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Spark & Whetstonethe grown-up commons

← Spark & Whetstone

The Handicap Ledger

Playing a child who is still learning? Don't lose on purpose: children can tell, and a thrown game teaches nothing. Give a head start instead, and play your best. Aim for a game either of you could win.

When they win, make the head start a little smaller next time. This page can keep a note of each game so you both see it come down. The note is off until you turn it on, it stays on this device, and nothing is sent anywhere.

Head starts, from biggest to none

Chess

  1. Without my queen
  2. Without a rook
  3. Without a knight
  4. Without a pawn, and you move first
  5. You move first
  6. An even game

Go (9×9)

  1. Five stones
  2. Four stones
  3. Three stones
  4. Two stones
  5. You play first, no komi
  6. An even game

Four in a row

  1. You go first, every game
  2. We take turns going first

Keep a note on this device

New to playing with a child? How to Play Again is a short course: follow their lead first, play at their size, then add one small problem.