The essence of life, as McCarthy suggests, is rooted in play and games, which embody a deeper human experience beyond mere labor. Children intuitively recognize that play surpasses work in nobility, engaging them in various stakes that define their worth. The value of a game is derived not solely from its structure but from what is at risk, emphasizing the human experience of competition, skill, and the emotional stakes of pride and humiliation.

McCarthy draws a connection between all games and war, where the stakes become monumental, encompassing the very identity of the players involved. The outcomes of these games, whether of chance or skill, profoundly affect the participants, revealing the intrinsic value of what they are willing to wager. This intertwining of life, risk, and identity posits games as an essential part of the human condition.