Favorite Things Friday

My favorite game to play is Rook.

When Jordan and I were dating, he taught me the game Rook and we played it with other couples in the Daily Grind probably once or twice a week. It was so fun to learn the strategy of the game and to develop an effective partnership with Jordan (since of course we were pretty much always on the same team). Jordan was so funny to play with because he was so confident, even when he had a terrible hand. I loved it when I played the right card at the perfect moment and he just looked at me like, “We just took them!” :) During Jordan’s freshman year (before I came), he became friends with an upperclassman who was really good at Rook. Jordan and him were an unbeatable team. So, Jordan had learned a lot of the tricks (Haha! No pun intended! I didn't notice it till I proof-read, and then decided to leave it in 'cause it's kinda funny!) of the game by the time I showed up his sophomore year. I always felt like laughing when he would win the kitty because without fail he would say things like, “Oh, this is not good” or he’d look at me and say, “I hope you’ve got a good hand.” But most of the time he was totally bluffing and he would take all the tricks! Then, if someone on the other team won the kitty, Jordan would sabotage them with things like, “Didn’t get what you’re looking for, huh” or “You didn’t get as much trump as you were hoping…that’s because I have it.” Of course, you have to imagine Jordan saying these things…it doesn’t come out as good in print. He’s definitely mastered the art of trash-talking! We almost always won our games! Although, I remember one time when I was visiting Jordan’s family, and Jordan, Luke, and I decided to play Rook. The game is a little different when you play it with 3 people (normally you play with 4), but I got the hang of it all right. The great part was that at the end, I won!! I kept the score sheet (in spite of much persecution to force it from my hand!) and just came across it the other day – somewhat crumpled – in a little-used pocket of my suitcase! Those were such fun days! Unfortunately, over the last few years, Rook players seem to be a dying breed…especially amongst females…and we have had a really hard time finding other couples to play with. I keep my ears open though…maybe someday we will get to break out those Rook cards with someone for some healthy competition again!