"Become a Character Builder"

[Mr. Checkers]

Last evening I visited with Alan and shared the following comment with him--"if ones ratings in checkers were to be used as the criteria to get into heaven then few would enter therein". Years ago when I first joined the ACF I was told that checkers will help build ones character. So if that were true then we should have 500 character builders as members of the ACF today, but in reality they are few and far between. Before I even heard of such a thing as the ACF I was teaching checkers in high school (before school, in the study halls, at lunch break and after school). In the summer I would have 20-30 young people over playing checkers on my driveway or in the garage from early morning to late at night all summer long. I felt that having them play checkers would help build their minds (in developing their thinking skills) and molding their character in a positive way. A lot of lifes lessons can be taught on a checkerboard. Nobody had ever heard of such a thing as ratings, so that was not of importance to us. Todays young people a smart--if you don't believe that then just ask them. Many are smarter then we are as adults and they will let you know that also (I am not talking about them having any common sense here)--there are a lot of young millionaires out there today. It used to be that one kid would say to another that he could beat him in a game of checkers--not today though. Today he says that my computer program (Albatross) can beat your computer program (Big Jake). The Jerry goes home from school and his dad asks him what he did in school today. Nothing much he says--I just developed a new checker program for my computer. His father says "oh thats nice". I bet that I can beat it--after all you know that I have an "ACF rating of 2400". Jerry reples "so what" as he watches his father being annihilated by his new "Albatross" checker program. The good old days of playing checkers in the park, at the corner store, barber shop, pool hall, etc. have perhaps faded away for you, but there is no reason why you can not become envolved in building the character of the newer upcoming generation of checker players coming into our game. I am sure that they would welcome your knowledge of the game, as well as your guidance and advice. Become a mentor for them--nothing ventured--nothing gained. And don't be surprised at how much you may learn, not only about the your young protegees, the game, but also about yourself as a person. Let your future legacy be that of a "Character Builder" and in knowing that you will reap more satisfaction in playing checkers today..

[matthewkooshad]

I enjoy most playing players older than me. I think the probability of finding better character/attitude/wisdom is better that way.