GG Huamán

Carlos Huamán wove alpaca-wool textiles by hand for fifty years before he retired to Lima, and he still keeps one rule from that working life at the board: no match begins before the family meal is finished, whoever is waiting on the other side of the screen. The rule has stood for as long as anybody in his circle can remember and nothing has ever moved it. Once the plates are cleared he plays briskly and without much ceremony, more interested in good company than the result, and loses far more than he wins without seeming to mind either way. He gets up, thanks the table, and goes to help with the dishes.