A positive for being a KC sports fan? You get to experience a lot of beer!

Toasting a victory. Or more often than not for Kansas City fans of most major league sports, drowning sorrows of a crushing defeat. This is what a good beer is for!

Kansas City has had only TWO major league championship in the last 28 years (Thank you, Sporting Kansas City/Wizards). The Kansas City Chiefs haven't won a playoff game in 20 years, just recently having set an NFL record of an eight game losing streak in the playoffs, brought about by a record breaking loss on Saturday! The Kansas City Royals haven't been to the playoffs in 28 years and even with playing meaningful games in late September this last season, the Royals were still not among the teams playing in post-season baseball.

I have found solace from disappointing sports seasons even when my father's perpetual mantra of "There is always next year" isn't quite enough. This solace comes in the form of enjoying good beer with good friends. I have also found an enemy in our own city thanks to the help of Sam Mellinger and his article on the Nelson-Atkins' Shuttlecocks. I am just saying the museum may want to consider the possibilities of an angry, frustrated, and deprived fan base looking for a scapegoat. Especially with events in Indianapolis this past weekend. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a torch and pitchfork style mob on the lawn tearing these pieces of "art" down.

Because of these spirit crushing woes that I have been subjected to over the years, I have some tips for you while you drink your beer rooting for our doomed Kansas City teams.

1. Make sure your beer is securely ON the table or firmly in your grip as to not to be knocked over.
• There is no telling when a friend reaching for a chip or a sugar hyped kid could run by and knock over your beer and commit a party foul.
2. Speaking of beer being knocked over, keep in mind arm radius in relation to your beer.
• This is helpful for when an unexpected or freak play happens like a Graham Zusi goal or a fumble bouncing in to the hands of an opponents quarterback who then somehow scores a touchdown.
3. Drink with at least one friend.
• This will facilitate high fives, discussion when you try new beers, and maybe even winning some wager resulting from stubbornness between friends.
4. Be responsible when you drink.
• Never utter the words "Hold my beer and watch this."
• If you are not at your own place, put someone else in charge of your keys, so that you can have that conversation of being able to drive.
• Never drink and text. IT NEVER ENDS WELL!!!
5. When you team lets a 28 point lead slip away in less than a quarter... switch to shots and call it a night...

What are some tips (may or may not be drinking related) you may have for others when you watch a sporting event?

Why, you ask, are these tips or the fortunes of Kansas City sports team important? And more importantly what does this have to do with craft beer? This is important because Kansas Citinites?... Citans?... Kansas Citians! We have had more opportunity to drink beer because of our disappointments. This has given us reason for a demand of more diverse and better drinking options.

This, among other reasons, is why I want to help you find different options this year and encourage you to explore with me the joys of craft beer. Despite recent events I know that 2014 will be the best year yet! And together we can make sure it happens. Happy New Years and welcome 2014 in with a beer in hand! Cheers!