December always changes the pace a little around here. People are back in town, work schedules loosen up, and folks start looking for something to do between family gatherings and holiday errands. That’s shown up in the room this month.

We’ve seen a good mix — families stopping in after shopping, old friends meeting up who haven’t played together in a while, and the regulars keeping their routines going through the holidays. The place feels comfortable and steady, which is exactly what we were aiming for when we opened.

Holiday Hours

Here’s how things look over the holidays:

Christmas Eve — Closing at 7pm
A shorter night. Plenty of time to get a few games in before heading off to family plans.

Christmas Day — Free Pool (5pm–Midnight)
Doors open in the evening with free pool. Easygoing, relaxed, and open to anyone who wants to stop by for a bit.

New Year’s Eve — Closing at 9pm
A good place to start the night before heading out later.

New Year’s Day — Free Pool (3pm–10pm)
A laid-back way to kick off the new year with some friendly games.

Nothing complicated — just keeping the doors open and the tables rolling.

Pool Tip of the Month

We’re going to keep sharing a couple simple tips each month — one for newer players and one for those who’ve been at it a while.

Beginner Tip:
Don’t worry about making balls hard. Most beginners hit the cue ball way harder than they need to. Focus on smooth strokes and letting the table do the work. Control beats power every time.

Advanced Tip:
Play patterns, not hero shots. If a shot leaves you tough on the next ball, rethink the route. Good players don’t just run balls — they leave themselves easy shots by planning two balls ahead. That’s where consistency comes from.

Wrapping Up the Year

This was our first year as the new owners, and I want to say thanks to everyone who’s been part of it. From league nights to casual games, busy weekends to quiet afternoons, the support has meant a lot.

We set out to build a place where people feel comfortable walking in, playing a good game, and enjoying themselves — no matter who they are or how long they’ve been playing. Seeing that happen night after night makes all the work worth it.

We appreciate every single person who’s spent time here this year. Looking forward to another good year ahead.

Happy holidays, and we’ll see you at the tables.

— Black River Billiards