Chickens and their relations in the wild have the reputation of being the stupidest birds alive. I’ve pitched pebbles at a spruce grouse perched on an open branch 15 feet from the ground, and his “strategy” was to remain still, as if I could not see him. Had I been in possession of a rifle, I could have plugged him as easily as pressing a button.
A few years ago, we got my son a gag gift for his birthday—a sketch of two apes playing chess. The losing ape, a gorilla, looked at the board in dismay. He was the loser in the infamous Fool’s Mate, the quickest way to lose, after two moves by each player. Fool’s Mate is a matter of not understanding the board, leaving your king with no piece to interpose a kingside attack by the opposing queen, and with no square to retreat to. It’s pretty stupid, but it’s just a peculiar instance of not asking the obvious question: If I make this move, what might my opponent do?
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