Artistic Billiards is often referred to as fantasy billiards or fantaisie classique. Players compete by attempting 76 preset shots, which range in varying difficulty. Each shot is worth a certain point value. The individual with the greatest score at the end wins.

Artistic billiards is the sport of trick shots and finesse. Players use many different cues and techniques to perform a program of preset shots, which are then scored for skill and accuracy. At the end of play, the player with the highest amounts of points is the winner.

Score the highest possible amount of points by completing, with accuracy, a program of preset shots.

Players perform 76 preset shots of varying difficulty, on a pocketless billiard table. Red and white carom billiard balls are used, rather than solid and striped pool billiard balls. Highest possible scores range from 4 points for low-difficulty shots, and 11 points for high-difficulty shots. Players can score a maximum of 500 points for the program. Rules allow for four attempts to be made at each shot. As different types of shots are called for, players may utilize different cues designed for particular shots.

Billiards was first played in 15th century England, and has been a popular game throughout Europe and the United States ever since. Many styles and variations have been created using the same basic rules and equipment. Artistic billiards first began in the early 19th century, in France, with players altering their cues to experiment with sidespin and jumps. By the beginning of the 20th century, the sport had grown immensely popular through touring "trick shot" demonstrations. In the 1930's the first competitions were held, and the first cohesive set of rules were formed. In 1986, the first world championship was held. Today artistic billiards is one of the most played forms of billiards, and has a major international following.

Cues (many, as different types of shots call for different types of cues)
Cue Ball
Object Balls
Pocketless Table

Players must use caution when handling a cue, as eye injuries can sometimes occur.

Training consists of minor aerobic exercises to maintain modest flexibility in the back, shoulders and arms. A basic knowledge of angles and trajectory is also a plus.

Coup Fouette - a whip shot

Cue - a long, straight, tapering wooden rod for striking the ball

Cue Ball - white ball that is struck with the cue

Object Ball - red ball that is struck wit the cue ball

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_billiards
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carom_billiards
http://www.ciba-online.net/amsterdam2006/index.php