Darts and other popular pub games

Heading to your local pub for a night of real ale and good company is a great way to see on the weekend. But adding some classic pub games to your evening can truly elevate proceedings and offers the opportunity for some healthy competition between drinking buddies. So, with that in mind, we introduce you to some classic pub games you can enjoy throughout the night in the local.

There's no doubt that darts is one of the most popular pub games played at venues around the UK and further afield. Some pubs have darts leagues and compete with other pubs, given the game's popularity. Others keep things within the pub itself, offering friendly competition among locals. Of course, you can always ask the barman for the darts at any time of the day or night to challenge your drinking buddy to a game. Who knows, you might hit the bullseye and become the next Michael van Gerwen.

You'll often find people playing cards in the pub. Although it might look complicated, how to play poker is quite straightforward once you learn the basics. Poker is perhaps the most common card game played in the pub, with variations like Texas Hold 'em and Omaha proving popular. However, you might also see people playing games like Blackjack in the pub, given the game's simplicity. Just be careful not to spill your beer on the cards, as the landlord won't thank you for doing so.

Dominoes is one of the oldest pub games going and is extremely straightforward to learn and play. Although you might think Dominoes is reserved solely for retirees, the reality is that anyone can play and enjoy Dominoes, particularly in a cosy atmosphere at the local! Again, some pubs have dedicated Dominoes leagues for people to compete in, while others just keep a set of Dominoes behind the bar for any time play. Whether you want to play competitively or just with your drinking buddies, playing Dominoes in the pub is a great way to pass the time.

Granted, not every pub has a pool table, but those that do are super popular with locals. There are several variants of pool that you can play, but American Pool is one of the most popular. If your local pub has a pool table, drop your pound coin on the table and await your turn. That being said, some pool tables in pubs are free to play; just make sure you buy a couple of beers while playing so you're not taking advantage of the publican's hospitality. Some pubs also have snooker tables, but they're less common than pool tables. Still, both games are great fun when you play them in the pub.

Some pubs have a selection of board games that you can play when you grab a seat in the venue. From Monopoly to Balderdash, there are lots of different board games that you can play during a night at the pub. If your local pub doesn't have a stack of board games, you could always ask the landlord if he's happy for you to bring a game with you. This can be a great way to pass the evening if the conversation is waning and offers an additional motive for you to spend a night out in the pub.

Arguably the most popular types of games at pubs are quizzes. Many pubs host quiz nights, and some are general knowledge quizzes, while others are themed. You might find that the local pub in your area hosts a quiz night on a specific night of the week, while others will be open to hosting a quiz occasionally. A word of caution – pub quizzes are extremely competitive, and cheating is not tolerated! If you're planning to participate in a pub quiz for the first time, turn your phone off and take it seriously.

Few things in life are as enjoyable as a night in the pub after a busy week at work, surrounded by good company and decent beer. However, adding some of the above pub games to the equation is a great way to mix things up a bit and add something extra to your night locally. Whether you play poker or pool, pub games bring some friendly competition to the table and provide added incentive to visit your local pub.