Some nice related prose

[jaguar72]

Perhaps a little Longfellow on a cold winter's night:

Then from his leathern pouch the farmer threw on the table
Three times the old man's fee in solid pieces of silver;
And the notary rising, and blessing the bride and bridegroom,
Lifted aloft the tankard of ale and drank to their welfare.
Wiping the foam from his lip, he solemnly bowed and departed,
While in the silence the others sat and mused by the fireside,
Till Evangeline brought the draught-board out of its corner.
Soon was the game begun. In friendly contention the old men
Laughed at each lucky hit, or unsuccessful maneuver,
Laughed when a man was crowned, or a breach was made in the king-row.
...
Thus was the evening passed.

Evangeline
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Beer and checkers...doesn't got any better than that...old Longfellow knew a thing or two.

(My apologies for the repetition if this passage has been previously posted...).

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/jaguar72

[CDawson]

This brings back memories of when my uncle taught me how to play, Eventually, I started beating him so bad that he ripped up his checkerboard and we haven't played since.

[liam stephens]

Here is another one you may like.

A PRAYER BEFORE DRAUGHTS by Con McCarrick

Oh teach me Lord that I may see
The Pieces moved in harmony
And when my mind is not too bright
Please give my hand some extra might.
Do not allow the men to stray
In danger zone or far away
For they get lonely on their own
When isolated far from home.
Keep clear away the “loss of Dunne”
From four to eight and “White” has won
Just let me quietly see the draw
And not resign in silent awe.
If “Allens win” comes in my line
Then let me see the win in time
So that I move with swift precision
And let my moving hand have vision.
Give me the brain to look ahead
And see the spot where lies the dread
So when I chance to play the Black
The “Octopus” will never lack
To give me winning chances too
Although these chances be but few.
And when I come to end of play
Allow me not throw games away.
But most of all Oh Lord stay near
To see that I may never jeer
Or ever try to poke some fun
If a tired Player gives two for one.
And if I win by less or more
It matters not what be the score
Just let me play the Game and then
Conclude as fits all Gentlemen.