Categories
Air Hockey

A beginner-friendly guide to all things air hockey: Invention, how it’s made, pro-tips and where to buy a rad air hockey table

What’s the deal with air hockey? We feel like it’s kind of an underdog when it comes to game tables. People go straight to pool or foosball — not that there’s anything wrong with those (we love them). But we feel like air hockey could use a little more love these days. So we’re showing that love by addressing some cool things about the game.

  1. A brief history of air hockey: Who invented it and where

  2. How are air hockey tables made (basically, what’s with the air?)

  3. Tips on winning the game + where to buy air hockey tables

Our guide to providing with the basics about air hockey knowledge is finally here. The objective: For you to knock the air out of your friends the next time this conversation comes up! (If “air hockey” talk doesn’t come up, we trust that you’ll figure out a way to make it happen.)

The history of air hockey: Who invented it and where it was invented

Air hockey tables are a relatively recent invention when compared to other game tables like pool tables and shuffle boards. In the most basic sense, it’s a delightful amalgamation of billiards and ice hockey. 

In 1969, three men — Phil Crossman, Bob Kenrick, and Brad Baldwin — were all employees of Brunswick Billiards, a maker of pool tables. A fourth man, an ice-hockey enthusiast named Bob Lemieux, is also credited for inventing the game. 

With Brunswick’s backing, thousands of tables were made and installed in arcades, pizza parlors, community-center basements—anywhere with a stretch of faux-wood panelling and a proximate crew of wan, beanpole kids.

The game caught on quickly and by 1974, the beloved sportscaster Marv Albert was delivering tense play-by-play narration as thirty-one regional champs jockeyed for a cash prize of $5000 and the undeniably radical title of “Best Air Hockey Player in the World” at the sport’s first championship tournament, held in New York City.

However, by the late 1970s, the game’s popularity had peaked due to the increase in technology (i.e. flashy, bleeping arcade games… no hate, only truth). But, we digress. 

Source: The Forgotten Greatness of Air Hockey

How air hockey tables are made, including the famous air pockets

Air hockey tables are fun for everyone. It’s fun, exciting, and easy to play. You’ve likely scuffled around an air hockey table a few times growing up, curious about the lightweight nature of the puck. 

So, how do these tables magically skate pucks across the board? It’s a fairly simple set up that gives air hockey tables their floating qualities. 

Air hockey tables are made of slick (usually plastic) surfaces. This playing field is surrounded by raised edges that prevent the puck from flying off the table. Each air hockey table is drilled symmetrically with tiny holes across the entire surface, creating an even and frictionless playing field. 

The key to creating this effect lies in the smooth surface and evenly blown air that the fan pumps up through the playing board. Underneath the table, a fan blows air through these holes. The air pressure is what keeps the puck floating, making it appear as though the puck is levitating. This is the same principle used in hovercraft technology. 

As a result, opposing players can hit the puck toward the other end of the board without it getting stuck. That’s why the puck usually keeps moving — albeit rather slowly — even if you try to stop it. The reason for this is the small funnels of air being forced up through the floor. (Put your hand to the table and you’ll feel the air coming through.)

Source: How Air Hockey Tables Work 

The fact, though, is that the puck glides too quickly and effortlessly for players to really track it. An early advertisement for the game admits as much: “Puck actually floats on air—travels faster than the eye can follow.” 

What you hope for, instead, is that, in the act of frantically thwacking the puck away from your slot, you might inadvertently score. So that might be an additional reason for the game’s short-lived glory in the ’70s.

How to play air hockey (to win) and where to buy it

Short-lived or not, air hockey is a sport that is fun to play. It requires two players and each objective is to score more points in the opposing player’s goals.

Of course, you’ll need an air hockey table. And, no, you don’t have to break the bank. There are affordable air hockey tables that are in the 3-digits, such as this one and this one, and there are some tables that are on sale. 

Now, onto the game. While more details to the rules of the game can be read here, the following is the most basic (of the basic) guidelines to how to play: 

  • Starting: For beginners, you can begin the game by starting with the puck in the centre and giving it a good smack!

  • Scoring: For a player to score a point, the puck must land in the opposing player’s goal, and stay there – if it bounces in and out, it doesn’t count! It doesn’t matter whose mallet the puck touched last, so own goals are entirely possible. Within each game, possession of the puck for the next serve passes to the player who was scored upon.

