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An elderly Black grandma moves a checker on a porch board while a fluffy orange cat rests its chin on the edge beside it. 23 / 30

Grandma Odessa Was Winning at Checkers. Her Opponent Had a Plan B.

AI imageorange catcheckersporch

A wooden checkerboard sits on the gray porch boards, red and black pieces arranged mid-game, and Odessa is leaning in to make her next move. She wears a cozy gray cardigan over a blue shirt, her glasses perched up in her silver hair, and her expression is all strategy, eyes narrowed in concentration. A potted plant and a white porch rail frame the scene behind her. Right beside the board, Marmalade has flopped down with his chin resting on the edge of the wood, his long orange fur glowing and his green-gold eyes staring straight ahead with an expression of utter boredom, or maybe deep, secret calculation.

Board games like checkers, chess, and cards are a wonderful way for older adults to stay mentally engaged, and playing with friends or family adds a valuable social connection. Many people find that a regular game night or porch game becomes a highlight of the week. Cats, meanwhile, are drawn to wherever their people are focused, which is why they so often plop down on books, keyboards, and game boards. If you want to protect the pieces, a nearby cushion or a little cardboard box can offer a tempting alternative spot. Small game pieces should also be kept away from cats when not in use, since they could be batted around or swallowed.

Odessa is probably winning this round, as she usually does. Marmalade, though, has positioned himself perfectly to knock a few pieces off the board if things start going badly for his side, and he knows it.

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