A Men’s Guide to Gaming

I have made it pretty evident that throughout my more recent months, I have participated in a Thursday night ritual forever known as “bro night”. The excitement that each Thursday brings is genuine. Obviously, a shit ton of beer and unhealthy appetizers are spaced throughout the 4 hour debauchery, but another element that is almost as vital to physical consumption is mental consumption served in the form of betting. There is extensive sports gambling sure, but with the amount of testosterone in a 200 square foot radius, there is a necessity to personally compete and thus bar games are introduced. Even an unhealthy slob like myself can feel like I'm at the top of the pyramid after racking off W’s in games that John Daly could dominate.

There are also a lot of other options when betting can be based strictly on your skills. I have pursued many a bar and have come up with the top 10 bar games. Obviously everyone has a different opinion, so if you would like rearrange this list, then start writing for your own blog. I also had to take into account the most abundant bar games. I mean how many bars have a basketball game? Most of the clubs (read "dive bars") I attend have little more than an ATM to be honest with you. 

1. Sports

Simple. Find a bookie, an on-line sports book, go to a casino, or even bet with a friend. The problem with the last one is they might not pay. Or maybe that's just my scumbag friends.

 

2. Pool

Pretty standard and probably the most universally played bar game. It is simple, enjoyable, can be played by up to 4 individuals and can really accentuate the difference between a novice and a shark. Also, if you do lose, you can take the pool stick and beat the shit out of your opponent or break it over your knee, Barry “Juice me up” Bonds style.

 
3. Darts

This game is located in more bars than any other due to the lack of space it necessitates. All you need is a wall a throwing lane and dudes. Cricket is pretty basic although there are several spin offs of darts.

4 . Golden Tee

Somehow this monstrosities game is in countless bars. It is very easy to be decent and difficult to be elite. If you are playing a four person game and have 1 or 2 amateurs, playing skins can keep each hole at least somewhat competitive. If you want to truly distinguish yourself, do stroke play. Either way, the shit gets intense.

   
5. Foosball

Although a dying bar game, it still is fast paced and extremely enjoyable to play, especially if you're good at it.

6. Big Buck Hunter

My favorite of all the games, it takes awareness and hand to eye coordination. Probably the hardest to play when blacked-out, there are two ways to bet on this.

 7. Ping Pong

This game is the shit. At some point in every kids life, they would play this for hours when available. Then, Beirut and Beer Pong was introduced turning you from a pure child to a corrupt degenerate.

 8. Shuffleboard

It is pretty rare to find one of these at a bar, but they still exist. The biggest issue has to do with the size, but if found, this game.

9. Chugging Contest

I know. This is fucking lame and meatheadish, but it’s just another thing you can bet on. Plus everyone wins besides the floor around the urinal.

 

10. Ultimate Big Punch Arcade Game

Sure this wins the most expensive game since usually $1 gets you one punch, but this is the winner for testing manhood. I spend a shitload of money whenever I run into it. 

Bonus-NBA Jam Arcade Game

Here's to wishful thinking

- Kyle