  • Winning: The winner of each game is the first player to accumulate seven points. If you’re playing tournament-style, you’ll also be playing to best-of-seven – so the first person to win 4 games. 

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when playing: 

  •  You can stand anywhere around the air hockey table on your side of the centerline; don’t stand past the line.
  •  Only one puck can be used at a given moment.
  •  The puck may be struck with any part of the mallet except the bottom surface.
  •  A player has 7 seconds to return a shot that crosses the centerline. The 7 seconds begin as soon as the puck enters and remains on that player’s side of the centerline. Violation results in a foul.
  •  When a player is scored upon, they have 10 seconds to remove the puck from the goal and place it in play. The 10 seconds start as soon as the puck has fallen completely through the goal and is available for the player to place into play. This rule is suspended during the course of a time-out.
  •  Each player may take one time-out per game, no longer than 10 seconds and may exercise their time-out only when the puck is in their possession or not in play.
  •  After each game, players swap sides of the air hockey table.

If you want to learn a more extensive process on how to play air hockey, read here.

 And don’t forget that with an air hockey tables comes care (like anything in life). Be sure to check out our tips on how to maintain your air hockey table!

Categories
Air Hockey Darts Foosball

The Most Basic Guide To Winning 5 Popular Games: Billiards & More

Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games Guide To Winning Popular Games

Guide To Winning Popular GamesIf you’ve ever wondered how to win some of the most popular games in the gaming world (or at least not lose drastically) then you’ve come to the right place. At Games For Fun, you know we love a good game of, well, anything! Even our facilities that occupy 26,000 square feet are filled with nothing but game room supplies, accessories, and repair parts. We’re serious about our games. But is it really just fun and games when you’re always the one losing

Today, the Games For Fun team will be discussing techniques, common mistakes, and general guidelines for winning (or losing) popular games from air hockey to table tennis. More specifically, we’re going to talk about a top mistake and a top tip that could either make or break your winning chances for a variety of games. Rocky theme song…cued. Let’s get to winning!

Mistakes To Lose Any Game, Tricks To Win Any Game

We recognize that playing a game can only be so fun if you don’t really know what you’re doing. How is Billy able to execute a bank shot every time we play a game of billiards and how come every time I throw a dart, it lands nose-first into the ground two feet in front of me? We hear your concerns, young grasshopper, and the Games For Fun team is going to address how you can successfully win any game in this article (A.K.A get better at winning any game or increase competitive skills).

Billiards

The game with the cue stick and cue ball.

Having been in the billiards industry for 35 years, we’re familiar with common mistakes in billiards. What would we say is the most common mistake a person can make while playing billiards?

👎 Don’t raise or drop the cue! Regardless if you are a beginner or expert, every billiard player learns quickly that angle is everything. In order to get the perfect shot, you must have your cue set up properly. An unleveled cue will result in an inaccurate aim. Raising or dropping your cue stick before shooting is going to alter your precision; it’s important to keep it even and balanced throughout your shot. One way to ensure you don’t make this mistake on a particularly tough angle is by using a bridgehead.

👍 One of the most widely accepted methods for bank shots uses the diamonds on the table—the series of light-colored dots running down the rails of the table. Keep in mind that pockets are also considered diamond markers. These “diamonds” help you visualize the angle at which you need to take your bank shot, increasing your accuracy and consistency. Plus, they’re easy to use, no matter where on the table you’re playing. The object in using these diamonds is to aid in making mirrored angles. In other words, if you shoot the object ball into a diamond at a 45-degree angle, it should bounce off the rail at the same angle but in the opposite direction. As long as you shoot straight and with adequate speed, you’ll perfect this move with ease.

Air Hockey

The game with the table and the puck.

👎 Don’t have a defensive stance! According to this article, leaning your shoulders forward and your torso over the table on defense is by far the most common error in air hockey. In the article, it’s estimated that 80 percent of players, across all skill levels, have incorrect stances on defense. The reason leaning over the table is such a bad mistake is because you won’t be able to block certain shots effectively because forward leaning makes moving backward more difficult. Blocking the shot must be the first priority, but blocking is most easily achieved when you have proper defensive mechanics, which includes being able to move freely.

👍 Hitting the puck off either side of the table instead of trying to make a straight shot is a great trick to increase your chances of scoring. It’s a matter of mathematics and angles. Hitting the puck off the edge of the table right in the center of the table is bound to angle the puck toward the goal. Of course, you have to take into consideration whether your opponent’s hand is blocking the goal or not. Still, the chances of scoring will be increased.

