Kaikorai Valley College year 11
A handshake and a slap of the clock, the game begins.
The tick of the clock drones on through the hall, reporting how much time remains for each player on this 90-minute battlefield.
The audience gathers round to bear witness.
A simple opening, 1 e4, is played. The wooden chessman hits its new position, echoing throughout.
The move is quickly reported on paper and the top of the clock is hit, now counting how much time Black has.
Black takes their time, tapping their foot against the floor and wiping away sweat from their forehead.
A pawn is lifted, and finds its new home, 1 ... e5. With principle, White hastily deploys and develops their Knight from the kingside to f3, making 2 Nf3, attacking Black, and further reinforcing the tension of the room.
Tick ... tick ... tick ... Fifteen minutes left.
Distant sounds of walking fade away to outside of the hall.
A look of worry on Black’s face tells enough of their position.
Whispers are shared between spectators, telling of White’s impending victory.
Rooks barge through the board, aiming for checkmate, but only now does worry fade from Black’s face, for there has been a blunder.
To everyone’s surprise, Black has turned the tables, and forced a checkmate.
The expression of confidence and seriousness falls off White’s face, after such a regrettable ending.
Eyes darting across the 64 squares, White eventually accepts their defeat.
A handshake and a pause of the clock.
The game ends.
