By Kyle Arensdorf

karensdorf@kykernel.com

I can still remember the first time I beat my dad in a game of pool. It may seem like a small feat on the surface, but in my mind, it was much more.

My dad bought a pool table for my childhood home long before I can remember.

When I was tall enough to peek over the top of the table, but still considerably shorter than the average pool cue, I would sling the balls across the table until my dad sat me in one of the bar stools so he could practice.

For the past 15 years or so, my dad has played on pool teams in leagues around Lexington and, when he played well enough, went to Las Vegas to compete in national tournaments.

I studied the way my dad practiced and promised myself that when the time came, I would be good enough to play with him on his team.

I met that goal, and last year played my first season as a member of Squires Fryars, a team out of Squires Tavern.

To remain at my best and on the team, it’s important that I practice whenever I get an opening in my schedule.

I’ve played all around town and have gotten pretty familiar with the best, and worst, places in town and around campus to rack em’ up.

The best tables that you’ll find on or around campus are in the Cats Den in the Student Center. It’s probably the cheapest you’ll find as well, at 50 cents per game.

While some bars that surround campus run at the same price, you won’t be paying lofty alcohol prices at the Student Center.

Unfortunately, most students prefer the bar scene on their weekend nights. When you find a table that’s devoid of a beer stain or one without chewing tobacco shavings sprinkled across the felt, it’s a luxury.

However, if you do manage to find one, the lopsided table-roll will drive anyone who’s still sober enough to care up the wall.

For my money, the place to play pool while still remaining relatively close to campus is Marikka’s Restaurant and Bier Stube on Southland Drive.

A walkway from the entrance to the back patio divides three pool tables on the left and a full bar on the right.

It’s $1 per game and remains relatively open except for an hour or two per night. But these tables roll as purely as any you’ll find in Lexington.

For my money, you can’t go wrong with a night of competitive billiards at Marikka’s.