"checkmate..."

Sometimes we dream being stuck as a kid... nothing to worry about (i.e. bills, love life, more bills) - all that is important is to sleep early, do homework, and excel in school. Fairly easy and when all has been accomplished, all remains to playtime.

For some, chess is just a game... for most, life is like a game of chess. Every move is crucial, every piece important. It's all about "touch moves" as I would describe it - whatever you decide to do (assuming it is good), you just have to suck up the outcome, no mulligans (oh, and don't forget that every decision is under time pressure too... no rush j/k).

So you ask me, "What about checkmates?"... ah, that's why life is good. If you are lucky, then you get second chances... you gather all your pieces, lay them out, and decide better to prevent it from happening again.

"Play the game, don't let the game play you..."