Kitchen Table Pool

Gabriel and I were recently handed an old treasure—an old kitchen-side pool table that had been tucked away for years. You know the type, one of those mini versions of a proper pool table, designed to fit perfectly on top of a dining or kitchen table. The moment Gabriel saw it, his eyes lit up.

“Let’s play pool, Mum!” he exclaimed. How could I resist? We quickly dusted it off and decided to set it up on our kitchen table for an impromptu game of pool.

Setting Up for Fun

We carefully positioned the mini pool table on the kitchen table, making sure it was steady and flat. The cues were slightly tires from years of neglect, and the green baize worn, but none of that mattered. Gabriel was absolutely buzzing with excitement, eager to test out his skills.

We decided to keep the rules simple—Gabriel knows the basics of pool, but it’s more about the fun and competition between us. I have to admit, I was just as eager as him to get started.

The Game Begins: Gabriel’s Winning Streak

From the very first break, Gabriel lined up his shots with determination, and I could see that his focus from other games we play, like chess, was coming through in his pool strategy. I managed to sink a few balls early on, but Gabriel’s technique quickly improved. “Watch this one, Mum,” he said as he gently hit the cue ball, knocking a stripe into the corner pocket.

His excitement was contagious. Before I knew it, he had cleared half the table while I was still struggling to make my next move. Gabriel’s focus, combined with his natural knack for spatial games, meant I was often left on the losing end of the stick (quite literally!). But honestly, seeing his confidence and joy grow with each shot was far better than winning any game.

Learning Along the Way

One of the best parts of playing pool together is how much we learn from each game. Gabriel started figuring out how to use angles and rebounds to sink his shots, and I had to brush up on my old pool skills to keep up. We laughed at the times when the cue ball went flying off the table or when we missed a shot completely.

I could see his strategic mind ticking away, working out the best ways to improve his shots, and it was amazing to watch him enjoy learning while playing.

There’s something so special about these moments—playing a game that encourages a bit of friendly competition but also allows for quiet, conversational breaks. It’s a chance to bond in a way that’s relaxed and playful, all while honing a new skill together.

Gabriel’s Creative Spin on Pool

Of course, in typical Gabriel fashion, he started adding his own creative twist to the game. After a couple rounds of traditional pool, he suggested we mix it up. “Mum, what if we try to sink two balls in one shot?” or “Let’s make it so we can only use one hand!” he’d suggest, keeping the game interesting and unpredictable..

Conclusion: Finding Fun in Unexpected Places

Who knew that an old kitchen-side pool table could spark so much fun and laughter? It’s proof that sometimes the simplest activities—like a game of pool on the kitchen table—can bring the greatest moments of connection and creativity.

Gabriel’s enthusiasm and love for learning, even in games like this, continue to inspire me. And as long as he’s challenging me to another round, I’ll gladly accept. After all, it’s not about winning or losing—it’s about the fun we have along the way. And with this little pool table in the kitchen, there’s no shortage of that.