Random Neural Firing: Never was one for playing cards…

Random Neural Firing. Never was one for playing cards…

…except for that extended spades crash course during my brief time at NCA&T before being banished back to upstate NY due to… let’s say distractions…

Truth be told, being raised in a cultural deadlands and then dropped into Wakanda had consequences. The tales my alumni uncles told were all true but overwhelmed this bumpkin and I could not buckle down. So, back to the deadlands to have that chip on my shoulder reinstalled and to finish my engineering degree. Anyhoo… where was I?

Right, spades.

I was decent at it. Only had three semesters of it, but in that time, I learned the basics. You know, talking smack, getting smacked once, which then led to furniture moving, and me flipping my partner… the basics. Nice guy. From DC. We were friends before and after, but these things happen with spades. <ahem> There I go again… where was I? Right…

I was not one for playing cards before or after. Not really a thing as an only child that mostly stayed to himself. Board games either. But I learned a few things.

Trust is to be given sparingly.

Even with your partner at first.

You have to watch them to see if their predictive book game is tight. If not, you may have to adjust yours. If too much adjustment is required, you may need to move on to another in order to find success. No one needs unnecessary furniture moving in their lives.

Sometimes, the walk does not match the talk.

Often, a braggart will make claims that their skill level can not back up. Only true tests are time and observing. Then, one must adjust accordingly.

A calm demeanor is your best friend.

Through good times and bad, as my Father would say, I have yet to see a situation better served by freaking out. Calm has shown me paths out of difficult situations. It has allowed me to cope where no escape can be found. It has also allowed me to be a gracious victor.

Lastly… Never let everyone see your hand.

Some will use it against you. Some may be angered by your good fortune instead of glad. Some will attempt to use your misfortune against you. Either way, it serves one well, not to overshare.

-ELW