What do people really want from a pool room?
- Thread starter ignomirello
- Start date
The closest place for me to go play at is Sharx Downtown on St. Cath's. And from what I remember (2 years ago) the tables were 15$ an hour, No ? I didn't have to pay for the tables because it was a B-day gift. But, my friend said that we are not going back there again because it cost him like 15$/hr. So I never went back
Boul Noir, on mont-royal ? Is that the one that is upstairs from the pharmacy ? If it is that is where I got my playing Cue from about 8 years ago.
I am not all that mobile as I would need a Car for easy access to the ones in the South Shore or the ones in the West Island. Normally I find what is close and play there. They use to have a great little Pool room on Decarie, put I heard that they closed that one down acouple of years ago.
I'll be honest, I'm not that familiar with the pool halls in MTL. I know there are a bunch of 3-4 tables small bars but usually the conditions are shit.
Alcohol sales.
I had a relationship like that. I would come in and play about 25 hours a week for free but would tip the bartender generously... win/win for us both.
The free pool was a benny for having run an in-house 8-ball league at this bar for about 10 years.
The benny continued for several years after I stopped being the league director. I guess the bartender didn't have the heart to start charging me for table time after all those years. :thumbup:
I'm guessing that it saved me about $5000 a year.
Equipment and rate is the key. In Taiwan, table cloth is changed every 3-6 months and the AC is always on and costs about 2 dollars an hr, and when I come back here to my local room, its extremely painful - I almost want to cry. The cloth hasn't been changed in at least 2 years, my hands turn blue after a rack, and it would require Larry Nevel to draw full length on these tables. The funny thing is that the room are all Diamonds and Gold Crowns.
Equipment & rate is key right?
ok if Equipment & Rate is key then why do some poolhalls who have both FAIL? what else do they need?
ok if Equipment & Rate is key then why do some poolhalls who have both FAIL? what else do they need?
Sadly, I don't think most pool halls' target audiences are serious players like the guys on AZBilliards. At least from what I've seen here in America, its more of a hang out spot.
Clean and un-damaged equipment (tables, balls, house cues, etc.).
Clean rest rooms.
Adequate lighting.
No smoking or at least good ventilation.
Safe place to keep your cues, case, jacket, etc.
Owners who care about pool and actually talk to customers.
Employees who can answer questions about league, tournaments, lessons, etc.
Employees who watch for customers who abuse equipment.
Carpeted floor.
Not too loud music.
A variety of tables: 7-foot, 8-foot, 9-foot, snooker, billiard, bumper pool.
A variety of league choices: APA, BCA, ACS, VNEA, etc.
A variety of tournaments: 8-ball, 9-ball, 7-ball, 14-1, billiards, doubles, etc.
A Certified Instructor available for lessons.
High school or other leagues for youth.
Bulletin board with league standings, schedules, specials, info on lessons, etc.
Playing rules posted on wall.
Quality equipment for sale, including books and magazines.
Ample, comfortable seating for team play.
Decent food and drinks.
Clean rest rooms.
Adequate lighting.
No smoking or at least good ventilation.
Safe place to keep your cues, case, jacket, etc.
Owners who care about pool and actually talk to customers.
Employees who can answer questions about league, tournaments, lessons, etc.
Employees who watch for customers who abuse equipment.
Carpeted floor.
Not too loud music.
A variety of tables: 7-foot, 8-foot, 9-foot, snooker, billiard, bumper pool.
A variety of league choices: APA, BCA, ACS, VNEA, etc.
A variety of tournaments: 8-ball, 9-ball, 7-ball, 14-1, billiards, doubles, etc.
A Certified Instructor available for lessons.
High school or other leagues for youth.
Bulletin board with league standings, schedules, specials, info on lessons, etc.
Playing rules posted on wall.
Quality equipment for sale, including books and magazines.
Ample, comfortable seating for team play.
Decent food and drinks.
Playing rules posted on wall.
I thinks this is very important. Save a lot hassles playing strangers .
A couple of challenge tables , if possible , at certain wagering points . 5 or 10 dollars , 8 or 9 ball , limit 4 per table . If you beat all 3 of the other players at the table then you go to the end of the line . That way people can play small stakes and have predictable rules to play by.
A intelligent staff, pool and otherwise.
The local hall around here is more of a bar/restaurant/poolhall. The leagues are primarily out of here. When the dinner patrons want to 'hit a few', the majority of the waiters/waitresses are smart enough to put these folks on a table away from any action/league games.
Even better is when the wait staff knows enough not to walk in front of the league/action table, and knows enough to not interfere with the player at the table if that person's food or drink arrives.
I think if the establishment has employees that "get it" when it comes to more serious players, then some of the other suggestions listed that are somewhat within thier control (i.e. discounted table time, free drink or two, etc.) will fall into place the majority of the time.
The local hall around here is more of a bar/restaurant/poolhall. The leagues are primarily out of here. When the dinner patrons want to 'hit a few', the majority of the waiters/waitresses are smart enough to put these folks on a table away from any action/league games.
Even better is when the wait staff knows enough not to walk in front of the league/action table, and knows enough to not interfere with the player at the table if that person's food or drink arrives.
I think if the establishment has employees that "get it" when it comes to more serious players, then some of the other suggestions listed that are somewhat within thier control (i.e. discounted table time, free drink or two, etc.) will fall into place the majority of the time.
I worked in a pool hall for 3 years. I think the following are essential:
1. Good location - easy to get there and good parking
2. Cleanliness - Huge
3. Good equipment
4 Place for recreational players with music, beer, wine and food available
5. Place for players to play - tournament room
6. Safety - everyone should feel safe being there.
7. Tournament room needs the best tables and equipment
8. Recreational area - bar boxes and decent 9 footers
9. Waitresses to walk around room to take orders - no one wants to stand at the counter waiting for service while they're paying table time
1. Good location - easy to get there and good parking
2. Cleanliness - Huge
3. Good equipment
4 Place for recreational players with music, beer, wine and food available
5. Place for players to play - tournament room
6. Safety - everyone should feel safe being there.
7. Tournament room needs the best tables and equipment
8. Recreational area - bar boxes and decent 9 footers
9. Waitresses to walk around room to take orders - no one wants to stand at the counter waiting for service while they're paying table time
Huh? Good players who gamble? But you don't gamble...
Top things I look for in a room.
1. Lots of action.
2. Decent tables.
3. Lots of action.
4. Beer.
5. Lots of action.
- Well maintained equipment.
- Professional, courteous staff.
- Appropriate music (blues, classic rock) low enough to create mood and not be a distraction.
- "If you need to be a punk, this isn't the place for you."
- Good food selection, or a quality eatery nearby.