[IC: backdated to before 2nd boggart attack]

[thekingsgambit]

[somewhere outside. hopefully where there is quiet and no people. we have a two boys, a chess board and some friendly teaching play]

I expect you've studied that book enough to understand the basic movements and objectives.

Comments

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[moving his other knight back to d-2]

But it's true, isn't it?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[pawn to d-3]

You are supposed to be focusing on the game.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[pawn to e-3]

Eh? I am.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[knight takes pawn on f-2]

Ah. You know, a typical move of beginners is to try and achieve promotion.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[takes that knight with a rook!]

That's when a pawn reaches the end of the board, right?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[glancing at suzaku rather than the board]

And takes on the identity of a stronger piece, correct. I am curious why you've made no attempt at such play.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

Should I have?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[drops gaze to the board, expecting suzaku to follow suit]

That is up to you to decide.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

I'll remember to try next game then.

[returns his eyes to the board too]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Giving up already? Or have you finally started to notice the bigger picture?

[and i'll be taking that rook now]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[taking the rook with his king]

It's only that it seems like something that I should have tried at the beginning. Not later on.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

There are many things you should have noticed from the beginning, I'm afraid.

[slowly bringing queen to take pawn on e-3]

Have you gotten far enough to know what this situation is usually called?

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[GIVE HIM A MINUTE]

. . . that I lost?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[laughs slightly]

I suppose you could call it that since it was certainly not a victory on your part. However, it wold be more accurate to refer to it as a stalemate. You have no moves left that will not place you in check.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[glances at the board and finds that this is quite true]

-- Congratulations.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

I hope you found it informative.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[pauses. . . and then shakes his head slightly]

Thank you. I'll have to keep practicing for next time.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[confused by that pause but letting it pass for now]

I'm glad to hear it. Perhaps you can try again to surprise me then.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

I'll do my best. But it won't be easy, will it?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

It would hardly be fair to either of us if it were.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[nods and smiles a little more confidently]

I'll look forward to it then.