STOLL/Falling Uphill ©2005
2
smkstoll@yahoo.com
"If you can ride it, you can have it," I say.
My opponent continues his sales pitch, "I am very poor. I have nothing."
"Do you have a family?"
"That is a bad move," he says.
I take back my move and he jumps three checkers. "You tricked me."
"I am teaching you," he chuckles.
"Do you have a family -- a wife?" I ask.
"Yes."
"How many?"
"Only one, sir."
"How many girlfriends?"
"Only one, sir. Look, this is much better."
The crowd assures me this is a much better move. I take back my move again. My opponent jumps
back and forth and kings his piece. "You tricked me. You're not even playing," I accuse the bystanders.
"Yes. We tricked you," they appear proud. I played speed chess on the streets of San Francisco often,
and a person's method of play always reflected their personality. Some were greedy and cheated for the
instant gratification of winning, others were honorable and offered help to increase the enjoyment of the
game.
"Do you have children?" I ask.
"I have seven children." Children are called African jewels or gifts from God, but they are more like a
retirement plan: the boys will work in the fields and the daughter's sold to future husbands.
"Where are your children?"
"They watch my animals. Play faster. Like this. It is more fun." The bottle caps rasp over the board
double-speed, and my strategy falters trying to match his pace. I feel he is trying to impress his friends.
"You're trying to trick me again."
"You learn very fast, sir."
