Eight tables in the old engine bay
Cast iron on both sides, concrete underfoot, a lamp over every table, a whistle twice a night and not a dollar riding on anything.
Seats, chips and the whistle
Six tables run open — take a free seat, and the floor will find you one if you would rather not ask. Two more can be held on the phone for groups.
Each table gets a fresh deck at the start of the week, a score pad and a tray of house chips. The tray is counted back at close and the pad is wiped.
Whoever is walking the floor will explain a game, deal a demonstration hand or sit in to make up numbers. They do not umpire and they do not take sides.
The games
Five hundred, euchre, cribbage and friendly poker — all for points.
Beginners' bay
Thursday 5pm and Sunday 2pm, forty minutes, free.
Score pads
Points for the evening, wiped before the lights go off.
Table questions
How many to a table?
Six on the round tops, four in the beginners' bay.
Can I come on my own?
Most people do. Say so at the door and you will be seated within ten minutes.
Can I bring my own deck?
Keep it in your pocket — house decks only on the felt.
Is there ever a tournament?
A social ladder on the last Saturday of the month. No entry fee, no prize money, a name on the board.