10 Things I’ve Learned From Playing 2048

By

Because math is cool. Like Kevin G #MeanGirls

1. You’re supposed to start from the bottom.

Big things have small beginnings. Not everything starts with a bang. Not every bang comes out big. But good or bad, a million little things will always amount to one big thing. Remember, it takes one thousand two hundred twenty-four little 2’s to come up with 2048.

2. No, you don’t have to do it all.

If you move around too much, you’ll miss out on the big stuff. Life has only 4 directions: towards something, away from something, nowhere or everywhere. You have to know where you are to get around.

3. But you have to keep moving.

You will get stuck at some point. Do something about it. If you’re not living or dying, you’re dead. Yeah, sure, you might be comfortable in your safe place but eventually safe gets boring. It gets you nothing either. Make a move, any move. It will get you going. 

4. One mistake isn’t everything.

That. One. Fucking. Move. ONE MOVE. The one you didn’t mean to. The risk that didn’t pay off. The essential that you forgot. The underestimated trigger. Whatever I was, it ruined everything. But it isn’t everything. Forgive yourself and let it go. 

5. Undo unto your undoing.

As legendary and magical the undo button is, (ehem, Android) life just doesn’t have one. Occasionally, we’re lucky enough to get a do-over but it’s never the same. Or it’s not enough. Use it wisely. Don’t be the idiot that makes the exact same mistake a second time. 

6. Things are best and worst when you don’t see it coming.

The unexpected is meant to throw you off. Well, duh, it’s unexpected. Sometimes you’re the ninja who handles it like pro, sometimes you’re the guy who broke 13 mirrors on Friday the 13th. Whichever way it goes, it always makes a good story and an even better learning experience.

7. There will always be an upgrade.

Or something better. Or both. At the same time. Dammit. Change is inevitable. Like Doodle Jump or Angry Birds or Temple Run or Flappy Bird, the hype’s not gonna last forever so it’s gotta be worth it. A huge kudos to Dong Nguyen for pulling the plug on Flappy Bird when he did. He must have found something that meant more to him and he didn’t need the world telling him it wasn’t. 

8. They might not get it. Learn to deal.

Math, in any form, is not everyone’s cup of tea. So while you’re quick to tweet that you finally got 8192, the people around you might not be as impressed. Your achievements will speak volumes even if no one echoes back. If it’s important to you, then it’s important. Your gratification will come but it has to start with you.

9. It’s okay to let go.

When you fail, and you will, you have a choice to press on or let go. Life is a series of pushes and pulls and sometimes you have to pull back to gain momentum. (Insert slingshot metaphor here). It might never have been for you in the first place or maybe you’re up for something better. Make the decision that you can live with and live long and prosper. 

10. You will always win something.

Even when you lose the game, you win something. A little more patience, a little more technique, the attention of the guy who is amused at how bad you are.. Seriously. Winning takes perspective. Contrary to popular belief, a winner wins because he chooses to not because somebody tells him that he has. The prize may not always be what you expect but a prize is a prize. Enjoy it. Life is more than a game. Pun intended.