You've had a long day. There's nothing more you'd like to do than shoot some pool, but the usual suspects aren't around. Here's some tips on how to get a game in solo (and enjoy it):

- Prime time(s) - If you're looking for an early game, go somewhere with a popular happy hour (The Abbey, mayhap?), otherwise the place will likely be pretty empty with no potential opponents in sight. For a later game, go around 9, when the late night crowd starts coming in, but before the wait time at the table gets longer than a couple of games.

- Distractions - If you can't stand to watch the games before yours (which always turn out to be the longest games EVER), be sure to hit up a place with a distraction that you enjoy (i.e. skee ball/sports at Redd's, arcade games at Barcade, hot bartenders at The Levee, etc etc). You could also bring A BOOK (and a flashlight).

- Empty table - Wait it out about the time it takes you to drink half a beer leisurely. Or, go ahead and put some quarters in and start shooting around. Someone will ask to play, guaranteed.

- Bad scene - Face it, douchebags can show up unexpectedly and completely throw off the chi of the pool table. Do what you can to keep the table, but really, just move on. Hopefully you got in at least one good game.

- Go for it - Take those crazy shots that (almost) don't seem possible. Why? Because you do what you want. You pay the bills. You are the boss of you.

- LEAVE - Okay, you've won 5 games in a row. Go home. You'll lose on a technicality eventually or you'll be exhausted at work the next day. Get some sleep.

- Not feeling social? - Go to a pool hall.

As always,
nice shot, good game.