Deceptively calm scene, stage set for a fight
Rows of black, empty space, rows of white
A battlefield the grid will provide
Menacingly identical armies, either side
Soon to become an intricate collection
A network of threats, trades and protection
Every possibility worked out in advance
Pawns and knights inch across the blank expanse
Enemy’s strategy broken down to a science
Simple plastic statues united in an alliance
All the possibilities laid out and dissected
Vital intelligence compiled, collected
The scheme evolves: erased, and redrawn
A bishop for a rook, a knight for a pawn
Until finally the path is set for a win
Their queen is captured and the games begin
Their front line fails, only stragglers left
Valiant resurgence suppressed with deft
A pack of wild dogs, the pieces advance
Cornered, weakened, the enemy stands no chance
A flash of action, tactical genius at play
The king – besieged! Soon to be prey,
No mercy to be given, victory awaits
‘Click’ the piece is placed – checkmate!