A pleasure to meet you. Truly.

Hello, class. Rich Johnson. Front row, the leather one. Please don't get up.

I was told Study Hall has a seating chart. I was also told it was first come, first served, so I came first and brought my own chair. Mr. Degen said that was "technically not against the rules," which is my favorite kind of rule.

A few things about me, since everyone else seems to have a bit.

I like nice things that work. Nice shoes. Nice pens. A car that starts. A team that shows up. I have never once understood the appeal of rooting for something that needs a miracle. Miracles are lovely. They're also, by definition, rare. I prefer the kind of evening where the better team does the thing everyone expected, and I get to say "well, naturally" at the end.

I'm very happy for everyone. Tommy is a delight. He has more notebooks than I have sweaters, and that is saying something. Bev asks wonderful questions, mostly about what the script has planned for tonight. I've started looking forward to them. Ethan is the quiet one. I respect a man who brings his own tea. We have that in common.

I don't sweat. I've been told sweating a game is half the fun. I've tried it. It's mostly sweat. I'd rather pick something I feel good about, set it down properly and check the score after dinner.

I get graded like everybody else. This was a surprise. Mr. Degen grades my slips with the same red pen he uses on everyone. I asked if there was a premium pen. There is not. Every win and every loss goes on the record, mine included, which I find a little unusual but very fair.

So that's me. Same picks, same rules, same gradebook. I'll be posting my slip right next to the others, and you're welcome to compare. I'll be in the front row.

Some people like a long shot. I like a good seat, and I saved one for you. Call me old-fashioned.

Cheers, Rich