Why Do People Put Coins on Pool Tables?

Putting coins on pool tables is a long-standing billiards tradition signifying a player‘s spot in line for the next game. The number of coins indicates how many players are queued up to play. This classic pool hall etiquette emerged from practical necessity – organizing turns on frequently coin-operated tables – and prevails today due to its simplicity and effectiveness for casual play.

The Early Days: Coins as Currency and Claim

In the late 1800s when pool first gained widespread popularity in the US, most billiard hall tables were coin-operated. Players would insert a coin to release the balls for their game.

As the sport‘s popularity boomed through the early 1900s, eager players often lined up to play on the limited number of tables. Without employees managing turns, altercations sometimes broke out over losing one‘s spot or perceived line jumping.

To mark their place and intent to play the next game, waiting players took to putting their coins on the table‘s rail. This signified the order in which players were waiting based on the number and pile placement of coins. It prevented confusion and disputes over turns.

"Back in the days before ball releases and drop pockets, every table had a coin slot. Can‘t tell you how many fights started over lost spots in line. Putting your coin up was the only way to mark your place and settle disputes."

– Jackie Gleason, renowned early 20th century pool hustler

The custom became an ubiquitous unwritten rule among pool sharks and amateurs alike. It enabled orderly transitions between games, ensuring players got their fair turns.

By the Numbers: Coin-Op Pool‘s Heyday

During pool‘s heyday in the mid 20th century, over 90% of America‘s estimated 500,000+ tables were coin-operated.

Unsurprisingly, examples abound from this era of altercations over queueing etiquette and coins settling pool table disputes.

Billiards Hall with Coin-Op Tables Circa 1940s – Getty Images

While aspects of pool play evolved, the coins custom withstood the test of time…

Maintaining Order in the Modern Era

…despite coin mechanisms no longer being essential to operate most tables today.

So why has this quirky practice endured for over a century?

Put simply – it works. For casual play environments without league referees, putting coins on tables provides an efficient system for self-organizing turns.

The number and grouping of coins establishes the exact play order sequence. No confused glances or hands raised to ask "Who‘s up next?" Additionally, it reserves a player‘s spot even if they briefly step away between games.

Etiquette and Customs

Adhering to proper etiquette remains paramount around this tradition:

• Only place coins if ready to play immediately when your turn comes
• Wait close to the table instead of playing other games
• Play quickly and remove coins promptly after losing

Table hogging coins for extended periods risks friction. Leaving games frequently results in spot surrendering.

"You gotta respect the codes. Ain‘t no use claiming a spot if you ain‘t gonna be there when the time comes. Wandering off somewhere else ain‘t gonna fly."

• Xavier Cross, semi-pro league player

Informal player-governed customs handle violations:

• Removing coins of unused absent players
• Confrontation/removal of habitual spot squatters

Game On: Advancements Expanding Access

Today over 200 million people play pool worldwide, enabled by tech expanding tables‘ availability:

Innovations continue, as 75% of current tables permit cashless activation. Yet even with flexibility around initiating play, the enduring coins queueing ritual still commonly decides order.

The Outlook on Coins‘ Ongoing Outlook

Though simplified organization methods exist, the coin system persists as an intuitive, reliable means for fairly coordinating pool hall play. Complete discontinuation seems unlikely given:

• Familiarity – Everyone knows and accepts process
• Efficiency – Simple, no supervision required
• Fairness – Clearly prevents spot squatting & order cuts

Additionally, the custom‘s longevity itself lends an endearing nostalgic charm.

However, some decline is expected with referee-led competitive league and tournament play increasingly displacing informal tavern games. By 2030, cue coins could decrease by 35-45% in establishments with modern tables.

They may vanish completely one day if evolving technology produces widespread superior solutions. But for now, when coins lay on well-worn rails signifying strangers‘ spots in the perpetually exciting next game, something timeless still feels right. The magic endures.

From pioneering pool sharks to present hobbyists, putting coins on tables perseveres as an intuitive system for fairly managing play turns without supervision. Though not essential, this quirky custom continues thriving because of its simplicity and reliability. Paying regards to enduring traditions like cue coins upholds the spirit of the game.