Too Many Pieces, Too Little Words

    


Newbie: "I don't know how to play"

Player: "Don't worry. It is a common game. You will catch on quick."

Newbie: I have so many pieces. What do they all mean?

Player: "Your pieces add up to 400 points in your hand. You are only allowed to begin with 200 points."

Newbie: "What is the value of each piece? What is the goal of the game? What pieces are advantageous to pick?"

Player: "Just watch you will pick it up."


This scenario is abnormal

Most kind considerate game players tell new gamers the objective, rules, and beginning strategy of the game.

Most kind considerate game players explain what rule was broken and why the rule breaker is being penalized.

Most kind considerate game players don't just say: "Just watch you will pick it up."



However
In the big wide world of socialization...





Newbie: When is it my turn to play my card? Now seems like a good time. "Me too, I love that park. I took my cat there once. She found a turtle and..."

Player 2: (Glaring at the rule breaker who interrupted his train of thought) "...and I don't think it would be a good idea to have a picnic this coming week because they are still trying to fix it up after the flooding that we had. Let's go to meadow behind the gas station."

Newbie: How was I supposed to know it wasn't my turn to lay my cards?

Head Player: "Sounds like a plan. We need volunteers to bring sandwiches, drinks, veggies, and sides."


Player 1: "Drinks on me."

Player 2: "I can easily buy veggie sticks at the store on my way to the meadow."

(Silence)

Newbie: Should I speak or not? Is it the right time to play my card or not? Will I have to lose my turn again?

(Silence)

Player 3: "I will bring sandwiches."




Head Player: "Very well, I will bring the sides. See you all tomorrow at 12:30."




The players lay down their last cards finishing the game. Newbie still has one left: Cheeseburger. Once again Newbie lost the game.


...This scenario is normal

Most friends assume the social rules, objectives and beginning strategy are obvious to the group.

Most friends follow the never-embarrass rule and avoid explaining what rule was broken and why the rule breaker is being penalized.

Most friends don't realize they are saying: "Just watch, you will pick it up."


Now you know.

    And having knowledge is one step closer to being a player in the game.





I like to find stories in unlikely places and connect them with unlikely subjects. Here are stories and analogies that I see as I travel around the world.

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