My Grandpa made me some Tak pieces
Tak has got to be my favourite board game.
It comes from The Kingkiller Chronicle (which I have not read, personally) and it's very simple in concept. But when you're actually playing Tak, it feels like a puzzle; Sort of like playing chess, only the goal is not to win but to keep the game going in an interesting way.
I discovered this game about a month ago, but then I had to pack for summer camp and then I was at summer camp (very fun) and then I got back and I was sick (still getting over that), and so I haven't had much time to pursue my focused interests.
But earlier today I got a package in the mail from my maternal grandfather, who is great at woodworking. Inside the box was: another box. But, inside of that box was a multitude of small, wooden tiles that would be perfect for use in a game of Tak!
Grandpa says that these pieces are made of three different kinds of hardwood, but he didn't say which types of wood specifically were used. There is a light one, a dark one, and a tan one.
[my thumb's in there for scale]
I don't know very much about different kinds of wood, but I do have google, and so I can pretend to know about wood when writing an essay online. My best guess as to the wood used in each type of tile would have to be: (from left to right) white oak, black walnut, and maybe hickory as the tan tile.
Some more about Tak
Tak is a simple and elegant abstract strategy game (like chess or go). Players take turns either placing or moving one of their pieces, with the goal being to connect opposite sides of the board with a 'road' made of flat tiles. Other people have summarized the rules, so I won't waste my time on that. But the cool part of this game is that it isn't about being tricksy or catching your opponent off guard, it's about honour and playing your best game. One example of this philosophy that I quite like is calling "Tak" (like calling check, but for Tak), it's not required that you alert somebody when they're about to lose, but it is a nice courtesy that keeps the game going. Additionally, I don't like to end a game of Tak in a draw, because that's un-fun.
To sum this summary up, "Act with honour and honour will guide you." Also, go play Tak.
That's all for now, sorry this one's taken a while, I've been busy (and sick).
Goodbye from Sam.