Pronunciation: [bˈɪlɑːd] (IPA) 
The word "billard" is often misspelled as "billiard". This confusion stems from the fact that both spellings are pronounced the same way: [ˈbɪljərd]. The correct spelling, however, is "billard" with only one "i". This can be easily remembered by noting that the word is derived from the French language, where it is spelled "billard" and pronounced in the same way. Billard is a popular indoor game played on a table with balls and cues.
Billard is a popular indoor cue sport played on a green baize-covered table with six pockets, typically rendered in rectangular shape. It involves two or more players utilizing a long, tapered stick called a cue to strike a set of balls into specific pockets on the table. The objective of the game varies depending on the specific billard discipline being played.
One of the most common and widely recognized disciplines of billard is called "eight-ball," where two players compete to pocket all of their respective balls (solids or stripes) and then sink the eight ball to win. Another well-known variant is "nine-ball," where the players must pocket the balls in numerical order until the nine ball is the final one to be sunk.
Billard tables are usually symmetrical in shape, equipped with cushioned banks or rails around the perimeter of the playing surface that rebound off the balls, adding a dynamic element to the game. The balls used in billard typically have distinctive colors and numbers, aiding the identification and organization during gameplay.
The rules, strategies, and techniques employed in billard can vary depending on the specific variant being played. Skillful billard players must demonstrate precision, calculated shot selection, strategic ball placement, and adept cue ball control to outmaneuver their opponents and achieve victory.
The word "Billard" has its origins in the French language. It is believed to have been derived from the old French word "bille", meaning a wooden stick or club used in various games. The term "billard" specifically refers to the game of billiards, which originated in France in the 15th century. Over time, the word "billard" has been adopted in many other languages to denote the game of billiards, including English.
