A Christmas Toy

[Bill Salot]

Christmas is many things. Among them, it is a day to make children happy and perhaps influence what they will become.

A musical toy may herald a future musician. A little book may launch an educator. A ball may be the key to becoming a famous athlete. A set of blocks may portend a mighty builder. A game may create the heart of a competitor.

The toys will be outgrown. Childish things are set aside in a grown-up world. Maturity brings greater challenges.

But are music, education, sports, construction, or competition ever outgrown?

Is checkers a child's toy or an avocation that can last a lifetime?

Are checker problems a child's toy or an avocation in the checker playing world? Look for an answer in the animated problem composing contest pages at this link.