For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 16, 2013

They corrupt so young these days.

I guess it’s better than strip poker.

Cards can help a kid learn how to add. Blackjack is one of those games. My beloved’s grandfather who was a grade school principle for many years, saw my beloved struggle in kindergarten with addition so he got out the cards, taught him blackjack. The best part was my beloved had no clue he was being taught addition, he just thought it was another card game.

My father taught me several gambling card games when I was growing up. No money involved of course, but I think his logic was that if I ever got into a real game later on at least I would know the rules and have a reasonable chance of winning. I was also a maths whiz at school, so I became well aware of the odds of winning (and, of course, losing!!) so it was a good life lesson for which I am still grateful.

And yet he turns out so well.

When my friend was 4 yrs old she learned to count 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Jack Queen King

Now we’re talkin’

Dominos will do the same, especially if you play with the double set

I remember a child’s party I took my kids to – The mother (somewhat simple) was trying to find games for the kids. After each one of the games, her smart alek husband kept asking, “now what are they going to do?” It got old fast.

In just a few short years they will be playing strip poker with the girls.

Now you know why she worries about that kid.

The real meaning of For Better or For Worse

I was playing poker with my dad and older siblings when I was 5. We used pinto beans or matchsticks to bet with. My hands were too small to hold all the cards so I would hold half the cards and lay the others face down and go back and forth.My siblings hated losing to their little sister! I don’t play cards anymore because people hate losing to me all the time. I tried “cheating” to let someone else win but I would wind up winning anyway. Now I like playing games I’m not good atbecause I like seeing everyone happy and I’m a better loser than some people I know.

Blackjack today . . . slot machines tomorrow???

Next year for Michael’s 10th birthday, they’ll probably be adding “Spin the Bottle” to their list of birthday games!!!!! ;-)

There are probably worse games than that Ellie!

Apologies for the impetuous harsh judgment. It’s more like “poorly informed” that is intended.

Its just a game of cards.