Canadian Politics Today

I grew up on a farm back in Ontario where winter nights were long and cold. A few of us who lived nearby figured a way to make things more interesting was with a chessboard. After supper I would jump on the ski doo, go pick up a school buddy and then head over to his brother in laws house where the board would be set up. The host would be first up and we'd flip a coin to see who would be the challenger. The other would visit with the lady of the house (who didn't play) and watch some TV. When you heard the word "checkmate" that was the cue to head for the table and challenge the winner. Eventually another friend decided they would like to join in so we pooled our resources and acquired a second board and men. Many a winters night went from boring to interesting as you sipped some tea and planned your strategy.