The History of Snooker Cues

The Origins of the Billiard Cue

The modern snooker cue evolved from earlier European billiards equipment. Before the development of the straight cue, players used a wooden implement called a mace, featuring a broad head designed to push balls across the billiard table.

From Mace to Cue

During the development of cue sports, players began using the narrower end of the mace for shots where its broad head was difficult to position. This practice contributed to the evolution of the straight billiard cue, which eventually replaced the mace as the primary playing instrument.