During the afternoon thunderstorm on the opening day of the 2009 Art Fairs, Alex and I sought refuge in the Billiards and Games Room on the second floor of the Michigan Union. The Billiards and Games Room is open to the general public. Only a driver's license and form of payment are required to utilize the pool tables.

In the middle of the day, especially in summer, the room is quiet and a perfect setting for teaching a child to play billiards for a nominal cost, with rates dependent on the time of day and number of players. Neither alcohol nor smoking is allowed in the facility and all people under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by a parent.

This room offers a unique glimpse into the history of UM sports, since it has not undergone major renovation since the Union was built in 1917. Black and white pictures of various sports teams from the first half of the 1900s adorn the wood-paneled walls.

Being seven years old, Alex is delighted to learn new games. So I introduced him to the games of 8-ball and 9-ball. Rules of these game are on the Billiards and Games Room website.

Although his ability to hit the cue ball squarely is emerging, Alex is able to understand the principles of the games. In fact, he won both games since I scratched while attempting the final shots - and I wasn’t even trying to throw the games. After a few more visits, we’ll learn about angles and setting up shots, like Donald Duck and his adventures in Mathmagic Land.

At some point we might consider trying out the Xbox 360 gaming stations. I have to admit that I enjoy a “shoot ‘em up” video game once in awhile. But Billiards and Games Room does offer a few sports and a driving game, as well as Guitar Hero III. But renting a station for a short time is a great way to try out the games before buying the full set up at home.

Free to use are also a variety of board games: cards, dominoes, Uno, backgammon, checkers, Monopoly, Battleship, Yahtzee, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and Trivial Pursuit. Chess - played on custom tables, does incur an hourly fee, so does the use of the two foosball tables.

For those seeking to purchase unique University of Michigan paraphernalia, this is the place to get your T-shirts for “Michigan Scrabble”, “Michigan Euchre”, “Michigan Billiards”, and “Michigan Foosball - Wrists of Fury”.