Snooker fans are only just finding out why the baize is green.
This week, the Masters is gracing the Alexandra Palace in London.
And as the action takes place, some have stopped to wonder exactly why the table, being graced by the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Judd Trump, is green rather than any other colour.
Advert
Most would have thought it might have to do with the table emulating the green of the playing fields seen in a range of other sports, from football to lawn bowls.
One basic reason for the green of the snooker table is that the sport is a direct descendant of croquette, also played on grass, as well as billiard games, which were first played outside.
However, there is a second theory as to why the snooker table is green that is far more unexpected and violent.
It has been claimed that tables used to come in a variety of colours, with orange among the most popular choices for the baize.
It is said to have been used until the 1870s, despite the fact the movement of the red balls could sometimes be tough to spot in certain lighting.
Advert
As one might expect, the orange tables caused a major disagreement between two players, Arthur Terry and Riland Metcalfe in 1871.
A disagreement between the pair supposedly resulted in Terry subjecting his opponent to violent harm
Terry was reportedly found guilty but left unpunished because the magistrates blamed the table for the disagreement.
In closing the case, the magistrate is said to have called for orange to stop being used and instead, substituted for green baizes on all tables.
Topics: Snooker
Chris Byfield