue cloth became common for televised tournaments in the 1980s because the balls show up more clearly on screen, and blue chalk marks are less visible.

What is the best color for a pool table?

Green and blue are the most common. Pick based on your room, lighting and taste; the color does not change the rules or how the balls roll.

Is pool table cloth felt?

It is usually called felt, but traditional table cloth is baize, described as a soft, felt-like cloth.