Purple:  Agreed.  And there's always the global route, as Rod said.  As for checkers, I've decided to try to learn the game a bit.  I know the moves but know nothing about opening theory nor of endgame theory.  And I'm fuzzy on the middle stuff too! ;)  My kids at school (elementary) can beat me.  I think in time I can improve somewhat but I think I'll be rated to begin with near 1400 or maybe a bit less.  We shall see soon enough ;)