Checkers

This is a second-hand memory, but a good story nonetheless.

When my father was a boy, his father taught him to play Checkers. He played so well in fact that once (at perhaps 6 years old?), he played a man who had recently taken 4th in the California Checkers Championship and won (or perhaps played to a draw?). Admittedly, he had taken the man by surprise, and on a rematch, the man beat Dad handily.

Another time, Grace and John had gone out for dinner and a date and left the children with a babysitter. Somehow, after everyone else went to bed, my dad convinced this young woman that he would only go to bed if she beat him at checkers. She agreed. When his parents came home, and they were still playing, Grace became upset (we can all imagine), while John stood proudly admiring the skills of his young son.

Dad, you'll have to correct me when you get the chance.