By Bashir Shaffi.
Billiards, snooker, pool and Darts are known to be the two most famous indoor games played in pubs & restaurants around the world. Although the billiards and snooker are more appealing to Europeans, pool has gained popularity in United States and now in Baku, Azerbaijan!
I remember seeing the first pool table in Baku way back in 1990’s. That was in Charlie’s bar, later to be joined by one in the Shakespeare pub. Darts, on the other hand lost its attraction during this period, due to a dwindling number of expats prepared to take up their “’arras” and lack of pubs that could maintain the quality of their dart boards. Old Marshall’s did have a fabulous board, good followers and a home team too but enthusiasm waned, when the business shifted to the present location.
A few basics
Due to growing number of pubs in Baku that recognize the enthusiasm of pool players, the game has swelled and so have the pool teams. The Captain of Marshall’s pool team Allan Sharp along with John O’Hare, enlightened me about the rules and specifics of this up and coming game that not only attracts the gents but appeals the ladies too. The present pool season started last month and a total of 28 teams have entered the league. Some pubs have two teams and some only one but it is compulsory for each team to have at least one female player. Before the start of the season, all participating bars were inspected by the committee to ascertain the quality of pool tables, balls and cues etc. Each pool team has to register the players with the committee and it is not allowed for one player whether male or female to play for two teams during the season. However in extreme circumstances, any player can transfer him or herself to other team but such transfers are restricted to only once during the season.
2011 - pool team
Some lick their fingers, while others wipe their tears
Last year’s championship trophy of group “A”, was won by a team from Marshall’s bar. So far this year, 3 teams are tying with a maximum of 12 points each. These are Marshall’s, Corona Bar and Tortuga. Marshalls and Tortuga are known for their friendly rivalry, and whenever these two giants encounter one another, spectators are besieged by the canny moves and superb shots of battling players. It is not surprising to witness moisturizing eyes or ear to ear smiles during such campaigns.
To make each event sensibly attractive, the host team provides nourishments for home as well as visiting team. Those bars that do not have ample catering facilities normally go for finger food, whereas Marshall’s cuisine always consists of a curry dish along with rice and bread. It is quite a sight to see players licking their fingers while others wipe away their tears! But then these are the usual reactions to a tangy meal during valiant clashes of diverse crusaders.
To maintain and document proper scoring of all 28 teams must be a gallant exertion. Mr. Darrell Cox should be commended for his commitment to the game as well as to the participating teams. To catalogue the participants, invite, guide, discuss and incorporate the rules for Baku League is definitely not an easy task. I believe all committee members are devotees to this superb and entertaining indoor game which is gathering fame among local gentry and ladies alike.
For more information about the Baku pool league contact Bashir Shaffi on: 055-3288022
