New here?
Your first night
What actually happens when you walk in, so there are no surprises.
Come in and say you're new
The back room is through the café. Whoever is at the desk will introduce you to Dana or Marcus and find you a seat. Nobody expects you to know anyone.
Nothing to bring, nothing to pay
Boards, checkers, dice and clocks are on the tables. Your first night is free; after that it's $5 a night or $60 a year.
A couple of warm-up games
Before the draw you'll play casual games with someone who knows you're starting out. Ask anything.
Join the knockout if you like
The draw goes up at 7:15. You can enter (5-point matches, all levels mixed) or keep playing casual games. Both are fine.
Stay for the chouette, or don't
Around 9:45 the long table opens for a chouette, a team game where you can watch and learn. Plenty of people head home before it.
Questions people ask
The honest answers.
I only play on my phone. Is that enough?
Yes. If you know how the checkers move and what the cube does, you know enough. Real dice and a clock take one night to get used to.
Can I just watch?
Of course. Sit down at any table, watch a match, ask questions between games. Nobody minds.
Is there gambling?
The knockout has a $5 side pool that is optional and paid out in full. The chouette plays for small stakes, usually 50 cents a point. Casual games are for nothing.
What about the rating and the ladder?
Every match you play on a club night can be entered into the club rating, which starts at 1500 for everyone. Tournament placings earn points on the season ladder. Both are on the standings page.
Is it OK to come alone?
Most people did the first time. You will not be sitting by yourself.
Is there parking?
Free parking behind the building, entrance from Oak Street.