An alternative “Game” (Question, not a theory)
+8 14 Votes
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By you_know_the_name
- An alternative “Game” (Question, not a theory)
- Created: Aug 9, 2007
- Last updated: Aug 14, 2008
- After episode: 3.22: Through The Looking Glass
- Status: Current
- Flag this theory:
Chess, definitely! Backgammon…?
— you_know_the_name
Dear everyone,
I don’t think anybody on this site will argue that chess plays a prominent part in the Lost mythology.
Question: Could the great game being played out on Lost not only contain elements of chess, but of backgammon as well?
In Season1, Locke claimed Backgammon is the oldest game in the world, and a better game than Checkers. Then, Locke explaines the rules of Backgammon to Walt, mentioning that “There are two players. One side is light, and one side is dark.”
Unlike chess, backgammon sees the inclusion of a dice: the element of chance, introducing a substantial random component into the game.
Thoughts, anyone?
Key characters
| Short Name | Full Name | Episodes | Theories |
|---|---|---|---|
| John | John Locke | 3.3, 2.17, 1.4, 1.19, 3.13, 3.19, 4.11, & 3” href=”/episodes/theres-no-place-home-parts-2-3/”>4.13 | 1229 |
Key episodes
| # | Title | Aired | Central character | Theories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Pilot, Part 2 | 9-29-2004 | Kate, Charlie | 205 |
Indeed. Ever since John introduced backgammon to the show I’ve been wondering if there’s some deeper meaning. Perhaps you’ve hit on it. While the main factions are all playing chess with one another, perhaps the point is that life is a lot more like backgammon. A little chance. A little strategy. The dynamic of opposing forces. “Dark” and “light” don’t really have meaning outside of being points of reference and contrast. Good thought.
Sounds good to me.
So how does this connect to Ms. Hawking’s words of course-correction? A little chance, a little strategy….but what do they matter when it’s all going to one ultimate end anyway?
here’s an odd little fact—Kate plays against herself in “Left Behind.” An indication that she’s playing both sides?
Well, I think Ms. Hawking is a chess player. And I think her perspective is either mistaken or a lie.
jaz: interesting…
jaz…..i agree with ProfO, that’s a pretty good find.
ProfO and YKTN, good discussions lately….it’s been great to hear different ideas…..it keeps me pumped for Feb.
YKTN, sorry to hi-jack your idea, but I was working on mine as you posted. Please visit my post. :)
http://lost-theories.com/theories/2007/aug/09/backgammon-live-together-die-a/
+1 You-know-the-name (are you Steve?)
Dear ragamuffinjoe,
No problem. We’re helping each other with the theories anyway…
And NO, I’m NOT Steve! Could be Scott, though ;)
+1 Great connection! And stated very clear and concise. I love backgammon, should have caught that one myself.
raggamuffinjoe: just jumped over and read your link, will post on yours also. Great minds think alike and at the same time too!!!!
Sorry, yktn…I thought maybe the name we should know was a clue. I didn’t mean to call you Steve. If it makes you feel better, I was one of the people to defend Steve as a good poster (sometimes).
Dear ragamuffinjoe,
No offence taken :)
yktn is just a nickname…
Love the contrast between chess and backgammon!
Jaz, good point about kate
+1 I like it! I would really like to see someone classify the characters in terms of chess though. Who the king is? Who the queen is? Knight? Rook? and the pawns etc… for each side
Dear KB,
I would recommend ProfOzone to this task: He’s the best at the chess interpretation, methinks…
Good idea yktn
Your first theory (the island location) IS the best theory i have read, very well prepared and very well written, waiting for more.