Billiards (or, "cue sports") is a general term for countless different games all having their roots in 15th century England. While you aren’t expected to be a historian to be proficient at billiards, it helps if you have the right equipment. For this article, we’ll be discussing pool, or "pocket billiards." This game is typically played with a felt-topped slate table, cues, a set of balls, and some other billiard supplies. The most important piece of equipment to consider for the beginner is your table. It is essential not to purchase an inferior quality table, as an un-level playing surface can make play nearly impossible. Secondly, you’ll want to consider a set of cues. Pool cues are long, wooden sticks roughly a meter and a half long. Some manufacturers sell fancier cues made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, but this is not necessary. Additionally, you’ll need a set of balls and a triangle. A set of standard billiards balls consists of 16 balls: 15 numbered balls, and one cue ball. A triangle is simply a piece of plastic or wood that allows you to set the balls on the table in the initial triangle pattern. Hopefully this brief introduction in the different type of billiard supplies available today is enough to get you started in the exciting world of billiards.