Hello 👋 As the late night hours blend into the early morning, my mind drifts to games of various sorts - specifically chess, poker, and pondering the broader "games" we engage in across politics, relationships and life in general. I start with factual reflections on chess, noting how it focuses strictly on strategy without luck involved. One player's gain only comes at the direct loss of another. Does this reflect a zero-sum view of success? Are certain real-world arenas similarly cut-throat, where we must sacrifice others to achieve our aims? With poker, random chance and calculated risks are major factors. Reading others and making the best moves with unpredictable information feels applicable in many situations requiring strategic social navigation. But are we truly in control, or do unseen forces shape outcomes beyond our knowledge? This leads me to question - in the games woven throughout our existence, against whom exactly do we compete? Ourselves, other individuals, broad societal forces? What are the goals and stakes we're playing for - money, power, happiness defined by ever-shifting standards? Most significantly - are we truly the players, or might unseen hands be moving us as pieces on their board? Where do we draw the line between fair and foul plays? What strategies do we accept or reject in love, politics and business? How do we balance cooperative and competitive drives to optimize mutual gain without compromising integrity? I hope my mumblings provides similar midnight food for thought.