Asking Eric: I always win fun competitions … should I sometimes let others take the

DEAR ERIC: We’re hoping you can advise on which would be the best behavior during bridal/baby/etc., shower games, when I am (humbly) very good at winning everything.

While some of these fun competitions are chance, many require knowledge and skill, and I could take all the prizes, but after winning the first round, I defer my next win to someone else, and let them take the loot, honor, and glory. Sometimes, I busy myself with helping the hostess, and avoid playing all together.

My girls, and sister, are divided on the issue. Some say set the bar high, and don’t hide my skills. Others think that I should just let the others have the fun. What do you think?

– Gold Medal Baby Bingo

DEAR GOLD MEDAL: ABBA may have crooned “the winner takes it all” but in the immortal words of Kenny Rogers in “The Gambler”, “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.” If there were Showcase Showdown-style prizes being given out at these showers, I’d say run up the score. Go home triumphant! But no-stakes fun-and-games stops being fun when no one else has a chance to win. I think your strategy for self-selecting out of game play is right (and generous) here. Knowing that you can take it all is prize enough, anyway. You and I (and Kenny Rogers) will always know who the real winner is.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

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