A Chat about Chess

“Chess, milady”, said the king, “is very

serious business. I, for one, am very

slow, moving one square at a time, but in

all directions. Guard yours truly to win.

Beside me, is my faithful queen, a strong

soldier who darts across the board along

all points of the compass for the team. And

on either side of us, the bishops stand

who move diagonally and defeat

the enemy by forcing a retreat

with their wit and shrewdness. Alongside them,

are positioned the brave knights. Strategem

is easy as he is undaunted by

a foe in his path as his steed doth fly

over him in clever L – formation.

Up next are the strong castles. Foundations

so strong hinders diagonal movement.

Hence, they heave their heavy selves and then vent

their power in a straight manner. In front

of us, is a phalanx of pawns. They hunt

their prey one step at a time and forward

alone. They are oft thought cowards

but on the other end become powers.

May the battle begin, my dear flower.”

Chess - John Singer Sargent