Local ladies playing pool

Photo: Kayla Collins

SHOOTIN' POOL — Judy Knight starts off a new game of pool Tuesday, June 19, at Crazy 8's billiards in South Paris. 

PARIS —  To a group of local ladies who play pool every Tuesday, the game isn't just about winning; "it's about having fun." 

About 10 women, ages 18-80, meet at Crazy 8's every Tuesday to play pool – and they play for about two hours.  

But the group doesn't play your standard game of pool. "We make up our own rules," said Anita Davis who, like most of the ladies, has been playing pool with the group since December. 

The object of the game, says player Tracy Knight, is "to hit the balls in order by number using all the balls."

Each player takes their turn, like any game of pool, but if the ball is missed, despite scratching the cue ball, the next player "gets the ball in hand and can put the ball wherever they want," said Knight.

Each ball is valued 10 cents, said Knight, so depending on how well a player does, they could walk away with a little more change in their pocket. "But none of us get rich," she laughed. 

When asked if anyone played in a league, all agreed that they don't take the game too seriously.

"It's just a good way to keep busy, laugh and have fun," said Davis. 

According to Davis, a majority of the ladies play in a golf league together up on Paris Hill, but decided one day to try something else. So they decided to take up pool. 

On June 19, it was Pat Frye's first time playing with the group. She said she was really enjoying her time, and that she planned on playing every Tuesday. 

For Nancy Perham, who's been playing since December, what she enjoys most about playing pool is learning new skills, meeting new people and the camaraderie. "All of us get along great," she said. 

Also, anyone is welcome to join them, said Judy Knight, who last played pool nearly 50 years ago, and just six months ago began playing again.  

"Anyone can play," she said, as she leaned over the pool table to take her turn. "The more the merrier!" 

Photo: Kayla Collins

POOL SHARKS — Back row from left, Anita Davis, Pat Frye, Nancy Perham, Judy Knight, Carol Whitman, Jan Curtis, Mary Ann Brown, and front row from left, Dayna Schultz, Judy Schultz and Tracy Knight.