In real life, the game is even harder

I’ve always hated Chutes and Ladders.

When my kids come to me, lugging that dreaded box, I’ll do anything to change their mind.

“Let’s play Uno instead,” I tell them. “Or Candy Land.” I’ll even opt for Rummikub, although it means playing using all four boards, until my head convulses in a dizzying number-color overload.

Chutes and Ladders is an exercise in futility. Hunched over on the hardwood floor, my legs repeatedly folding and unfolding in search of comfort, I wait for one of my little opponents to please strike some lucky numbers and bring the game to a glorious end.

But every time salvation is within reach, someone lands upon a chute that sends him tumbling down to the very beginning, much to the kids’ delight, and my nail-biting frustration.

In real life, the game is even harder.