When Roy Garnett was a boy, he learned to play pool by some of the best in San Francisco.

A teenager, he sneaked into billiards where he learned little tricks, he said, humbly adding, “I wasn’t as good as them.”

However, he’s once again proved himself the best in Renton, winning the Renton Senior Activity Center quarterly pool tournament this summer.

Like many men, and one or two women, Garnett visits the center mostly to play pool. It draws him out of his Seattle home, onto a Metro bus and into Renton three days a week.

The billiard room is complete with low-slung lamps and unlimited free pool for seniors during open hours.

A warning sign hangs above the window. It reads, “Time playing pool is not deducted from one’s lifespan.”

Roy’s top opponent at these tournaments is also a good friend, Rich Anderson. They travel together to senior centers to play pool.

“We both enjoy the game,” he said.

When Garnett wanted to challenge some players, who had been talking down Renton, at the Kent Senior Center, Anderson was quick to join him.

“I wouldn’t be playing if it weren’t for these senior centers,” Anderson said. “It keeps me active. It keeps me going.”

The men all know each other as fellow pool players, but the friendships tend not to leave the room. They’re humble about their game, though they know it well.

“Nobody shoots as good as they used to,” said senior John Dodson.

Each player has a different story about his interest in the game. Garnett gave it up in favor of working a job and raising a family.

Anderson has played all his life.

Garnett has won so many competitions, players have been discouraged from entering. After a small turnout to the summer tournament, he offered up to no longer compete to increase interest.

The men still keep the room’s three pool tables busy.

The game draws 97-year-old Norm Pinfield out to play every day, he said in a faded English accent and wearing a patched British cap. “I like the camaraderie.”