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Gifts Holidays Ping Pong

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Ping Pong | Table Tennis Specials

Do you get excited every November for the great deals that retailers offer?   The Black Friday and Cyber Monday craze continues to grow with extended specials that last much more than 24-hours.

At Games For Fun, in San Bernardino, gamers can take advantage of discount pricing throughout the holiday weekend – that is of course, if they aren’t weary from their busy shopping extravaganza at nearby Ontario Mills.

The holiday season is a perfect time to buy pool tables, air hockey tables, pinball machines, shuffleboard, jukeboxes, and of course ping pong tables for the home.  From November 23rd through November 26th, Games For Fun is offering 10% off everything in store and online, and for in-store purchases, buyers can enjoy 6 months same as cash financing for orders $500 and up with approved credit.

 

Let’s break down some of the table tennis or ping pong brands you should know, and answer these important questions for buyers:

 

How mobile is it?  

Since these game tables are fairly large, consider how you will be able to move your table around if needed. If you are tight on space, your table should be easy to maneuver. Aside from our JOOLA Professional Table, which is the perfect sturdy and beautiful table to stay ready for action year-round, all of our ping pong tables have the ability to fold upwards for compact storage and contain wheels for smooth transportability.

Looking for something even more portable? Skip the legs, and just get the table top! Our JOOLA Conversion Table Tennis Top is perfect to place on top on tables such as your pool table, so you can play easily without taking up more space in your home.

 

Where is it going to stay?

The most important thing to consider before buying your ping pong table is where you will have it in your home. Since table tennis can be played inside a room or out in the backyard, sizes and styles will vary.

If you are planning on keeping your table inside your garage or game room, you’ll want to have a smaller style that won’t overcrowd your area. The sleek design and size of our JOOLA Tour 1500 Indoor Table Tennis Table are created to integrate into your home seamlessly. This 9×5 foot piece fits perfectly in any space while still allowing room to play.

Keeping your table outdoors is a little different, as outdoor tables require weatherproof material. In order to keep your table in the best shape, your outdoor table will need to have a thick surface that can withstand weather changes. Our Kettler Outdoor Table Tennis Table is made of sealed aluminum with climate control material to last many years of sunshine and rain.

 

How long will it last?

Considering all of the elements within choosing your ping pong table is essential because this piece is meant to last for many years. Like any high-quality item, the better you take care of it, the longer it will last. Take notice of the leveling of the table top and the sturdiness its legs, as this will determine the durability.

After time, you will notice your table has aged when the bounce is not as consistent. Especially if your table is kept outside, the top can get warped and lose its shape. Keeping a cover on your table is essential for daily care.

Every ping pong table that is purchased with us has a 5-year warranty to ensure you are getting the quality deserved.

 

Ready to choose your favorite table? Purchase during our Black Friday sale and receive a free table cover and accessory set! Plus, we will ship all of your items at no extra charge.

Shop online or stop by our showroom in San Bernardino for storewide discounts. We are right off of the 215 freeway, conveniently located in the Inland Empire and accessibly by many Riverside and San Bernardino communities like Rialto, Colton, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Redlands, Chino, Ontario, and just a short drive from Orange County and Los Angeles County.  Have a question?   Reach out to us here and we will answer you quickly.

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Gifts Holidays Ping Pong

Ping Pong Tables At Games For Fun

Table Tennis, also known as Ping Pong, began as a simple “parlor game” to enjoy indoors during cold winter months. The classic game we have grown up to know has evolved to become a popular recreational activity played both inside and outside.

From an Olympic sport to a common piece in many game rooms, table tennis has provided entertainment to all types of groups. Playing table tennis is a great way to spark up competition with family and friends, or to simply unwind after a long day at work.

The Games For Fun team wants to educate you on the two major brands to consider when shopping for a ping pong table, Kettler and Joola. Our showroom in San Bernardino carries a variety of tables, accessories, and replacement parts from both brands that provide long lasting durability and entertainment.

 

Kettler

For decades, Kettler has been a household name; providing high quality equipment and accessories needed for a fun round or tournament of ping pong. Their tables are sturdy, safe and functional for any home.

Our Kettler Top Star XL Outdoor Table is an enormously durable table made from a precision engineered sealed aluminum. This table is ideal for your backyard, as the weatherproof top features the ALU-TEC underside with Climate-Control technology. The smooth, anti-reflective and certified True Bounce tournament top is ideal to endure the outdoors on a daily basis.

We love this table because of how well it holds up in weather conditions, including the glare from the sun. The net stays attached to the table at all times; it will remain up even during storage mode. Whether you want to enhance your skills simply enjoy some ping pong time with friends, a Kettler table will always provide a great experience.  

 

Joola

JOOLA USA understands that players come in all forms, so the brand takes pride in creating tables and accessories for all skill levels. That means when you shop JOOLA USA, you are sure to find what you want and need. With JOOLA, you can start playing like a champion with equipment developed for professionals and regular players alike!

