The Long-Running Debate
For years, Only Fools and Horses fans have argued over one line in the theme tune:
Is it “board games”… or “pool games”?
Most people are convinced it’s “board games”. It certainly sounds like it when you hear it.
But that assumption is wrong.
Where the Confusion Comes From
The way the line is sung makes it easy to mishear. Over time, “board games” has become the accepted version for many fans.
Even I believed that for years.
But this isn’t a case of interpretation or subtitles getting it wrong.
There is a definitive answer.
A Letter from John Sullivan
Back in the 1990s, this exact debate was already doing the rounds.
It was picked up by the man who actually wrote the songs John Sullivan
Without being prompted, he wrote to me and included a typed copy of the lyrics to clear things up.
That original letter is shown below.
The Key Line – Finally Settled
In the “Hooky Street” lyrics, the line appears clearly as:
“Pool games, gold chains…”
Not board games.
Pool games.
There’s no ambiguity when you see it written out by the writer himself.
Why People Still Get It Wrong
The confusion comes down to delivery.
When sung, “pool games” can easily sound like “board games”, especially if that’s what you expect to hear.
Once that version gets into your head, it sticks.
The Final Word
This isn’t guesswork.
It’s not based on subtitles or second-hand sources.
It’s the original lyrics, typed and sent by John Sullivan himself.
“Pool games” is the correct line.
Debate settled.
