Eight benches under the skylights
Four originals with a century of marks in them, four new and level, one hoist hanging over the lot and not a dollar riding on any of it.
How a bench works
Six benches take whoever walks up. Two can be held on the phone for groups of up to seven, and we release a held bench twenty minutes after the agreed time.
Each bench gets its own lamp, a fresh deck every Wednesday and a score pad that gets torn off and binned at close. Nothing carries into the next night.
Staff deal when asked and explain rules to anyone who wants them explained. They do not umpire and they do not sit in on a game.
What gets played
Five hundred, euchre, cribbage and friendly poker — points only.
Slow benches
Two run at half pace on Thursday for people who think it through.
Score pads
Points for the evening, torn off and dropped in the bin at close.
Worth knowing before you sit
How many to a bench?
Seven at the originals, five at the new tables.
Can I come by myself?
Most people do. Tell the floor and they will find you a chair.
My own deck?
Ours only. Personal cards stay in the coat.
Is there a competition?
A social ladder on Saturday. No entry, no fee, no prize money — just bragging.