Table Tennis

The game with the paddles and the small lightweight ball.

👎 Sometimes, you just have to let go a little bit! What we mean is, gripping the paddle too tight is not gonna help in your efforts to win in a game of table tennis. Because your racket-hand-arm is stiff, you essentially lose control which results in missed balls or opportunities.

👍 You have to carefully watch your opponent’s racket when it makes contact with the ball. Based on the direction your opponent’s racket is moving, you can determine how to angle your racket to compensate. Check out Newgy for a more detailed breakdown of how to properly gauge your opponent and act defensively in a game of table tennis (AKA ping pong).

Foosball

The game with the miniature people and the small ball.

👎 Don’t shoot the ball too soon in an attempt at speed! Especially if you haven’t actually completed the full lateral movement. When you practice the pull shot, you are practicing to get the maximum speed at the maximum lateral movement. But it’s important to note that the speed comes from completing the entire shot stroke as fast as possible, not by short-cuts.

👍 Increase your defense by holding two handles (rods) together instead of one. If you learn to move two of your defense handles together, that will make it hard on your opponent to score. Try using your pinkie and thumb on your left hand to play with your entire defense unit (meaning your 2 defense handles). Make sure your players don’t overlap, spread them out with small gaps between them, and you’ll have the defense of a premier league soccer team. It won’t be easy to master at first, but when you get used to it, you literally become a foosball boss.

Darts

The game with the circular target hoisted on the wall with the, well, darts.

👎 Don’t lunge forward with your whole body! This is as straightforward as it gets. We know the desire to “aim” with your whole body is natural, but fight that desire! When you lunge forward, you greatly hinder the accuracy of your throw. Think of lunging forward as the equivalent to trying to accurately shoot a rifle while moving it.

👍 Know your dominant eye and hand. This might sound like a no-brainer, but aiming a dart requires a good amount of hand-eye coordination. Most of us are aware of your dominant hand, but when it comes to your dominant eye, that could be a bit more tricky because it isn’t something we think about often. I mean, how often do you need to do something with one eye? Nonetheless, this is important for winning a game of darts. Dart Sharp gives this good piece of advice: If you don’t know which eye is dominant then try throwing three darts with each eye closed in turns. The eye that you struggle to keep shut is your dominant eye.

Do You Want To Be A Winner?

Games For Fun has been in the game since 1984 so we know a little something about gaming, winning, and losing. Next time you’re in an arcade (hello, post-quarantine socializing) and want to win every popular game in that place so that you can become the popular game, remember our top mistake and top trick for each game! Next time you’re at home and you really, really want to prove to your older brother, Billy, that you can play a game of billiards and actually strike the ball without pulling a muscle, remember our top mistake and top trick.

Of course, we recognize that when it comes to anything, practice makes perfect. But practicing while making common mistakes is counterproductive. That’s why we’ve provided this ultimate guide to winning every game—it’s helpful to be aware of common mistakes so you can avoid them and practice the techniques that you know will grant you success.

If you’re curious about our inventory, product sales, or our rental items, we invite you to reach out to us with your inquiries. Our staff would be happy to help you find the perfect game for your home and can offer tips and tricks. We serve folks in the Inland Empire, but if you happen to not be in the area, don’t worry. Just give us a call at (909) 885-3604 and we’ll answer any questions you may have!

Categories
Air Hockey Darts Foosball Fun Pool Shuffleboard

Game On: Four Companies’ Killer Office Break Rooms

A lot has changed since the days of the cutthroat rigidity of the corporate world.  We are seeing companies take a softer approach and putting their attention to offering relief for an overworked or overstressed team. In order for employees to be fully engaged, motivated, and productive during the entire day, they need to have a balance of work and play.

One tactic that companies are using to create this balance is through their office game rooms. Implementing games inside offices may sound like a waste of time, but hard-working employees know that momentary game of ping pong or pool is just a few steps away.  


Businesses are set on finding top talent by creating a workplace that projects a sense of creativity and company culture.

Check out how these companies enhance company morale through their fun office break room ideas:

Airbnb

office

With over 300,000 listings worldwide and over 10 million nights booked, it’s no mystery that Airbnb’s break room culture contributes to their success. These employees enjoy a ping pong table, weekly yoga classes, and a kitchen outfitted with a chef who cooks lunch every day. Having games such as ping pong helps employees learn how to work together in a relaxed and fun manner. They are building team skills without the stress of daily work tasks.

