RACK ‘EM UP
Few things are as masculine and intriguing as pool or billiards. The slow, concentrated measure of angles across the felt—stick to cue to ball to pocket—are an ideal way to while away an evening with an old friend, loving mate or even solo. For the man whose castle is already outfitted with a table, tournament balls are the ideal complement. The density and weight of the veneer orbs is a game changer. The sound of the clack, the spin of the colors and the ease of the movement is why pros prefer this Belgian maker.
Shown here courtesy Thomas Grimaldi Pool Tables, Farmingdale:
Aramith billiard ball set, $170.
Pool rack, $30.
CHECK MATE
Known as the thinking man’s game, meant to exercise strategic and lateral skills, there are a few things that differentiate the pros from the pretty boys. For tournament play, boards have markings to keep track of moves, though it’s not a necessary element. The pieces, good ones at least, are weighted with lead to stabilize them. Staunton design is considered tournament design—the knight is a 90-degree shape, the king has a cross, queen has a crown, bishop has a slit in the hat and the rook is a tower.
Shown here courtesy Your Move Chess & Games, North Massapequa:
3” ebonized Velites by The Mark of Westminster, $99.
14” exclusive solid wood walnut and maple board, $179.
BULLSEYE
No man cave is complete without the games of a favored watering hole. Dartboards are perfect because you get to throw a sharp implement, but also because they don’t take up a lot of room. A good board is constructed of sisal fiber (the cork-like part), razor-thin wire and little to no staples holding the sections of the rings together. The ideal dart is a tungsten barrel because it’s denser, meaning it can be both heavier and thinner to make for stronger flying and tighter groupings on the board. The flights are all pretty much the same, made of a thin, lightweight plastic, but it’s where personality comes through (they’re easily changeable).
Shown here courtesy Regal Billiards, Hicksville:
Viper steel-tipped darts with a spinster—the flight will spin when thrown, $79.
Viper razor back board, no staples and thin wires, $55.
Words: Aryana Herz
Photos: Luke Hanscom