Article written by – Mr. Ayan Karmokar (VCA chess trainer)The game was about to begin. I was looking at my pawns wondering which one to move first. Hello! I am Gorky. I am 10 years old, and this is my first over the board tournament. I am playing white. For those of us who were introduced to chess on a computer screen, playing with chess pieces and board is different. My dad said, these used to be the real thing back in the days before the pandemic happened.As the clock started ticking, I kept starring at the board wondering which one was my strongest pawn. As I examined, I noticed that the pawns were discussing something among themselves. I wondered what they might be talking about. I tried listening to their discussion.The f2 pawn was complaining about something to the g2 pawn. He said, “I envy e2 and d2 because they always gets to move first!”. The g2 pawn who seemed to have lost all his hopes, grumpily replied, “He never bothers about pushing me first, either!”. The f2 and g2 pawn clearly seemed unhappy.
As I paid more attention, I noticed that the a2 and h2 pawns were sleepy and relaxed probably they knew they will never be the one to move first. While the e2 and d2 pawn seemed ready as always. They looked confident and prepared! The c2 pawn unlike f2, was very friendly. He was fine that his best friend d2 gets to move first followed by him. He said, “I am happy to follow d2 and sometime enjoy the attention of being the first pawn to move when you play “The English”.
Honestly, I did not understand what the c2 pawn said. However, I felt bad for the f2 pawn. So, I decided to give him an opportunity this time! I play my first move
My opponent who was just another kid like me, looked at me as if I had done something wrong. After a moment, he gradually looked down on the board and pushed his harmless looking e7 pawn to e6.
I felt good that I have treated my f4 pawn better than my opponent. I could see the f4 pawn looking content and proud about itself.
As I was pondering about my next move, I realized that I had to treat the g2 pawn with the same respect as I did for the f-pawn. Without a moment of hesitation, I pushed my g2 pawn two square forward!
My opponent now looked at me with such dis-believe! But for me it was a moment of glory because I had treated the f and g- pawns with utmost respect. I helped two poor souls and made them feel happy and cared for. I smiled at him with such content and pride, trying to show off my achievements, on move 2!
As I looked at my opponent, I could see a sparkle in his eyes. He reached out for his queen, picked it up and placed it at the right edge of the board. I said to myself, “Never bring your queen out in the open at the start of the game”.
My opponent looked at me, this time he gave a smile full of content and pride and uttered the word, “Checkmate!”.
I was checkmated with a “Fool’s Mate” on the second move!
Now-a-days I do not pay attention to the pawn’s discussing their turns. Instead, I follow the opening principles and avoid getting checkmated on the second move!