Taboola

office

Taboola cares about cultivating a rich culture for the company and its employees; so much so that it has appointed an internal committee to oversee the assembly of fun office events on a monthly basis. Employees can escape from their busy work days and shoot some hoops with their arcade-like basketball hoop.  Don’t forget that kegerator either!

DHL

office

The interior of DHL’s office is a combination of both elegant and modern employee-friendly spaces. To match the office rooms, their game rooms are neatly organized with their brand colors and games such as darts, foosball, and video games. If employees don’t feel like playing an action-packed game, they can unwind on a soft bean bag.

Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report’s vision for their office blends the culture and lifestyle of their followers as well as the teams they cover- blurring the lines between fan and celebrity, team and spectator. With a plethora of games such as ping pong, foosball, and air hockey, employees can immerse themselves in a creative space that will carry over into their work. This type of break room builds exciting moments that evoke the importance of exploration and team involvement.

Unique break rooms in the office that are created for fun that are branded and authentic don’t happen by accident; they take intentional planning and design. Simply adding a game table may not be enough, and without careful design things may come off looking unprofessional. But done right, a game room could inject your workspace with the startup vibe we all strive for, help grow a sense of community and attract and retain talent.

Games For Fun supplies many Southern California companies with games for their office break rooms. Stop by our showroom in San Bernardino today or give us a call, and we can help you find the perfect game for your office.

We are open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Categories
Air Hockey

How To Keep Your Air Hockey Table In The Best Shape

Since the 1970s, air hockey has been a game of friendly competition and excitement inside arcades, bars, and at-home game rooms.

Having an air hockey table in the home is the perfect way to bond with family and friends. From a quick game for 2 or a tournament night for your friends with beers, this game is always the center of attention in any game room.

Air hockey is favorite subject to Games For Fun. We love being able to provide families and businesses with one of the unique and dynamic games in the industry. Whether you envision a fashionable, modern style like our 7 Foot Monarch Table, or something more relaxed and fit for the kids like our Dynamo Arctic Wind Table, we will help you find the table best suited for your home.

Having an air hockey table requires regular, yet simple maintenance to keep it looking and running its best for years.

Consider these tips to get the most out of your air hockey table:

Clean Your Table Regularly

The key to a smooth surface that provides the best gameplay is keeping your table clean. If you are a regular player, we suggest cleaning your table once a week. Regardless of where your table is placed, a simple wipe down with a cloth will ensure that no dust is building up inside the air holes. The best way to avoid clogging the holes during cleaning is to turn on the blowers beforehand. The holes on the table should be cleaned about once a year.

Keep A Cover On After Game Play

The best (and easiest) way to keep your table clean when it’s not in use is by keeping a table cover over it. Especially if you are not going to be playing for a long period of time, a cover is necessary to avoid any dust from collecting on the surface and pipes. Not only can dust clog the air holes, but it can eventually find its way into the motor. A cover is a vital piece in keeping your table running at the best quality.

Check On The Screws And Bolts

Nothing is more frustrating than playing air hockey on an uneven surface. After many intense rounds of play, your table can begin to show warping effects that are caused by leaning and moving the table around. Every few months, check on the stability of your table and ensure everything is tightly in place. The best way to avoid any unevenness is by keeping rough play at a minimum.

Protect The Smoothness Of The Game

The surface of an air hockey table is slick and smooth. In order to keep up with the fast-paced excitement of the game, having a surface that allows the puck to glide seamlessly on the surface is crucial. After you have cleaned the surface from any dust and debris, smooth out your mallets and pucks with sandpaper. A smooth bottom surface quickens the pace of your pucks for a much more exciting game.

With these tips and tricks, you can keep your table in its best shape for everyone to enjoy.

With so many different styles to choose from, finding the perfect air hockey table for your home can be a difficult task. Our staff is happy to take you around our showroom in San Bernardino and show you all of the models we have available.

We want to ensure you get the table of your dreams that can stay in your family for years to come. Right now, we are offering 0% same-as-cash financing on orders $500 and up for 12-months!

We would be happy to walk you through the different styles of air hockey tables in our showroom in San Bernardino. Visit us right off of the 215 freeway on exit 43 for West 2nd Street.

Not in the area? Give us a call at (909) 885-3604, and we will answer any questions you may have.

