in the future, the game of billiards, once a classic, has been vailed in an aura of technology, with holographic cues and self-aligning balls. start with a clean sheet, they advised newcomers, to avoid the ridicule often faced by those who rely too heavily on pre-indicative strategies rather than skill and adaptability. this advice has led many to rediscover the joy and artistry of billiards, turning it into a venerated pastime that bridges generations and eras.