House Pool Rules

Our pool table is free to play and runs on the honor system. These house rules keep the night moving and the queue fair — please give them a quick read before you rack.

Getting on the table

• Winner stays. Whoever wins the previous game holds the table. The next challenger from the queue racks.
• Put your name on the chalkboard. The chalkboard by the table is the queue. Add your name, in order, to claim the next game. No name on the board, no spot in line.
• One game at a time. If you win, you keep the table for the next game only. After that, hand it off to the next name on the board, even if you’d like to keep playing — re-add your name and take your turn again.
• Be ready when it’s your turn. If you’re not at the table within a couple of minutes of being called, the next name up may take your slot.

How we play

• Standard 8-ball, call shot. Call your pocket on anything that isn’t obvious. Slop doesn’t count — if you sink an uncalled ball, it’s spotted (or stays down, opponent’s choice) and your turn ends.
• Open table after the break. Stripes and solids are decided by the first legally pocketed called ball, not the break.
• Scratches and ball-in-hand. Scratch on the cue, or fail to hit your group first, and your opponent gets ball-in-hand anywhere on the table.
• The 8-ball. Call your pocket. Sinking the 8 early, on a scratch, or in the wrong pocket loses the game. Knocking it off the table loses the game.
• Disagreements. If you can’t agree on a shot, replay it. It’s a friendly bar, not a tournament.

Looking after the room

• No drinks on the rail. Use the high-tops next to the table. Spilled beer and felt do not mix.
• Cues and chalk live behind the bar. Ask the bartender — they’re happy to hand them out. Please return them at the end of your night.
• Easy on the cues. No jump shots, no masse, no sitting on the table, and please don’t use the cue as a leaning post. Replacement tips are not cheap.

Being a good neighbor

The pool table is right next to people eating and drinking. Keep cues below shoulder height when you walk through the room, watch your backswing, and try not to plant a stripe in someone’s chowder. If the table is busy and someone’s waiting, wrap up your game in a reasonable amount of time so the next pair can play.

Above all — these rules exist so everyone gets a turn and the table stays in good shape. The bartender on duty has the final say in any dispute, and we reserve the right to ask anyone who isn’t playing nicely to step away from the table.

Have fun, and good luck on the break.