The JOOLA Drive 1800 is the perfect addition to any room in your home. Each of the four corners is fitted with a JOOLA patented ball holder that holds up to three 40mm balls- so no more chasing after stray balls! The table comes with two magnetic abacus scorekeepers that can attach to the ends or sides of the table and a net set with adjustable posts to ensure a level playing surface. Show off your skills among friends, family, or coworkers on this competition standard table.

 

 

Choosing a ping pong table that’s right for your home can be complicated, as each table is unique. You are going to want a table that will not only supply you with endless enjoyment; but a sturdy, long-lasting piece to keep in your home for years as well.

Save on our next ping pong table with our Black Friday Sale! From November 23rd through November 26th, Games For Fun is offering 10% off everything in store and online, and for in-store purchases, buyers can enjoy 6 months same as cash financing for orders $500 and up with approved credit.

Browse our selection of ping pong tables online or stop by our showroom to see them in person.

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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.

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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
Fun

How Much Do You Really Know About Pinball?

While there has been countless games that have come and gone in arcades, there has not been anything quite like pinball.

The classic arcade game of pinball dates back to the 1800s. Beginning as a game that required constantly lifting and tilting the table, it has evolved into the bright, action-filled game we know and love today.

Because this game is so historic, there are a lot of things many of us don’t know about it.

 

It Began The Coin Craze

The arcade industry changed completely when pinball came around! Before this game, we stuck to more simple ways to have fun. Pinball is the first coin-operated machine in America. In the game’s early years, Ballyhoo was the first company to include coins in their pinball machines. This started a revolution for coin-operated games. Pinball became extremely popular in the 1930’s during the Great Depression, due to low playing costs.

 

It Was Banned For 40 Years

This arcade game caused quite the controversy in America. In the 1940’s and up until around 1976, pinball was banned from major places like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. This was because the pinball table back then did not have flippers yet. This made the game more about chance, not skill.

 

Some considered this game to be connected to gambling. Also, churches and schools were against it, as it encouraged children to steal coins to play. Prohibition-type raids were held all across the country to get rid of these games.  

 

It Has A Unique Best Seller

As the 90’s approached and our society became more familiar with computer programming, pinball machines began to get more creative. March of 1992 was a groundbreaking time for the game of pinball, and we can thank a famous film for that. With more than 20,000 units sold, The Addams Family pinball machine is the highest selling pinball machine in history. Combining pop culture, the table’s great game play, and modern gaming technology; The Addams Family pinball machine was the ultimate success.

 

No matter at what age, pinball is a timeless game that everyone enjoys.

 

Bring the arcade into your home! We have a wide variety of pinball machines that’ll bring you back to your childhood.

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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
Pool

Caring For Your Pool Table

Pool tables are a staple piece of furniture that is meant to provide lasting enjoyment for decades. You’ve invested a lot into your pool table, so making sure it sustains its high quality is important.

Although your pool table doesn’t require day-to-day maintenance, it is delicate furniture that can last generations if taken care of properly.

As a pool table owner you should be mindful of these three things:

Cleaning

Unfortunately, lots of pool time will result in a dirty table, but a quick clean after every game will save you years of wear and tear. All of the elements of the game will contribute to this, so don’t neglect cleaning your balls and cues too!

A good rule to follow is never overdue your chalking. When it comes to the felt, chalk can be a silent killer to your felt cover. Even if you brush your table after every game, chalk is guaranteed to linger into the felt.

Like any piece of expensive furniture, you should clean the wood with care. Only use cleaning products that are safe with your type of finish.

Protecting

Don’t ever confuse your beautiful pool table top with any other regular table in the house! The best way to protect your table from spills, stains, and damage is by not letting anything on top except for game supplies.

Whether your table is in the living room or garage, having a Pool Table Cover is crucial to conserving your felt and wood. You’ll want your felt looking as bright as the day you bought it, so covering is key. This will prevent possible sun damage that can occur over time.

Preventing

While some regular wear and tear is unavoidable over time, there are some things you can do to ensure you are keeping your table in the best shape.

As fun as it is to sit on the edge of your table, it is definitely not recommended! Your pool table is strong enough to hold your leaning weight, but constantly sitting on it can eventually cause some damage. Keeping a strong base to your table is crucial for stability, so make sure you purchase a table with solid legs, like our Lodgepole Table. This table features Fir logs with a natural finish that have been cut and carved to create a unique design that will provide support and style.

Maintaining your pool table is simple, as long as you take the right steps to care for it. With all these things in mind, you will be able to keep your pool table looking brand new for years to come.

