The Challenge!
Double Deck Cancellation Hearts
By Donne Puckle
March 2007
Well, here I am, bare footed, wallowing in self-pity, a Winner now a Loser, writing this article for The BoMB. But, let's back up. At our RG in 2002 (the first of two that year) we were introduced to Double Deck Cancellation Hearts. I had played Hearts in seminary years before. But DDCH was new to me. I took advantage of the invitation to learn the game. This occurred on the Friday of our RG.
Of course, there would be a competition the following day. The Internet had been searched for prizes and awards. These were on hand. So the competition began. Oh, it should be mentioned that those who taught the game had been playing it for years. I hadn't. I think you know what's coming.
Saturday the competition began. In fact, it was a tournament. Losers got dropped out. I didn't lose, ever. At the end, I had beaten everyone. My prize for coming in First was a fine Benrus watch. I continue to wear it today. And it was there that I earned by DDCH's name: Irreverend. (DDCH names are given by the players. One does not choose a name for oneself.)
Well, there is the background for our recent Challenge. One does not take losing lightly especially when I offer to tell the time whenever I meet our competition from 2002. So a Challenge was made. And on Saturday, February 3rd, 2007, we met to play again. The prize for the Winner would be a pair of socks. I was told by the challenger that he would "beat my socks off." So we met, enjoyed BBQ, and sat down to play. Six members of Borderline were present to play against the challengers. At the table sat, Black Widow, Irreverend, Flasher, Princess, MuddLite, and Gloater. (By the way, Gloater was the previous Loser.) We played three hands of DDCH. Each hand ends when one player "earns" 100 points. The object, of course, is to avoid points. Low hand wins.
The first hand found me earning 39 points (second lowest) to Gloater's 36. So he won the "beep-in" socks. Second hand found me with second highest score of 81 to Flasher's 106. (Flasher is one of our Borderline members. Flasher had trouble holding cards close and others could see what was in hand. Flashing was not for what you might be thinking. Flasher will remain nameless otherwise.) Black Widow won the hand. The third hand saw me lose with the dismal score of 116. The next highest score was 47 so I got beat handily. Gloater won the third hand. For me it was a most painful loss. And right now my feet are cold, sockless, as I write as a three(!) time Loser.
But we had great fun. Gloater and Black Widow will be back, I'm sure. But Borderline Mensans interested in having fun with DDCH should let us know. We'll set up a game anytime you like.
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