House Rules Apply.
Every table played differently.
Around here, Spades and dominoes were never just games.
Every household sets its own rules.
And seasoned players know to ask the House Rules.
Xavier learned here too.
At the table.
Watching. Listening.
Being corrected.
And getting better each time.
Xavier especially loved dominoes — games passed down through family, elders, and gatherings where strategy, respect, and conversation all shared the same table.
When to speak.
When to watch.
When to move.
And when to sit still
and learn the room.
THE LESSON
It wasn’t just about the game.
It was about discipline.
Strategy.
Paying attention.
And understanding
what wasn’t said out loud.
Spades, Dominoes. You had to pay attention. Then maybe you can sit with the elders for Tonk or Bid Whist!
If you know… you already know.
Some lessons were taught through correction.
Others were learned one hand at a time.
House Rules Apply.
Around here, house rules always mattered.