Categories
Fun Shuffleboard

A Beginner’s Guide To Shuffleboard

Shuffleboard The classic game of Shuffleboard has been around since the 1400’s. Beginning in the U.K., it has gained popularity all around the world. You’ve probably seen a table or two inside a bar or in a killer game room before.Whether you have a large group playing, or just one-on-one, Shuffleboard requires more skill than luck.  As the game heats up, this pastime will surely bring out your competitive side! While there are multiple ways to play this simple game, the most common is between two players. The object of the game is to score more points than your opponent using four metal pucks. Learn the rules, layouts, & how to play shuffleboard below.

How To Start

The layout of a Shuffleboard table is quite simple. The long wooden plank has three scoring zones on each end, and it is surrounded by an area where misfired pucks can fall out of the scoring zones. The table is covered with sand or powder to allow for the pucks to glide across smoothly. While most people use a coin toss, determining who shoots first will depend on each group of players. Each team will have different colored pucks. Along with pucks, you can find everything you need for shuffleboard in our store or online! Check out our shuffleboard accessories here.

How to Play Shuffleboard

In a two-player game, each player will have four pucks to shoot. There are a few things each player must keep in mind in order to play the game correctly. Before starting, whoever is playing must stand behind their end of the table to slide their pucks. Players must slide or “shuffle†their pucks to the other side while keeping their pucks on the table. The first player begins by shooting one of his colored pucks and the second player follows. Each player rotates shooting until all eight pucks have been used.

How To Win

In the game of Shuffleboard, aim is everything. To get the most points, the puck must land on the farthest end of the table while remaining on the surface. At the end of the game, the score is determined by counting only the pucks that are closest to the end of the table. If the puck is not entirely inside the score zone, the points do not count. Shuffleboard is an easy game to play and so simple that you can make up your own rules! This is especially true when you have the table in your home!  Your table. Your rules. It’s that simple.Interested in having this classic game in your home? A great one to start off with is our Fundamental Shuffleboard Table. This table combines timeless design with precision engineering, creating family fun to last generations. If you want to see our tables for yourself, come to our showroom!

Categories
Pool

How to improve your game 

Pool is an easy game to understand. Watch someone playing, and after a few minutes, you’ve got the hang of it. Being good at pool is whole other issue. So here are a few tips to improve your game.
 

Keep your eyes on the prize

When you practice, don’t go back and forth looking at the cue ball and the ball you want to strike. Instead, line up your shot and step into your stance, once you are there only look at the ball you are aiming for. If you go back and forth you are losing focus and not gaining it. Looking back and forth can cause you to miss your shots if you are focusing on the cue ball. Once you have mastered the skill of aiming only by looking at the ball you want to strike,  you can look at your cue ball in a game. But look once or twice, don’t go back and forth too much.
 

A Good Stance goes a long way 

A good stance consists of positioning yourself close but not too close to the table. Leaning into a shot gives you greater control. Your feet should be about two feet apart and you should feel anchored there. Enough of an anchor that you could withstand a good shove. You should also keep your head down with the cue directly below your chin.
 

Follow through 

When you make your shot make sure that you follow the hit all the way through. If you stop once you hit the ball, that jerking motion can cause your cue to pull up and you can lose your power and aim. You should also stay down after the shot. This allows you to see better the angles of where your ball is going and any other balls it strikes.
 

Have fun 
One of the biggest mistakes is when you get in your head. Causing yourself to feel stressed puts tension in your muscles and you are more likely to mess up easy shots. Also, sometimes your game is just off. It’s not the end of the world, and this is meant to be a game. So relax and have some fun!
Categories
Holidays

A Healthier and More Fun Christmas

Christmas is around the corner and what an exciting season it is! Everywhere you go you see lights and decor and the children are getting more and more thrilled about how soon Santa is coming. We want you to have the happiest and healthiest Christmas you can. So here are a few options on how to have a healthy Christmas:

Take a stand:

It’s easy to want to plop yourself on the couch this Christmas. It may be your first time off work in a long time. Or it may be that you want to watch all your favorite Christmas specials and movies. But sitting for long periods of time isn’t good for your health. Studies are showing more and more that sitting for long periods of time can lead to weight gain, and have a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Now, we are not saying that sitting on the couch over Christmas will do this, but most of us sit at desks while we work and do not stand nearly enough to break the habit. That’s why we suggest taking a walk after your holiday meals. It helps with digestion and is a good family memory. We also recommend playing a game instead of watching a movie. Challenge your Uncle or Cousin to a friendly game of pool or ping pong, and you’ll get your fair share of standing this holiday season.

Portion Control:

We tend to do a lot of baking, snacking and feasting during the holiday season. If you know you’re going to be having a big meal, try using a smaller plate to help with your portions. You naturally eat less if you don’t have room to fill on your plate. You can also have healthier options available or want to choose to eat foods that are high in antioxidants, fat-soluble vitamins, and fiber. And go ahead and have gravy, but maybe don’t cover your entire plate with it. If you are looking for some healthier Christmas food options, you can find some here: http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g4738/healthy-christmas-recipes/

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