Kartik was the most competitive boy in his neighborhood in Mumbai. He always wanted to win and be the best at everything.
Every evening, all the neighborhood kids gathered in the nearby park to play different games. That day, Kartik was even more excited than usual because he had just learned a new Korean game called Ddakji. He was absolutely sure he would win against everyone.
Ddakji is a game where players try to flip their opponent’s paper tile by slamming their own tile on it. Kartik had spent the entire afternoon making colorful Ddakji tiles using thick paper, and he could not wait to show his friends and challenge them to a match.
As soon as Kartik reached the park, his best friend, Aman, came running towards him. Aman saw the colorful squares in Kartik’s hand and asked, “What’s that?”
Kartik replied, “It’s a new game called Ddakji! Let’s play.”
Many children soon gathered around them as they wanted to try this new game. Kartik explained the rules and showed everyone how to fold the paper tiles. The children learned and made their own Ddakji… and then the game started.
Kartik played against Aman first. He threw his tile with force, and it made a loud thud noise on the ground. Aman’s tile flipped over.
“I win!” Kartik shouted happily. He continued playing against other children and kept winning. He felt as if no one could beat him at this game now.
Just then, a boy named Sahil, who had just moved to a nearby apartment in the neighborhood, stepped forward. He looked at the game with interest and asked, “Can I play too?”
Kartik said, “Of course bro, but be ready to lose!” He was confident that he could beat Sahil just like he had beaten everyone else.
Sahil then placed his tile on the ground. Kartik threw his Ddakji with full force. But this time, the tile did not flip over!!
Sahil picked up his tile and smiled. “Now it’s my turn,” he said. He took a deep breath, focused carefully, and threw his tile at the perfect angle. Flip! Kartik’s tile turned over.
Kartik had lost for the first time and his face turned red with embarrassment. “That was just luck,” he told Sahil.
Sahil smiled and asked, “Well, so do you want to play again?” Kartik hesitated for a moment. He did not want to lose again, but he also wanted to win. “Fine,” he said as he took a tile out of his pocket to play another game of Ddakji.
They played again, and Sahil won again. Kartik was frustrated now. No matter how hard he threw his tile, it did not work.
After losing, Kartik said in disappointment, “Maybe this game is not fair.”
Sahil calmly responded, “Ddakji is about technique, not strength.” He then picked up a tile and showed Kartik how to move his wrist and hit the tile at the perfect angle. “Try it like this,” he told Kartik.
Kartik was not happy with his loss. But he still followed Sahil’s instructions and threw his tile again. Flip! Sahil’s tile turned over. “I did it!” Kartik screamed in joy.
Sahil responded, “See? You just needed the right technique.”
From that day, Kartik and Sahil became very good friends and practiced Ddakji together every evening. Instead of getting angry when he lost, Kartik started learning from his mistakes. Soon, he was not only winning games but also helping others get better at Ddakji.
Losing is not the end. In fact, it is a chance to grow and become a better person. A true winner is not someone who never loses but someone who learns from their mistakes and keeps improving.
When we respect and help each other, we all become better together. Facing challenges with a positive attitude is a good self-improvement tip but it also helps build strong friendships and a supportive community.
Q. Why was Kartik excited to play Ddakji?
A. Kartik had just learned the Korean game and was confident that he could defeat everyone.
Q. How did Sahil manage to defeat Kartik?
A. Sahil used the right technique instead of just his strength. He hit Kartik’s tile at the perfect angle to flip it.
Q. What was Kartik’s initial reaction to losing?
A. Kartik was embarrassed and frustrated. He thought that the game was unfair instead of seeing his mistakes.
Q. How did Kartik improve at Ddakji?
A. Kartik learned by watching Sahil and using the right wrist movements. Kartik changed his focus from strength to skill, and gradually became an expert at the game.
Q. What is the main lesson of the story?
A. Losing is an opportunity to learn, adapt and improve. It is not a reason to feel discouraged or embarrassed.
Ddakji Play Challenge
Activity:
Kids and parents will create their own Ddakji tiles using colorful paper and then compete in a friendly Ddakji battle. This activity promotes creativity, fine motor skills, and strategic thinking while having fun together.
Why it’s fun:
This hands-on activity combines arts and crafts with an exciting game. Kids will love designing their own tiles and learning the best flipping techniques to win the challenge!
Products:
Colorful origami paper or thick craft paper
Markers, stickers, or decorative tape
A flat surface to play on (table or floor)
How it Works:
Create the Tiles – Parents and kids fold their own Ddakji tiles using thick paper. (Tip: Use two sheets of paper for a sturdier tile!)
Decorate the Tiles – Let kids personalize their tiles with stickers, drawings, or patterns.
Learn the Rules – Explain the goal: Flip your opponent’s tile by slamming yours onto it.
Practice Throwing Techniques – Experiment with different angles and wrist movements to see what works best.
Start the Battle! – Take turns challenging each other. Keep score or play until someone wins three rounds.
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