Nice Rack

Over the years, pool halls have had a reputation for attracting a sometimes less than desirable clientele. But for the last five years or so, things have been changing for the better. With the advent of sports television (ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Classic), professional pool tournaments are televised almost weekly. And if images of a rotund Minnesota Fats comes to mind, think again. A number of today’s top shooters are actually very attractive females (and bad-ass pool players to boot) with large followings.

The sport of billiards, more commonly known as pool, is very popular in Northern Nevada, with dozens of 8-ball and 9-ball leagues in the area. For ten years now, Val Albares of Dillagas Saloon has been overseeing a 9-ball league that involves four other bars/lounges (Black Horse  Saloon, Davidson’s Distillery, Momma Bear’s Lounge, and The Zephyr). Teams of four players compete every Tuesday at 7:30pm for 18 weeks, playing alternate weeks at the opposition’s location. Each player pays a $6.00 entry fee each week with $2 going back into the end of the season prize money, which is distributed at an awards banquet. Teams accumulate points and develop rankings for wins and losses and vie for spots in the playoffs.

Albares says the league is strictly for fun and entertainment and has no official governing body for her particular league (although other leagues are sanctioned by nationally-recognized billiards organizations). All skill levels are welcome, and players range from single moms and retirees to Gen Xers and attorneys and. So whether you’re a wannabe Willie Mosconi or you just enjoy hanging out with friends for a few fun games, think about joining a local 8- or 9-ball league.

Rack ‘em Sucka!

Text by Bob Carnahan