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Poor Loser

Album: 30: Through Thick & Thin

Episode: 396

Lesson/Theme: Losing Gracefully

Bible Verse: Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6

Characters: Bernard, Connie, Eugene, Whit

Writer: Marshal Younger

Sound Designer:

Original Air Date: March 21, 1998

Last Air Date: July 29, 2009

Description:
Eugene Meltsner brings a chess set to Whit's End to relieve the boredom of a lazy afternoon, and Bernard challenges him to a game. As the chess game proceeds, Eugene, sure of his superior skill, is boasting to Whit--just as Bernard calls out "Checkmate!" Eugene is shocked. After a night without sleep, Eugene shows up at Bernard's front door to challenge him to a rematch. Bernard reluctantly agrees, but wins again in only 15 minutes. Eugene comes to the next rematch with Bernard armed with a notebook showing Bernard's tendencies, strengths and weaknesses. Connie asks Bernard to purposely lose the game for Eugene's sake, which Bernard won't promise to do. Meanwhile, Heather's volleyball team is failing horribly, but Heather tries her best to do something about it. At the next volleyball game, Heather hogs the balls, insisting that the only chance they have to win is for her to hit everything, so the coach benches her. The coach reminds Heather that volleyball is a team sport and she quits. At the gym, Whit explains to Heather that it's not good teamwork to play as though she is alone simply because she is such a good player. He encourages her to be more understanding toward her teammates and allow them to learn from their mistakes. The team wins the game, and Heather is sure it's because she was gone. The other girls convince her to stay, claiming that the extra practices she insisted on made the difference. She needs them as much as they need her. She agrees and joins the team at Whit's End for a post-game party. The chess game is nearly over when the girls' volleyball team comes in. As Karen tries to demonstrate a shot, the chess pieces get knocked off the board. Eugene panics because he was near winning. Bernard says Eugene won anyway, because he had him cornered. A jubilant Eugene goes off to get some sleep.

Questions:
Was there anything wrong with Eugene's methods of playing chess? Why or why not? Why did Bernard enjoy beating Eugene so much? Why was it so important for Eugene to beat Bernard? Have you ever had a time when you had to be a good sport, even though you didn't feel like it?