Title:  Gameology
Fandom: White Collar
Summary: Peter, Neal and Moz on the pop-pscyhologist's couch



As everybody knows, the games people play tell us a lot about their true inner self.  This certainly holds true for Peter, Neal and Mozzie.


Peter solves crossword puzzles, pitting his mind against the puzzle creator in a one-on-one competition where there are no losers, only winners.  He does enjoy getting recognition, though, holding 3 4 New York Puzzlethon trophies.  He's sure of himself and expects no mistakes, and therefore fills them in with pen.


Peter also enjoys team sports - such as baseball and basketball - both as a player and spectator.  He supports his team no matter what, and will reject fans of competing teams on principle.


Neal plays games in order to win: money, esteem, or whatever other goal he has in mind.  The games he enjoys; such as pool, poker and chess; pit him against his opponent(s) in a battle where there is only one victor, and the loser leaves with nothing.  These games require both skill and brains, but the final result is also determined by chance.  This gives him an opportunity to best his opponents by whatever means possible, since as far as Neal is concerned the rules are there to be broken.



Mozzie mostly enjoys games of pure chance.  But whether he's playing Parcheesi with June, chess with Neal or gin rummy with El, it's all about spending quality time with a friend.  The type of game is, therefore, irrelevant.  Whether win or lose, the end result will always be an opportunity to set up the next game.  Mozzie cheats in almost every aspect of his life, but when it comes to his friends he plays straight.