Categories
Air Hockey Holidays Ping Pong Pool Shuffleboard

The Best Game Table For Your Home

If you look back at your favorite memories as a kid, they might include game nights.  These nights were most likely filled with family and friends playing board games, video games, and table games.  

Over time, we see board games being stashed away in the closet and video games becoming replaced by the next best thing.  Game tables stand the test of time.

Having a game table in the home provides a place for your favorite people have a good time. Depending on the amount of space you have available, it can be difficult fitting all of the games you love in one place.

At Games For Fun, we offer a wide variety of games that are suitable for every entertainment space. In our showroom, you’ll be able to find your favorite games in different sizes and designs.

While there are plenty of games to start that game room with, it is important to determine which game tables are right for your home.

Here are a few things to consider for each game before bringing it home:

 

Billiards

The game of billiards has been entertaining people inside homes for many generations.  A pool table is a beautiful piece of furniture that can be played by 1, 2, or 4 people at a moment’s notice. A pool table is one of the biggest game tables you can own indoors; it is important to consider the amount of space you have available. The design of our Huck Pool Table features distressed oak and elm wood, giving it a rustic look. In most homes, the billiards table is the staple piece in the room. Not only because of the entertainment it provides for everyone, but because of its quality design that can turn the table into a beautiful decor item.

 

Foosball

One of the most popular games you’ll see in homes is foosball. This thrilling game allows for two to four people to play at a time, heating up the competition in your home. The table’s smaller size allows you to hold this game in tighter spaces, such as apartments. Your foosball table can reflect your style, like the design of our Victory Foosball Table. The cherry wood vinyl finish brings a modern look that you won’t find inside an arcade. A great option for the kids’ playroom is our Marksman Multi-Game Table. This 4-in-1 table includes foosball, table tennis, pool, and air hockey.

 

Air Hockey

If you are looking for a game table that brings energy and excitement into your home, an air hockey table is the right game for you. Similar to billiards, it is important to consider the size of an air hockey table. Having a large room to hold the space for this game is essential to get the best use out of your table. This gives you a chance to explore different styles that will complete your home. Our Challenger Air Hockey Table is the perfect blend of arcade features with a home-like design.   

 

Shuffleboard

If your game room is located in a big space, like your garage or living room, then you can consider a higher-end game table that will harmonize with the decor of your home. Shuffleboard tables are a high-quality, stylish type of game piece that lasts much longer than a smaller game table, due to the way they are crafted. For a modern style table that will compliment your home, check out our Fundamental Shuffleboard Table. This Generations original contains solid wood cabinets and legs with an espresso stain finish.  

 

Regardless of the design and size of your home, there are many games available that can be incorporated into your space seamlessly. Your game table can become not only your favorite source of entertainment but also a furniture piece that resembles your style.

 

Aside from our wide selection online, we have many styles for each game displayed in our showroom. Come visit us off of the 215 freeway in San Bernardino.

If you have any questions about choosing the right game table for your home, give us a call at (909) 885-3604.

Categories
Air Hockey Darts Gifts Holidays Music Ping Pong Pool Shuffleboard

2018 Holiday Game Gift Guide

The holidays are here. Are you feeling the pressure to find the perfect gift? It can be increasingly difficult when shopping for a game lover with unique style. From the various styles of pool tables to choosing which size ping pong table will fit in your living room; each game provides a different type of experience.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite products online and in our showroom to help you on your shopping journey.

If you have specific questions, or you aren’t sure where to start, give the Games For Fun team a call at: (909)-885-3604. Our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide will give you an easy start to your game shopping this holiday season:

 

Driftwood 56-inch Foosball Table

foseball

Foosball is a game that the whole family can enjoy together, requires only a few pieces, and can fit in any room you choose! These tables are great for indoors, as they don’t require any extra setup and are smaller than most game tables, allowing for more free space in your home.

Our premium-grade Driftwood 56-inch Foosball Table is the flagship of our entire Hathaway Games line of foosball tables. This stylish table has durable exterior melamine with a beautiful driftwood finish, so you can seamlessly fit this design into your decorated home. Each side of the table contains 2 drink holders, so you won’t have to stray too far for a beer while you’re in the middle of a game. Plus, this table is $200 off right now!

 

Harper Pool Table

pool table

If your special someone has a taste for the classics, you can never go wrong with a billiards table. It might not fit under the tree, but it will surely be the center of attention in any room! A pool table is a worthwhile investment, as it will be apart of your family’s memories for years to come.

