Breaking

I’m old. 

As a result of this chronological fact, I’m a bit set in my ways with things, including how the hobby should function. 

Over the years, this mindset has served me well, for the most part. I’ve kept a pretty level head through all the hobby's ups-and-downs. I’m able to sniff out a con-man from a mile away because I’ve seen and heard about every line of BS in the business over the years. And, I understand that this business is not a sprint, it’s a very long marathon. 

That said, breaking, up until a couple of years ago, was everything I thought was wrong with the industry. 

And truth-be-told, there are a slew of legitimate drawbacks to it, but we will save these concerns for another column.

For now, let it be known that I have come to truly embrace them, and the people in this segment of the hobby. In fact, I actually enjoy doing it myself. 

It’s, above all else, supposed to be entertainment. Whether you hit a card or not, good breakers engage you and entertain you, no different than any other good performer does.

I look at this way — have you ever been to an event where everyone sits at a table or in a row if seats and someone says, “some of you have a prize taped under your chair…. Go ahead and check now.”

So you reach under the chair with great anticipation, hopeful your seat contains the prize. If it does — awesome! If it doesn’t, which is the case most of the time, you’re still going to have a go time at the event regardless. 

Breaking is a lot like that to me — maybe there will be a proverbial prize under my chair and I’ll hit a card, but most likely I won't. However, I’m still going to have a great time. 

I am curious at to what all of you think about breaking in the industry? 

Please let me know in the comments below.