The Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament of Chamions

Last time I was in Seattle, about a month ago, I met up with some old friends for lunch. Thai. Yum. I don't remember exactly what I had except that it was a variety of curry with tofu and that it was delicious. We had a good chat over lunch--Wendel, Ashley, that elephant we were refusing to acknowledge, and me. It was quite cozy, really. The check arrived. We had to decide who would pay. Wendel suggested we rock-paper-scissors for it. I consented and thus began the Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament of Champions. . . .

Wendel provided the pre-game entertainment. He described some version of the game introduced to him by a co-worker: bear, hunter, something else. I don't remember exactly except that it was a full body activity. The narration and imagined visuals were highly entertaining.

After we had loosened up and decided on the rules--best two out of three, count to three then shoot--serious play could begin. The players wind up and make eye contact. Go. Fists pound palms. One, two, three/scissors. Foul on the play. The round will have to be re-played; Becca made a false start.

Players resume positions. One, two, three/rock. Foul! Becca jumped the gun again. Changing tournament rules is discussed. One, two, go on three? No, Becca is sure she can handle the intensity of tournament play and is willing to step up to the challenge of counting to three before going.

Resume positions. One, two three, rock/rock.

Again. One, two, three, paper/rock. Wendel is up by one.

One, two, threeeeeee. Foul on the play. Wendel has suffered an equipment failure; his fist doesn't leave his palm after three. Some hearty laughs and a few "this is awesome"s take care of the problem.

One, two, three, rock/scissors. The score is tied.

One, two, three, bear/bear. Just kidding, wrong game, it was two papers.

Everyone is on pins and needles (including the other people in the restaurant, although they were most likely looking forward to the end of the game more than the outcome). Sweat beading on brows and upper lips, the players settle in for what could be the last round. Will they tie again? Will Becca fall back into her early game mistakes? The players lock eyes, lean forward in their chairs, and give the final nod. One, two, three, scissors/paper.

Wendel wins the Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament of Champions! His card is whisked away and he signs the bill with a flourish over glasses of celebratory ice water.

Until next time, SWPS. I'll be sharpening my skills and ready for the rematch.