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Chessville
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The Kennedy Kids Mary Elizabeth, Matt & Jon
Amazing Sometimes I amaze even myself. “Amaze? – Amuse? – it comes down to the same thing, doesn’t it?” said my big brother Matt, chuckling as he passed by on the way to some kind of ball game. “A muse? Inspired? Are you writing again, little brother?” asked Mary Elizabeth from her perch at the computer. “I’m glad, Jon, it’s about time you wrote your thank-you notes,” added Mom in a reminding voice that floated out of the kitchen. “If you’re perspiring,” mumbled Dad, from behind the newspaper, “be sure you take a shower before you go to bed tonight.” Well, at least Marty the dog was paying attention. Smart dog. Earlier in the day I was playing chess with Will, and he insisted upon using his new Star Wars chess set. It was kind of neat and all, but I prefer a regular Staunton style set. Figurine pieces are distracting. Will set the board up. Of course, I took the Dark Side. Before starting his clock, I stared long and hard at the white army, and then slowly adjusted the placement of his King, saying “J’adoube.” You can “adjust” a piece on its square if you say “J’adoube.” His eyebrow shot up, but Will came right back with his favorite 1.e4. I fell into a deep think, and twice more nudged his monarch, first this way (“J’adoube”), then that (“J’adoube”). I could hardly take my eyes off of his pieces, but finally managed 1…d5. Will thought a moment, then captured my pawn with 2.exd5. It was hardly a surprise move, but I took my time in responding, staring and adjusting some more. “C’mon, J’Adoubovich,” Will muttered under his breath. “Make a move.” Finally I played 2…Qxd5 – and then leaned my head down over the board one more time, squinted up my eyes and adjusted the enemy King.
“Just what is wrong with my King??” Will roared, snatching it up for his own inspection. All I had to say was “Touch move.” “What?” “You touch a piece, you have to move it,” I smirked. “You didn’t say ‘J’adoube’.” Unfortunately, the white King only had one place to go, to e2. After 3.Ke2, I played 3…Qe4 mate. Something tells me I probably should leave Will alone for a few more days, until he cools down. And finds all of the pieces he sent flying from the board. “Ruff” said Marty, full of sympathy.
“You’re telling me,” I told him. There was going to be time to write those
thank-you notes after all. Read more about this incident, from Mary Elizabeth's point of view, in Oh... Index of Fiction at Chessville
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