The Harper Pool Table by Generations, our own original collection, features tastefully carved detail with its double arch cabinet, scalloped carved legs, and leather pockets; creating a beautiful design to incorporate into your home. This table is made from solid Aspen wood to for long lasting support. The unique design allows the frame and carved legs to flow into each other to create a beautiful piece of furniture with just enough detail to amp up any living space.

 

Carmelli Avenger Shuffleboard Table

pool table

While a pool or foosball table may be the first choice for most, the game of shuffleboard creates a unique type of gaming environment. From the pubs to your home game room, a shuffleboard table will provide a sleek, retro look in your home while giving your household an opportunity to unwind after work. This is the perfect gift for those who have an eye for modern gaming designs.

Our 9-foot Carmelli Avenger Shuffleboard Table is a gift nobody will stop appreciating. The beautiful black melamine cabinet style creates a beautiful, classic look for any home. The sturdy pedestal legs and adjustable levelers provide optimum stability and level play for players for all ages and levels. The Avenger features a slick, poly-coated playing surface to keep pucks sliding smoothly and padded gutters that reduce noise during play.

 

JOOLA Tour 2500 Indoor Table Tennis Table

pool table

Table Tennis is an action-packed game that brings the whole family together for come friendly competition. If you are looking for a gift for the adrenaline junkie in your life, look no further. Bring the exciting game of table tennis inside without sacrificing the aesthetic of your home with a sleek game table.

Our JOOLA Tour 2500 Indoor Table contains the optimal level of strength and thickness to help give each player a consistent bounce. A sleek frame and separable nesting halves make this table perfect for compact storage. This is table is a great way to start off holiday celebrations, as it comes 95% pre-assembled and is ready to play in just 15 minutes!

 

 

Dynamo Pro Style Air Hockey Table

pool table

When it comes to choosing a holiday gift to add to your game room, most of the time, an air hockey table doesn’t immediately come to mind. These game pieces are mostly known to be played in an arcade, but we know otherwise.

When you are investing in a Dynamo Pro Style Air Hockey Table, you are investing in quality. The home air hockey table is a unique, yet nostalgic piece that will bring you back to your arcade days. Spice up your game room with this commercial style table. It has all the toughness and time-tested durability of our widely-respected Dynamo Coin tables, but without the worry of having a roll of quarters to play.

 

Renegade Slate Bumper Pool Table

pool table

Finding a game that everyone in the household will enjoy and use can be almost impossible. When the kids are too small to participate in real-sized billiards, bumper pool will be their favorite choice. Our Renegade Slate Bumper Pool Table offers outstanding durability and value to any family. This table is much smaller than normal pool tables, allowing it to fit in smaller spaces.

The sturdy black cabinet includes rugged pedestal base legs with levelers to keep the table steady when the competition heats up. This pool table comes with everything you need for a quick round: two 48-inch cues, 10 bumper pool balls, a table brush and chalk.

 

 

Rock-Ola Gloss Black Music Center Jukebox

pool table

With our Rock-Ola Jukebox, finding a gift that your music lover will appreciate is simple! As classic retro piece, a jukebox can bring a warm and welcoming environment into your home. It can seamlessly fit into many interior styles, while keeping your guests entertained at your upcoming holiday party.

The Rock-Ola Gloss Black Music Center is the next generation in luxury music systems for the home. It is a full service music management system that allows you to load, organize, and play your CD music collection with a touch of your finger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With such a variety of game pieces to choose from, you can always find the perfect addition to your special someone’s game collection at Games For Fun. Stop by our showroom to see and experience all of our game tables in person, we would be happy to help you find the game that will stay in your family for years to come.

We offer flexible layaway plans, financing programs, price matching, and will ship your gorgeous new game piece to your home for free.

 

Get an amazing first look at what your future game room could look like!
Visit us at 895 W. Rialto Ave. San Bernardino, California 92410
Or give us a call at: (909)-885-3604

Categories
Air Hockey Darts Fun Ping Pong Pool Shuffleboard

Man Cave To Fan Cave: A Room For Your Favorite Team

Looking back on the days of our childhood, most of us could agree that our fondest memories include games – more specifically sports. Whether it was going to Saturday afternoon tee-ball games or listening to your dad scream at the television during Monday Night Football; sports bring out the competitive, yet territorial side out in all of us.

