How to play fair
Dmitrik placed the blue chip on the square and quickly looked around.
They, Alenka, and Maksym played «Mandry,» a large board game with cards, a dice, and an entire board with cities, adventures, and even a maze with a magical exit. The player who reached Treasure Island first won.
Dmitriy threw the dice: three came out.
«Three… three…» he thought, running his finger over the squares. “One, two, three.” But the chip stopped in the swamp — that meant missing a move. Alenka was just catching up with him, Maksym was already lagging behind.
And then Dmitrik did something so that no one could see: he carefully moved the chip one more space forward. Now the swamp was behind him. Nothing terrible, just one space.
"My move," he said as nonchalantly as possible.
But something inside me tightened. It was as if someone had taken a knot and pulled it tight just under my ribs.
"Wait a minute," a voice from above said softly.
Dmitrik looked up. On the edge of the shelf above the table sat a small owl in round glasses. And next to it was a red squirrel in a pink scarf. She was holding an acorn and staring intently at the board.
"I'm Sophie," said the owl.
"And I'm Solomiyka!" the squirrel picked up. "And I saw everything. You moved the chip.".
Dmitriy blushed.
"I just... She left a little by herself..."
"Alone?" Solomiyka leaned over and looked him straight in the eye. "Dmitry, chips don't move by themselves. You know that. I know that. And your tummy knows it too—that's why it's so uncomfortable right now.".
Dmitrik looked at the chip. Then at Olenka and Maksym, who were flipping through the cards and not noticing anything. Then again at Solomiyka.
"But I wanted to win," he whispered.
"Of course," said Owl Sophie softly. "Everyone wants to. But imagine how you would feel on Treasure Island if you knew you didn't get there honestly. Not victory, but emptiness.".
Dmitrik thought. He looked at the swamp cell.
"Solomyko, you're right," he said finally.
And moved the chip back.
"I'm missing a move," he announced aloud. "I'm stuck in a swamp.".
Olenka looked surprised, but nodded. Maksym was already shaking the cube.
The knot under my ribs was untied.
🦉 Lesson from Sofiyka
1. The game is fun when the rules are the same for everyone
Board games, yard games, team competitions—they are all built on the same foundation: the rules are the same for every player. As soon as someone gains a secret advantage, that foundation cracks. The game ceases to be a game—it turns into a performance where the ending is already written in advance.
2. Cheating steals joy, even from the winner.
If you cheat and "win," something inside still knows the truth. That's why a victory gained dishonestly doesn't bring true joy—only emptiness and anxiety. Like a candy with a pretty wrapper, but nothing tasty inside.
"Solomyka once 'won' the acorn-gatherer game by hiding three nuts under a leaf," the squirrel sighed. "And then she thought about those nuts all evening. Not fun at all!"
3. When someone cheats, others feel offended and don't want to play anymore.
Imagine: you diligently studied the rules, rolled the dice honestly — and then saw that your opponent simply moved a piece. Offensive? Very. And the desire to continue the game instantly disappears. One dishonest player can ruin everyone's mood.
4. Rules are set before the game, not in the middle of it
Sometimes there is a temptation: «Let’s NOW assume that the swamp can be jumped over.» But if you change the rules in the middle of the game to your advantage, it’s not a new rule, but a trick by another name. All changes are discussed before the start, when no one knows who benefits from it.
"I like to make rules too!" Solomiyka shouted cheerfully. "But always BEFORE we start, not when it's already clear who's going to lose!"
5. If you made a mistake or accidentally violated something, honestly admit it.
A chip can really move by itself. You can get the count mixed up. Anything can happen. But it's important: if you notice a mistake, say it out loud. "Oops, I counted wrong, actually three, not four." This is not weakness - it's honesty. And all the players will respect you for it.
6. Rejoicing for your opponent is also a skill
Losing can be a pain. But if your friend won honestly, he deserved to win. Saying "well done, you played well" is a real act. It means you value the game more than just your own result. This skill grows with each game - like a muscle.
7. Fair play builds respect and friendship
With a player who plays honestly, even if you lose, you want to play again and again. And with one who cheats, even winning is not a joy. Honesty on the playing field is a small but important part of who you become. People notice and remember.
They played twice more. In the first game, Olenka won. In the second, Dmytryk won. Honestly: he rolled a six, went around the maze, and reached Treasure Island first.
“Yes!” he raised his hands up.
And this time the knot in my chest didn't tighten. On the contrary, it felt warm and light, as if someone had opened a small window.
Maxim patted him on the shoulder:
— He played well.
Dmitrik smiled. That was a real victory.
Somewhere above, a pink scarf rustled softly. But when he turned around, the shelf was already empty.
Only the acorn lay on the edge. Small and flat.
Sofiyka believes in you. And Solomiyka too. 🦉🐿️