A short story …

Keith's Ramblings

for Friday Fictioneers

 

capital-dry-brush.regular

 

Timeline, two nights ago. Location, The Kings Head.  I’m sitting at a table.  Opposite me, my friend Bob Bishop.

Each downed three pints of Queen’s Ale.  Both consumed far too many snacks.

He challenges me to a game.  Bob’s an expert, I’m a rookie, but I’m not one to step aside.

 

Bob’s move,  chip diagonally.

My move, cucumber left.

Bob’s move, prawn upwards.

My move, chunk of carrot leaps.

Bob’s move, peanut down.

 

‘Checkmate’ yells Bob.

The landlord hears him and brings us our bill.

I lost, I pay.

sss

 

remains-of-ted-strutzThanks to Rochelle for hosting and Ted Strutz for the picture.

Click on Froggie to see what’s going on!

nn

 

83 thoughts on “A short story …”

  2. Tannille Jun 3, 2020 / 13:22

    Doesn’t pay to gamble. At least they had fun. Good take on the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. wmqcolby Jun 3, 2020 / 15:49

    That’s really clever, Keith! I laughed at this one. Sounds like the guys made do when they had nothing much else around. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

    Five out of five Queen’s Ales.

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  7. hilarymb Jun 3, 2020 / 16:27

    Hi Keith – that chessboard is pretty revolting now!! Great story line based on the image … clever – well done – and oh for a trip to the pub for a simple board game … stay safe – Hilary

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    • Keith's Ramblings Jun 4, 2020 / 11:51

      Isn’t it just? And yes, I’m so missing going to the pub. Beer just doesn’t taste the same when drinking alone at home.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • hilarymb Jun 4, 2020 / 12:11

        A glass of vino is ok … as to a V&T … but beer no … mind you my ping pong beer in the Guinness I bought when a friend from SA visited … might be good occasionally! Otherwise ’tis acqua … from the tap … not being a great beer fan … but appreciate those who enjoy it … take care – Hilary

        Liked by 1 person

      • Keith's Ramblings Jun 5, 2020 / 12:52

        I absolutely LOVE real ale, particularly the ones produced by the Long Man Brewery in Littlington. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a pint again soon.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. rochellewisoff Jun 4, 2020 / 01:27

    Dear Keith,

    Checkmate and pass the crisps. Delightful game and your frog made me laugh out loud.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Jun 4, 2020 / 12:00

      Thanks so much, Rochelle – my Froggie has certainly had a chequered history!

      Like

      Reply
  16. Sandra Jun 4, 2020 / 10:44

    Just about the most unique take on the prompt I expect to read today. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings Jun 4, 2020 / 12:03

      There have been so many different interpretations this week, so I can’t thank you enough for your lovely comment Sandra.

      Like

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  17. Liz Young Jun 4, 2020 / 12:15

    Very funny – and it could be any pub, anywhere, once this lockdown ends!

    Liked by 1 person

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  19. msjadeli Jun 4, 2020 / 17:36

    Wonderful and light-hearted, such great fun at the pub. Good word usage and even better snack moves 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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      • Na'ama Yehuda Jun 5, 2020 / 16:00

        Ah! I hear we might have outdoor eatery places in NYC in the near future — something about tables and chairs on the sidewalks and street where people can pay a lot of money for eating stuff they can make at home … 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  22. James McEwan Jun 4, 2020 / 20:29

    i think Bob uses this trick to hustle all his friends and makes up the rules as he goes along. I laughed at this moment of fun and have enjoyed such capers using peanuts to play chequers. It usually takes one beer and some good company beside a real fire to get us going.

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  23. Mike Jun 5, 2020 / 02:25

    I have just speared the castle with my fork, tasty, yes very tasty

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  24. michaelwynnauthor Jun 5, 2020 / 11:39

    Lovely take, there’s a bit of through the looking glass as well as the daft humour that’s accepted fare in a pub. I hope we’re back in them soon. Talking of pubs, the last debate we had centred on marmite. Are you for or against the squeezy bottle? Or are you strictly original round glass one?

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    • Keith's Ramblings Jun 5, 2020 / 12:18

      Oh, how I miss my local! Marmite? I’m a glass jar kinda guy! Cheers Michael.

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  25. Fatima Fakier Jun 5, 2020 / 11:43

    Oh this was hilarious! I liked the vegetable chess pieces! Well, someone’s got to pay the bill right? Might as well flip for it – or checkmate.

    Liked by 1 person

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  27. subroto Jun 6, 2020 / 16:36

    Ha! Ha! cheque mate that’s a nice one. They must be playing for high steaks.

    Liked by 1 person

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  29. pennygadd51 Jun 6, 2020 / 21:56

    I dunno, Keith, fancy falling for fool’s mate! Entertaining tale – thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

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  31. David Stewart Jun 8, 2020 / 01:12

    That’s a creative way to play chess. I feel like the one that’s best at making up rules as they go is going to win though.

    Liked by 1 person

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  35. tedstrutz Jun 16, 2020 / 23:04

    Clever story, I liked the format you used. Sorry for your loss, Keith.

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