We all love being at the games, experiencing the action in person.  But hosting a party at home is a close second. While a majority of us would assume this happens in our living rooms, at Games For Fun, we think differently.

Perhaps you’ve considered the ultimate man cave for your home; but have you ever thought about taking it a step further and building a fan cave instead?  As the most modern way of decorating your extra space, a fan cave allows you to bring out your passion for the team you’ve loved since you were young.

Here’s the type of gear you’ll need to create the fan cave of your dreams:

For Your Pool Table

When transforming your room into a sports sanctuary, you’re going to need decor that seamlessly fits into what you already have. Your pool table is the perfect place to show loyalty to your team! If you can’t get your team’s mascot printed on the felt, don’t stress, we’ve got other ways to represent your team that are much less costly and time-consuming.

Instead of making permanent changes to your pool table, adding accessories with your team’s branding will give your table personality and flair. Switch out your set of balls or cues with school spirit! Are you a die-hard Alabama fan? Consider a maple cue stick covered in classic red and black fiberglass. Once you’re finished playing, cover it up with one of our NCAA Fan Shop pool table covers.

For Your Mini Bar

Save money and bring the sports bar into your room! With a bar in your game room, you’ll be avoiding the big crowds and angry rival fans. When your team is far away, there’s no better way to cheers to your team than at your themed mini bar. Showcasing your team pride is as simple as adding in bar stools and pub tables. Hosting a backyard BBQ during the Oklahoma State game? Bring out a couple stools and tables to complete the look; your guests will be nothing short of impressed (and a bit jealous).  

For Your Wall

If you have a more modest taste and would prefer not to overload your room with team spirit, wall decor is a great alternative. Without changing the items in your room, you can add memorabilia to your walls that will compliment your team’s style. But instead of having signed jerseys and photos, try something unique! Keepsakes like our dart cabinet is a perfect way to incorporate your team without being overly flashy. Next time you’re watching Auburn play, showcase your passion for the team during halftime while playing a round of darts from our dart cabinet.

You love your team, show them off the right way! Looking for decor that matches your school spirit? Check out our collection of NCAA Game Room products.

Categories
Air Hockey Fun Ping Pong Pool Shuffleboard Stress

Why Your Office Needs Game Tables In The Break Room

After countless hours working 9-5, employees can get burnt out quickly.  Because of that, more companies are focused on improving workplace conditions and cultures to improve employee retention.

Sitting in front of a computer all day can be mentally exhausting for many and can cause workers to slow down and lose motivation. While taking breaks is necessary, how you spend your time during those breaks can affect the rest of your day.

Having a few game tables in your office’s break room allows your employees to recharge, without even leaving the building. If you take a look at tech companies such as Google and Facebook, you will notice that they are no strangers to creating a modern company culture that includes having games like table tennis and foosball in their break rooms.

 

These are the benefits of having game tables in your office’s break room:

 

Productivity

At times, stress can be inevitable at work. Stress can cause people not to think clearly and take longer to complete normal tasks. In order for workers to stay productive and motivated, they need ways to recharge and restore themselves before they feel worn out. When employees are playing games during their breaks, they are developing multitasking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills outside of their daily tasks. After playing a quick round of air hockey, your employees will come back to their desks refreshed and ready to take on projects with new eyes and a level head.

 

Ambiance

Your company culture plays a big role in the overall satisfaction of your employees. When your office includes ways to make your employees feel more at balanced (meaning more than just a snack drawer), they come to work because they want to, not because they have to. Boost your company’s morale with outlets that are easily accessible for them, like having a pool table in the break room. Your employees will be more inclined to perform well when they feel fulfilled in all areas of work success.

 

Teamwork

When your break room contains games that require two or more players, employees are given  chance to work together in a situation that’s solely for enjoyment. When this type of teamwork forms, it carries into the teamwork needed for work. An intense round of foosball can give your employees an opportunity to think quickly and communicate effectively. Now that they have already worked on their team bonding, they have better knowledge and experience on how to handle situations in the workplace together.

 

Games in the break room don’t have to be a distracting element to your office. When they are used in moderation, they bring benefits that cannot be gained anywhere else. Allow your employees to get a fresh perspective in the middle of the day through a quick game; you will begin to notice the overall advantages sooner than you realize.

Did you know Games For Fun supplies many Southern California companies with games for their office break rooms? Stop by our showroom in San Bernardino today or give us a call, and we can help you find the perfect game for your office.

