As there is some talk of the possibility of further revision of the rules of billiards, it is interesting to recall the first attempt to limit the spot stroke. This took place in 1874, when a big "spot-barred" handicap was held at the Guildhall Tavern. The heats were 500 up, J. Bennett and John Roberts, scratch. Bennett won from the 200 mark. The rule barring the spot was as follows:
"A player is only allowed to put down the red once off the spot into either of the top pockets. If the red ball is put down a second time without a further score by the same stroke, no score is allowed, the opponent follows on, the red being placed on the spot."
This was much more drastic than the rule which in after years obtained official sanction, and illustrates how difficult it is to initiate legislation with a view of limiting any particular stroke.