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One time, one night
Checker's pool provides on-cue alternative to bars
By Lesley Christianson
Published:
Monday, April 26, 2004
Where do you go on a Thursday night when you're too young to drink, but you're too old to have a bedtime?
Checker's pool hall, Joel Wirtz and Tyler Schwindt answer.
At 11 p.m., Wirtz and roommate Schwindt wait at the counter for a table to open. A voice over the loudspeaker advises all patrons under the age of 18 to leave the building. As a swarm of teenagers make their way to the exits like bees fleeing a fallen hive, Wirtz and Schwindt locate a suitable pool table and make their way to it.
Wisps of cigarette smoke and loose particles of cue chalk invade their nostrils. The two begin racking the balls when Checkers employee of three years John Wer approaches and asks for IDs to enforce St. Cloud's curfew ordinance. They readily produce their drivers' licenses and continue to play.
"It usually clears out at 11 o'clock because of the curfew," Wirtz said.
Wer said the pool hall, located just off Division Street behind the Dong Khanh Express, has become a bit busier since they introduced various specials during the week to lure back some of the winter crowds.
"Mondays we have Ladies' Night, when ladies can play for free, and tonight it is $8 per person from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.," Wer said. "On nights we have specials, there are usually a lot of high school kids. Then 11 o'clock comes and it's the regulars."�
Wirtz, 20, and Schwindt, 19, said they try to take advantage of the Thursday night special every week. They said they usually come together weeknights and four to five friends join them on Fridays or Saturdays.
"We used to come here a lot more, but now we're broke," Wirtz said. "We're not 21, so there aren't many other places we can be."
Pantera blares from the sound system as the din of racking balls fills the air. The hall echoes with the identifiable sound of groans that immediately follow cue sticks prematurely knocking the eight ball into the corner pocket.
The crowd in the main pool room appears to range from age 18 to 25, while older patrons keep to the bar area where alcohol is served up like hot dogs at a barbeque.
Pantera fades into an Usher song while the men suddenly become lighter-stepped, in groove with the bass and the women bend slightly lower when taking their shots.
Wirtz said the music is reasonably varied, but the variety of styles does not include diversity in artists.
"I swear, every night I'm here I listen to the same song three or four times," he said.
Wirtz and Schwindt are among the few who brought their own cue sticks. Wirtz paid $400 for his Joss cue.
"I was sick of using the house cues, basically. And I figured, if I'm going to buy one, I'm at least going to get a nice one," Wirtz said.
Schwindt opted for looks over price for his $95 Action cue, which depicts human skulls that wrap around the entire midsection. He said he doesn't mind spending money on pool because there are worse habits and more expensive hobbies to have.
"Playing pool is at least something to do. I understand it, and it coincides with my smoking because it doesn't take too much physical activity," Schwindt said.
At 11:30 p.m., five of the 18 pool tables open up as people make their way to the door. Wirtz said it is relatively typical for the activity to start slowing down at this time. He said although their favorite hangout may lack in big crowds, many of the regulars increase the excitement by betting on games.
"All the regulars that are here are here to gamble," Wirtz said. "Anyone that comes here often enough to know anybody knows the people who can shoot."
"A lot of people think they are pool sharks," Schwindt said. "There's a lot of talent in the room. Some of these guys will take some money from you."
Schwindt said the bets are friendly and no one has ever pressured him into playing for money. He said newcomers do not need to fear the stereotypical pool sharks.
The older, more experienced pool player wins the first game, and Schwindt, not to be outdone, prods Wirtz into placing a small wager on the next round - rent money.
With the stakes a bit higher than the first game, Wirtz calls a shot - and misses. He cocks his head and stares at the table, wondering how in the universe the 13 didn't slide easily in the corner pocket.
Wer said he thinks people bet on pool games for different reasons.
"It makes it more interesting for some, and for others, it makes them try harder," Wer said.
As midnight nears, the soothing lullabies of Ozzy begin serenading the remaining Checkers patrons. Cues are used as physical substitutes for the air guitar as several weary people hang up their sticks and call it a night. Wirtz and Schwindt, however, said they often stay until closing.
"We usually hang out pretty long, until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.," Schwindt said.
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