It’s Time for Pool
Owner Lee Simon, who’s been in the billiards business for 43 years (he took over Novato Billiards in 1973), says it’s a compilation of various handicapping systems that his team tweaked to fit its own needs. The system works for league play, where anyone and everyone (regardless of age, income level or gender) can join the fun. “It creates social competition,” he says. “Everyone loves to compete and it’s not too serious. People really enjoy it—especially when they can beat someone better.” The hall itself hosts several types of leagues, and stashes range from cash (which can reach $3,000 to $4,000 by the end of the league’s term, which usually lasts eight to 10 weeks).
There are new leagues starting almost every month. The cost is about $10 per week and they play Monday through Thursday evenings. About two-thirds of that money is retured to the winning players. There are also prizes besides cash to be had, including a wide array of experiences (golf lessons, bay cruises, Extreme Pizza gift certificates and more) as well as trophies. Higher-level players also can join tournaments geared more toward them (novices can play them, too, but sometimes shy away).
The facility is an upscale pool hall that’s comfortable for everyone, has top-of-the-line, well-maintained and clean equipment, and offers a fun way to reap the benefits of playing billiards. “Playing involves hand-eye coordination, light exercise such as walking and stretching, and the need to constantly use your brain. It’s a complex, greatly underestimated game that involves fractions of inches—like chess, but with execution,” says Simon, who emphasizes it’s social aspect is a huge plus.
The company also offers foosball, table tennis, darts and shuffleboard and hosts parties and gatherings (both large and small) for birthdays, companies, fund-raisers and other events. It’s also a full-service supply company. There’s beer and bar bites onsite as well, making this a sure-win stop for fun, no matter what you’re looking for—and regardless of whether or not you take home the prize. “The worse you play, the more fun you have,” says Simon.
Games People Play
Odious Lists (created in San Francisco): Fill in the blank for a given category with words starting with a certain letter. Category examples from the website: “I’d never date someone who is [blank]”; or “Things you do when you’re blackout drunk.”
Cards Against Humanity: Often described as Apples to Apples for adults,” its tagline is “A Party Game for Horrible People.” A question is read from a black card, and players provide what they think is the funniest/most messed up/grossest answer from a hand of white cards. The reader chooses his or her favorite, and whoever submitted that response gets the black card. The player who gets the most black cards wins.
Never Have I Ever: Made popular by Ellen DeGeneres (who’s played it on her talk show with guests), this is the game where all the things you thought you were sorry you’d done (get arrested, got caught urinating in public) will actually work in your favor.
Dirty Minds: Tagged “the world’s cleanest dirty game,” this “game of naughty clues” rewards the players who have the most innocent answers. Just try to keep things out of the gutter: We dare you.
Say Anything: This is your chance to come up with the answer for hotly debated issues, like the best movie or album of all time. OK, maybe they aren’t so hotly debated, but you can find out what your friends truly think about all sorts of stuff.
