[Video] 03rd Page

[hoperaider]

[Guess who has Pokemon-related questions. Go on, guess. Yes, it's Jake English.

He's accompanied by a Ralts and a Kirlia this time, though. He's had them for a little while, but the expression on his face is more thoughtful than...well, pained.]

To those chaps raising psychic-type Pokemon, I have a bit of a question for you. Is it possible to teach them how to play things like chess or cards?

[Although, now he looks like he'd rather take something back.]

Actually, you know what? Never mind the cards. I'd really not have to deal with them having a gambling addiction or accusing the other of cheating via telepathy or whatever.

[Gambling Anonymous for Pokemon...yeah, no, that doesn't need to happen.]

I'm also curious to know something. What's the significance of being 16? I've heard that it's something of a special occasion by a friend, but I can't say I follow the reasoning behind a "sweet sixteen."

Comments

Apparently you just can't get rid of me.

[doitrockapella]

Trying to meet me again, Jake?

I'd just as soon play them myself, unless there's a particular reason you want to see two Pokemon facing off at it. I'm not one to say no to a good game of chess.

I never wanna get rid of you.

[hoperaider]

So far it seems to be working.

Oh no!
Im sure theyd love the challenge!
I just worry that they might try to read your mind but i could put emphasis on not doing that.

Oh, well, in that case. c:

[doitrockapella]

Touché.

Do you think that reading my mind would make that much of a difference?

Hee hee.

[hoperaider]

A fair point.
In chess and checkers that might not matter quite as much as it would in cards.
Another point for strategy games.

[doitrockapella]

Exactly. Sometimes the true mark of an excellent strategy is the one you spot in advance, and still can't help but succumb to.

Though I will say that while playing card games isn't my particular area of interest, watching an skilled card player at work can be fascinating.

[hoperaider]

Most likely it would be!
I only know the general rules of a few card games but ive never really played any myself.
Well with the exception of a rare go fish game with my grandma.
There werent many card games you could do with just two people.

[doitrockapella]

You're right, there aren't. And there are even less you can play with just one.

[Likelihood that a deck of cards is going to mysteriously show up in Jake's mail, courtesy of Pidgey Post: x10 INCREASE.]

Which game is your favorite of all of them? Chess, checkers, cards, or something different?

[hoperaider]

Gracious yes.
One can only take so much solitaire!

[Oh God.]

Probably chess.
Ive got pretty fond memories of playing it with my grandma.
And well im pretty awful at playing cards!
Ive been told that ive got the absolute worst poker face.

[doitrockapella]

Then that just begs the question, which chesspiece is your favorite? I have a feeling you'll be able to guess mine.

[hoperaider]

Oh gosh thats a tough one!
Give me a moment to think about that one.
But ill guess that youd like the queen?
Shes free to move anywhere about the board and shes one of a kind out of all the chess pieces.

[doitrockapella]

You'd be right. The king may be the one that the game depends on, but the queen has the moves of virtually all the other pieces put together. And more often than not, a player's strategy will revolve around getting her into play as quickly as possible.

[hoperaider]

Indeed!
Thats why its always a real loss when shes taken.
Now that ive given it some thought i think that of all the chess pieces i like the pawn the best.
Sure the only way it can move is forward or diagonal if it can take an enemy piece and theres nothing that leaps out on what makes it so special.
But i think thats where people underestimate it.
Because if it crosses all the way over to the other side of the board then it becomes a queen.
Suddenly your weakest piece turns into your strongest!

[doitrockapella]

It can become anything it wants to at that point, really. Most often it's a queen, but occasionally other pieces are chosen, instead. When that happens, it's called "underpromotion".

Many people wouldn't see that sort of potential in a mere pawn, you know. I'm impressed.

[hoperaider]

I always figured that since it braved the battlefield to get all the way there that it would be fitting to give it the highest promotion.
Still i can see why one would go with another piece if the situation dictates that a queen would do more harm than good.

I think its because of its potential that i like it so much.
Like despite what happens you still have the opportunity to become something or someone greater than what you used to be.
And i guess i take a bit of that into my own life!
Ugh i think im prattling sorry.
Ive not had anyone to really talk chess with like this before.

[doitrockapella]

There's one piece the queen can't mimic, though. You might be faced with a situation where having a spare knight on your side is what you need to win the day.

Prattling or not, it's a good philosophy to believe in. Many wise men before you have agreed with you.

[hoperaider]

True enough.
Shes really just a combination of rook and bishop.

Thats honestly pretty relieving to hear.
Im pretty much trying to figure out what sort of potential i have but im not sure if ill ever really find out the answer to that question.

[doitrockapella]

T.S. Eliot once said, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." Sometimes it's better not to have an answer to that question — if only because it means you haven't reached your potential yet, and there are still higher heights waiting for you to reach.

[hoperaider]

Then i guess only time can tell at this point!
It may even turn out that i wasnt meant to have an answer.