Cal 103 "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight" by Clifford Geertz

             Why do people cockfight in Bali knowing how illegal it is? Cockfighting is a way of living, distinguishing people, winning money, supporting your family, and establishing masculinity. It is one of the most important ways of life in Bali. It is a reason to bring the community together. It is something to bring all the father's to one location to see who can do the best at picking the best chicken.

             Although cockfighting is important, the main reason I think that people participate in cockfights, is not for the money but for the entertainment. It's like watching TV in Bali, but a little bit more exciting, especially with a wager. Watching to chickens fight to the death puts on a show for the whole village, although some people may be sickened by it. Cockfighting is probably one of the most exciting thing to happen in a village, participating in it like the author did helped him assimilate into the discourse community.

             Cock fighting is like the local sports team playing, only your sports team will never play again if they loose. I've watched a cockfight before and I have found it to be very entertaining, yet the outcome is really random because they are flying and just jumping into each other. Although the author says there is a strategy of betting on the bigger cock, there doesn't look like there is any skill to picking. It is probably more luck based if anything, although the bigger cock does have a small advantage, it really isn't that important. The author claims to have statistics saying that the bigger cock has an advantage over the other, it doesn't seem to matter because the payout for choosing the smaller cock is much higher. The game is basically luck based, you will break even if you place enough bets. Cockfights, although pointless can be a lot of fun just for the thrill of gambling.