This is partially in the gene and partial in the way a kid learns the trick.
One data point:
In first grade, James' math skill was at the top of his class. One game they
played in math class is called "Circle the World", in which a student
stands up, walks with the teacher to another student; the teacher raises a
card with math questions written thereon; whoever answers with the correct
answer quicker is the winner and walk to the next student. If a student
stands up and walks back to his or her seat without losing a single game, he
or she is the overall winner and has "circled the world." James won this
game most of the time.
One day when I waited outside the classroom, I peeked inside through
the window. James was walking with the teacher and the teacher raised a
card infront of James and one student. James opened his mouth seconds later;
the student shook his head; James and the teacher moved on to another
student. From that, I figured that they were doing the Circle the World game
. Then I noticed a surprising scene. When James walked to Sam, one of James'
friend, and the teacher raised a card, James did not open his mouth for a
"long" time and Sam opened his mouth eventually. After the teacher said
something, Sam was literally jumping with joy! And James quietly walked back
to his desk alone; Sam walked with the teacher to the next student.
Apparently James lost the competition to Sam. However, I noticed when James
walked back, there was a hint of smile on his face.
Later I picked him up and drove back home. During the trip I asked him about
the game and his reaction thereto. James said: Dad, I have won that game
multiple times and Sam never won. I knew the answer to the question before
Sam and me but I just wanted him to win at least for this time. He is my
FRIEND! He was so happy that he shouted something like "I beat James! I beat
James, the super star!" to the top of his voice. If my friend is happy, I
am happy. Losing a game like that is nothing. After all, friendship is more
important to winning a game.
Needless to say, I was very proud of my kid for what he had done. My only
advice was that he needed to work on keeping a poker face next time . . .
I think this character helps explain why James has so many friends. The above anecdote
is one of my proudest moments for my kid.