Graduating to the Grown Folks’ Table: I Finally Learned How To Play Spades

When it’s time for the games to come out in a Black household, function, or wherever that atmosphere be so Black; I guarantee you it ain’t going be Apples 2 Apples, Parcheesi, or anything from Milton Bradley. The choices will either be; Monopoly, Taboo, or Spades. This is the trifecta of games (honorable mention for Uno) in Black culture. Spades sits at the top of the oligarchy. Period. That’s a scientific law all Black folk understand. Legend says, if you’re able to master all three of these elements then the experience points on your Black card unlock a hidden level that only those who’ve achieved it can see. I’ll never achieve that hidden level, because I don’t how to play Spades. I’m okay with that, but apparently my friends weren’t. Perhaps the Black Planets aligned ’cause we were in Brooklyn and had just attended Curlfest 2018. I come out my bathroom thinking we’re goin’ talk. Instead, I see my friends — Tasha, Bri, and Elvis — sitting at the living room table with a deck of cards dead center, giving me the intervention look. What part of the “Come-to-Jesus” moment is thissss? Why Card Games Aren’t For Me: A Flashback Sequence

One of you negros talkin’ bout you feel seen or attacked run and get me two wings, a little bit of mac and cheese and a cold pop. — Danez Smith (@Danez_Smif) June 11, 2018

When I was in first grade, my mother and I use to live in Maryland. When my siblings would come to visit, the eldest, Kece (15), would play cards with Mom. Meanwhile, Trav…