It’s quiet in the hall
while soft light streams in through the ceiling-high windows. Periodically I can hear a cough, someone mumbling to themselves, or the deep clink of ceramics. In front of me is a gorgeous collection of 32 pieces on a black and white checkered board. I’m playing in my first chess tournament, the 2nd Annual Arita Porcelain Park Chess Taikai. My opponent picks up a marble white pawn and puts it down two squares up the board.
E4! The game is on. 14
