The Place Pool Hall — Episodes

EP 14: Tom George

On episode 14 of our Legends Series, we are joined by Tom George. Tom and Nick discuss why 3-cushion billiards was Tom’s game of choice, his family’s history in the Billiards business, how the way of life in Duluth, Minnesota was during the 1960s, and some great stories about the traveling hustlers of the era that found themselves looking for action in the Twin Ports. Tom tells a great story about his time spent in New York City in some high stakes games as well. This is one you do not want to miss!

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonJuly 24, 2020Billiards, The Place Pool Hall, St. Louis BillliardsComment

EP 13: Mark Lachecki

On the 13th installment of our Twin Ports Legends Series Nick is joined by VNEA National Champion 8-Ball player Mark Lachecki. Mark and Nick talk a lot about handicapping in the current pool world as well as comparing it to the 1960s and 1970s. They talk about Mark's National Championship victory in Las Vegas and talk at length about his time as a BCA Certified Billiards instructor. Mark also describes his time discovering the game and playing at The Place Pool Hall in Duluth, MN.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonJuly 17, 2020VNEA, Billiards, The Place Pool Hall, 8-ball, BCA, Cue TecComment

Bonus Episode: Ben Gustafson

On this bonus episode of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by Twin Ports native, pool historian and billiards instructor Ben Gustafson. They chat about life in the pool room in the 1960's, the George family, the Williams brothers, and other great players of the time.

Ben talks about what beginning players should work on and he and Nick discuss the differences between good individual players vs. good team players.

Bonus EpisodesNick OlsonJune 27, 2020Ringside Billiards, The Place Pool Hall, VNEA, Jansco Brothers, Beginner Pool TipsComment

EP 12: Robbie Daugaard

On Episode 12, we are joined by Twin Ports Legend and 1989 Eveleth 8-Ball Shootout Champion Robbie Daugaard. Nick and Robbie talk about his start in pool at The Place Pool Hall in Duluth Minnesota. His experiences in Las Vegas at VNEA National Tournaments and much more.

EP 7: Bill Beyer

On the seventh episode of Chalk is Cheap, Nick is joined by VNEA Hall of Fame Referee Bill Beyer. Nick and Bill take about what it takes to become an official VNEA billiard referee, including what training needs to take place before you are certified. They also chat about the night Bill was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 and BIll shares a fun story about that night. He also shares some stories about the late Gary Galiford and Irv Arseneau.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonMay 16, 2020The Place Pool Hall, VNEAComment

EP 6: Bill Goldsworthy

On the sixth episode of Chalk is Cheap we are joined by Bill Goldsworthy. Nick and Bill discuss Bill’s time at The Place Pool hall, the Glenshenn 3-Cushion Billiards tournament, the mental aspect of the game of pool, how other activities and sports translate to billiards, the "competitive edge" and much more.

Local Legends SeriesNick OlsonMay 9, 2020The Place Pool Hall, Pool History, 8-ballComment