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Bar Pub Games

A relaxing evening in a bar or pub can be greatly enhanced when games are played with friends and family. A number of different games are played in pubs all over the world, although many of them evolved from one particular area or region. All games can be played purely for fun but in many countries, local leagues are formed so organized competitions can take place with patrons from rival establishments. This adds an engaging social aspect to games and leads to an even greater level of enjoyment.

Darts
- Darts is one of the oldest and most popular forms of pub and bar entertainment. Origins of the game are somewhat vague, but the first photographic image of a dartboard depicts the Grimsby model that dates from the turn of the 20th century. The modern board consists of the numbers segmented from 1 to 20, with additional scoring rings for treble and double points. There is also an inner and outer bullseye ring that scores 50 and 25 points respectively. Players begin with 501 points each and have to bring down their scores to zero, with each participant throwing 3 darts on alternate turns. The player must finish on a double number to win.
Shove Ha'penny
- Shove ha'penny has been played in English pubs and taverns since the 15th century. The playing board is made from wood and is divided into lined sections across its width. The object of the game is to overhang coins of equal denomination from the edge of one end of the board and propel them forward with the flat area of the palm. The coins act as a stake for the game and the winner is the first player to land three coins into an individual section of the board without touching the perimeter lines.
Cribbage
- Cribbage is a popular card game that relies on players accumulating points to win the contest. The invention of the game is attributed to Sir John Suckling, the famous poet who lived from 1609 until 1642. It remains as the only game that can be legally played in English pubs for money, although it continues to enjoy immense popularity overseas. Players score points for hitting card totals that add up to 15, collecting pairs and creating runs of numbers. Points are recorded on a cribbage board and the player must complete two circuits of the scoring board (or 121 points) to win.
Pool
- Pool is a modern bar game derived from the English game of billiards, and is now a worldwide phenomenon thanks to its popularity in the United States. The most popular version of the game is 8 ball pool. Each player must pot seven balls of their own nominated collar before winning the game by potting the black 8 ball. Variations of the game include 9 ball pool, cut-throat and straight pool.

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