Students 'cue' up for bar games
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William Alix / KANSAN
Rebecca Osladil, Ottawa sophomore, attempts a bull's eye on the electronic dart board at the Taproom, 19 E.8th St.
Pool, darts and pinball keep pub patrons amused
By Shannon Newton Special to the Kansan
It's just a game, some might say about a pub sport such as darts, pool or pinball. But that's not what many KU students think these days, especially with new interactive trivia games popping up.
The continuing popularity of the games is reflected by the rows of quarters competitors leave along the edges of the games meant to save their turn at play—as well as the attentive crowds watching, and sometimes betting, on the outcome of a particular game.
Students are willing to stand in line or slap down a few quarters on the traditional bar game machines.
"The winner of the game during the Super Bowl won two round-trip tickets to Las Vegas," said David Johanning, employee of Jox Sports Emporium and Fun Drinkery.
But one new form of a free bar game interactive trivia, proves that players can get more than just the thrill of winning from the games.
Jox, 601 Kasold Drive, has seen increasing popularity in their new trivia games that go beyond answering questions.
"During the (Super Bowl) game, people anticipate a football play, and if they are right, they receive points," Johanning said. "For the Super Bowl, we had 20 playmakers hooked up to the system so that more people could play."
The system was set up nationwide so that customers could compete with other bar
Jox has had the games for three weeks and plans on having special promotions to attract more people to play, he said.
patrons or people around the country.
But a recently installed dart board at the Wheel, 1401 Ohio St., is gaining most of their customers' attention.
Don Glasscock, Overland Park graduate student and employee of the Kansas Union's Jaybowl, said more people played pool on the weekends.
"I came in last Friday and there were quarters across the game," said Danielle Lindquist, Overland Park junior and employee of the Wheel. "Having the board is kind of a downfall for me because I want to play darts instead of work."
Students expressed several reasons why they enjoy the games.
"Throughout the weekend we sometimes
have to start a waiting list for people who want to play pool." Glasscock said.
Kara Laricks, Overland Park junior, said that when she drank, she felt she could play darts and match scores with anyone
Heather Kramer, Overland Park junior, said she played bar games to show men that it was not just a male competition.
"I'm not very good at darts, but I like to play because I am a competitive person," she said.
"I enjoy playing pool and darts to beat the boys," Kramer said. "Though I like winning, I also enjoy playing with people that are better than I am so I can learn more."
Melissa Nieva, Shawnee junior said, "I
Name of the game
Pool
The origin of pool dates back to ancient times, but experts are not positive exactly where in Europe it began. The first pool table was brought to Florida in 1565 to America by a family from Spain. Popular variations of the game include rotation, eight-ball, and line-up.
Pinball comes from the earlier game of bagatelle, a game in which marbles were shot into an area with pockets and assigned points. The game has remained popular but has seen many technological advances such as flashing lights, music and multi-ball versions.
Pinball
KANSAN
Another popular game college students enjoy is pinball.
really enjoy playing bar games especially when I'm not into the mood to mingle."
Jim Barry, an employee of Planet Pinball. 2223 Louisiana St., began working there for nearly six months after it had opened two years ago.
"Sometimes I would be at work for three hours with no customers," Barry said. "Now, on the weekends probably 300 to 350 people come in a day."
ball machines appeal to college students more than the video games. Pinball is probably popular among college students because it's a cheap form of entertainment. You can spend a couple of dollars playing pinball and easily have a few hours of exciting entertainment."
Greg Leuenberger, also an employee at Planet Pinball, said, "It seems like the pin-
Eric Medill, Sedan junior, an employee of Quinton's Bar and Deli, 615 Massachusetts St., said he thought people enjoyed pinball so much "because people don't have to have any athletic ability or skill to play."
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February 11, 1994 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN • THE GUIDE TO GOING OUT
www.theuniversitydaily.com • MAXIMUS HAYAT (MAIL) 700-256-8323
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