PS: All online orders provide free shipping!   In-store purchases are considerably cheaper, and we have a low set-up and delivery fee.  Our Inland Empire game showroom is conveniently located in San Bernardino, adjacent to the 215 freeway and near Rialto, Colton, Fontana and Redlands.  We are a short distance away from Los Angeles and Orange County.

Give us a call at (909) 885-3604

 

Categories
Air Hockey Darts Fun Music Ping Pong Pool Shuffleboard

Man Cave Must Haves

Everyone needs that space in their home where they can unwind after a long day at work. Whether this space is used to watch your favorite sports teams, or to have your closest friends over for some pool; your man cave gives you an escape from reality. Through your style and interests, you can create a room that is meant solely for leisure.  

When your buddies come over, you’re gonna want to make sure you have all the essentials to keep them entertained.

These are the must haves for every man cave:

Relaxing

You and your guests won’t enjoy the next football game standing up! In this room, the right furniture is just as important as your TV. You’re gonna need some comfortable seating for you and your guests. With a L-shaped couch, everyone will have room to spread out and still be close enough to reach for more chips and dip.  Along with a couch, having a few recliners will help spread out the seating. During an intense game, this will be needed!

You don’t need to limit yourself to just sitting by the TV. If you have enough room, adding some bar stools to your man cave game room is always a good idea. This will be especially helpful when you have a lot of people over. In our showroom, we have plenty of bar stools and chairs to get you started. 

Entertaining

Although we love watching sports games on the TV, sometimes sticking to the classics is necessary. A pool table is a staple item in most entertainment rooms and gives your guests a fun activity to do when there are no games on. In our showroom, we have a diverse selection of pool tables to choose from to match any man cave style. If you can’t make a trip to our store, check out what we have available online! We offer free shipping on all orders and will deliver it right to your door. 

Don’t have enough room to fit a pool table? A foosball table is the perfect alternative. This game is more fast paced, and is easy to set up in any type of room. Unlike pool, you don’t need to be an experienced player to get competitive in this game! 

Refreshing

What is a man cave without drinks? If your room is not near the kitchen, you’re going to need to make refreshments easily accessible. After all, this is the first place your guests will run to upon entering your game room. 

Although having a mini bar is ideal to most, some rooms just don’t have the space for it. If your room is limited on extra space, you are going to need somewhere to store those cold beers. In our showroom, we have products like a kegerator and a Coca Cola refrigerator to keep your drinks cold and ready to go for any game.

After a long day at work, nothing is better than coming home to a room full of your favorite things. Your man cave is the space in your house where you can kick up your feet and relax. This area is exclusively yours and you have the freedom to make it whatever you want.

Get your next must-have piece for your man cave in our showroom! We have a wide variety of products that will seamlessly fit into your favorite space. We are right off the 215 freeway in San Bernardino. Stop by any time Monday through Saturday between 9:00am-5:00pm.

Categories
Air Hockey

Air Hockey Magic 

The magic of air hockey is discovered differently by everyone.
For some, it may have been at a birthday party hosted at your local arcade. For others, it may have been the consolation they needed because there was no local hockey team to join. Regardless, there is something magical about the first time you play air hockey. On that seemingly ordinary table, the puck goes flying across the surface meeting no resistance until eventually there is the successful clanging of a goal scored meeting your ears.

 

As a child, you may have wondered at the mechanics of an air hockey table.
It’s relatively easy to understand. The first thing you may notice is that the table is covered with tiny holes. Under the table is a fan that blows air up through these small holes giving the puck a resistance-free flow across the table. This is how you can hit the puck with very little force and see it move very quickly. If you’ve ever tried to play without the air on, you’ll soon find that your momentum is severely affected. But once that air is on, your puck flows in a similar way that you would find on an ice hockey rink.

 

Your “goal” at this point is to score on your opponent by getting the puck in their goal.
This is where geometry can help you a bit. Knowing your angles and being able to see where the puck will go helps you aim your shots better. But as with any game, a good offense is a good defense. Keep your paddle a little further out from your goal. This allows you to react faster as the puck comes zooming toward your goal. You will also want to avoid following the puck with your eyes. That usually results in slow reactionary shots. Instead, try to track the puck’s projection and move along with it. That keeps you more likely to be where you want to be when the puck comes towards you. But the best way to get better at air hockey is to practice. We have lots of air hockey table options for you to look at if you’d like to up your game this year.
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