A few weeks ago, we went up to Mount Charleston. On the way there we picked up some sandwiches at Dakao while my wife and daughter got veggies at the little grocery store next door. When I mentioned that there were some guys playing Chinese Chess at the sandwich shop, our daughter really wanted to watch but we were already on the road. So I promised I’d teach her the game instead.
The next day I picked up the set at my parents house and we sat down to play. She played in her usual silly, amusing way. I’m not even so sure she played as much as moved the pieces according to my advice. But even so, I think we had fun messing around.
My philosophy is that games are for playing, not winning, so I’m OK with that.
When she was born five years ago, I had two games I wanted to teach her – Xiangqi and Mahjongg. I’ve played MJ with her a couple times, and now I’ve introduced her to Xiangqi. Who knows if she’ll really get into either game, indeed I would prefer that she doesn’t become super serious about either game.
But at least this pair of games have now been given flight. Now I’m the one along for the ride.