American Tripps brings their wildly popular Berlin-style ping pong to Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell) tonight. And if that wasn't enough, the pong tourney soundtrack will be provided courtesy of Three Kinds Of Stupid DJs Caldridge, Brother Grimm and Bas who will be spinning the stuff that makes your bum shake involuntarily.
If you've never heard of Berlin-style ping pong, it's a very social form of the game that's more about meeting people than a grunt match between Bjorn Borg and Chris Everett wannabes. About thirty people with paddles and beers surround the table, each taking a shot as they circle around. If you miss a shot, you're out. The circle of people dwindles down to two, who then duke it out in a short match. Once a winner is declared, paddles bang on the table signaling a new game is about to begin. A circle of thirty people forms, and a new match starts. The great thing about Berlin-style ping pong is that you don't have to be particularly good at the sport since it's not really about competition. It's a fantastic way to meet new friends since you and the strangers you're standing next to have some sporty fun to bond over (something we can attest to having made a few friends ourselves).
flickr/comcinco
American Tripps was started by MissionMission's Allan Hough, and if you want to know the complete story behind the game and how Allan brought it to San Francisco, check out this fantastic article on The Bold Italic.
While American Tripps will be around for the foreseeable future, this might be the last time you can hear Three Kinds Of Stupid spin as they'll be taking an indefinite break soon. You'll definitely want to be part of their finale. When referring to the band, The New York Times said, "well worth the evening of dancing our pants off to French hip-hop, mashed-up Michael Jackson and indie rock at a club."
The party starts at 9pm, ping pong goes until 11, and the music spins until 2am. $7 at the door.
If you've never heard of Berlin-style ping pong, it's a very social form of the game that's more about meeting people than a grunt match between Bjorn Borg and Chris Everett wannabes. About thirty people with paddles and beers surround the table, each taking a shot as they circle around. If you miss a shot, you're out. The circle of people dwindles down to two, who then duke it out in a short match. Once a winner is declared, paddles bang on the table signaling a new game is about to begin. A circle of thirty people forms, and a new match starts. The great thing about Berlin-style ping pong is that you don't have to be particularly good at the sport since it's not really about competition. It's a fantastic way to meet new friends since you and the strangers you're standing next to have some sporty fun to bond over (something we can attest to having made a few friends ourselves).
flickr/comcinco
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