Ask your clubs members and friends first
If someone involved has a space great! Move on to the next article.
How to Choose a Location
Backgammon is a loud game. Quiet cafes and libraries aren’t good ideas.
One typical place is a pub on a Sunday afternoon. This is when things are slow, so the pub will benefit from you being there and buying food/drinks. There’s usually music to cover the noise. You shouldn’t pay a fee to play, but they might want a minimum food/drink order.
Veteran Legions can be a good location, but they have rules you must respect. This can include no noise, no hats, etc. If they’re an active pub great.
Another place is local community centres and religious buildings. There might be space for you to play as long as you act respectfully. There might be a charge to play.
If your town has Chess or Bridge clubs get in touch. There’s a friendship between those games and backgammon and they have the right setup regarding tables and chairs. There might be a charge to play.
Getting in Touch
Contact them on social media or email, depending on the business. If it’s a place with older people it might be worth calling or just showing up to chat if you’re charismatic.
Send a simple message
For pubs:
“Hi! I’m looking for a place where my backgammon club can meet. Maybe some time when it’s slow so we can buy food/drink? Let me know if you’re interested – thanks!”
For community centres:
Ask your clubs members and friends first
If someone involved has a space great! Move on to the next article.
How to Choose a Location
Backgammon is a loud game. Quiet cafes and libraries aren’t good ideas.
One typical place is a pub on a Sunday afternoon. This is when things are slow, so the pub will benefit from you being there and buying food/drinks. There’s usually music to cover the noise. You shouldn’t pay a fee to play, but they might want a minimum food/drink order.
Veteran Legions can be a good location, but they have rules you must respect. This can include no noise, no hats, etc. If they’re an active pub great.
Another place is local community centres and religious buildings. There might be space for you to play as long as you act respectfully. There might be a charge to play.
If your town has Chess or Bridge clubs get in touch. There’s a friendship between those games and backgammon and they have the right setup regarding tables and chairs. There might be a charge to play.
Getting in Touch
Contact them on social media or email, depending on the business. If it’s a place with older people it might be worth calling or just showing up to chat if you’re charismatic.
Send a simple message
For community locations:
“Hi! I’m looking for a place where my backgammon club can meet. We’re quiet and don’t gamble. 🙂 Hope to hear back soon – thanks!”
Chess or Bridge Club:
“Hi! I’m looking for a place where my backgammon club can meet. Do you have any times where we can use your club? What are the rental fees like? Thanks!”
Following up
Get back to them right away. If they won’t do it thank them to gain some community good will. If they want to host you answer and their questions. Unless it’s a set schedule, explain exactly what you’re looking for:
- A place to play backgammon for 2 – 6 hours
- Room for [number or players] people, hopefully with food and drink
- Tell them about the noise of the dice
- Tell them about your rule to kick someone out if they misbehave and give them one warning until they aren’t welcome back
- Tell them you don’t gamble
- If needed tell them you’re quiet and respectful
- Tell them the basic demographic: older people, younger people, or a mix of both
Confirm Everything
Once you’ve worked out the details write them all out an confirm them.
“OK, to confirm: [details].”
How to Be a Good Club
The most important thing is to be respectful. Unless they tell you to stop, contact them the day before asking if things are still on. Be direct. “Hi! Is everything good for [date]?” Be ready to be friendly if they forgot or something happened that they had to cancel. If this becomes a frequent behaviour, find a new location.
Get to know the staff and be nice to everyone. The goal is for the location to want you there.
Rules
For a pub:
- No yelling, pounding the table, or making other loud noises. Players will get one warning then won’t be invited back.
- No gambling. Not invited back. If players want to gamble they can keep a record of their games and work it out elsewhere. Do not calculate how much money you win inside the pub.
- No outside food unless approved. One warning.
- Not a rule but unless there’s a good reason, buy food or a drink.