Saturday, May 10, 2008

#81 Piao Piao

Joseph has gotten into a game called "Piao Piao" that was introduced to the neighborhood by a Korean friend named Jeremy. It is reminiscent of tiddly winks, but with "keepsies" rules where you gamble ownership of your gamepieces with your opponent. There are metal and cardboard versions of the Piao Piao gamepieces, the metal ones producing the louder and more annoying sound when repeatedly bounced off the sidewalk, floor, or coffee table.

Lately, as we walk around the neighborhood we see small packs of 2-5 kids huddled around a pile of Piao Piaos, whiling away their spare time. We are told that Piao Piaos are also played during recess at school, though the headmaster has banned playing Piao Piao for "keepsies" on school property !

Joseph seems to win at Piao Piao as often as I win at poker, which is rarely. He has already burned through a stash of Piao Piaos including the reserves that he bought last weekend in Shanghai with his allowance. Kathleen has purchased some Piao Piaos for Joseph's cousin Brennan who we will see in North Carolina in July. Joseph is already angling to use Brennan's Piao Piao to "win back" his lost gamepieces.

1 comment:

Michelle Wagner said...

Tony and Kathleen - how are you and your family due to the earthquake? Concerned for you and hoping everyone's okay. Michelle