I have recently been addicted to chess, so I wrote a small short story to capture one of my most memorable games. Enjoy!
Black and White
Thud! The ornately carved wooden piece was swiftly knocked over as his knight took mine. As the midday sun shone through the skylight, a delicate iridescent reflection broke my concentration briefly, but I still was able to keep my composure. Though lifeless, my opponent’s dark knight, now standing on my tile, seemed to reciprocate his haughty smirk. While setting down my piece on his side of the table, he pressed his timer firmly, leaving a greasy smudge on the screen. His dark eyes snaked across the board, then found my face again. My surroundings grew quiet as his gleaming eyes fixated on mine and his insufferable grin returned.
“What are you gonna do?” he snidely announced.
Trying my hardest to conceal a surreptitious smile, my face remained still as a statue. He had already disadvantaged himself by uttering those useless words; this was a match that required the utmost concentration. Any less attention would be blatant disrespect towards the game. There was no time for distractions. No time for talking. Only mind games. Brows furrowed. Sweat ran in rivulets and pooled at the collars of our shirts, pressed tightly against our bodies. As my hand stroked my chin, I kept in mind the upcoming critical decision could potentially set the tone for the entire match. A long, silent deliberation ensued.
No, that move is too obvious. The discovered check is tempting, but it would prevent my other pieces from developing. Definitely not, as he could play bE5, kC2, then rH8… I can play bxF2 though, even if I left this piece hanging…
I could feel this was where my opponent would break. His face was beginning to look bored, weathered, and aloof; it seemed as though he no longer had the burning desire to win. But I did. I calculate. I take, he takes. 2 players, 32 pieces, 64 tiles. All taking part in one beautifully simple, yet complex board game. As I gingerly moved my queen on his king’s diagonal, I could not contain my jubilant grin any longer.
“Checkmate,” I announced.
The crowd exploded in a thunderous applause as we shook hands. He was a pretty good opponent—better than good, actually. Not that I’d ever tell him that. I could feel his intent stare burning into my eyes, but luckily, they were emotions of jealousy, not arrogance. Not another word was spoken as we both departed the table.
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