It’s a rainy day, and I like those, but today I’m stressed with a work deadline and feeling out of sorts, physically and mentally. Just one of those days, y’know?
Sitting on metro on the ride in to work, I’m playing a game of chess on my tablet. Doing okay, I think. I’m in a good position to start putting pressure on the king and I figure I’m a half dozen or so moves from taking the game.
Someone sits down next to me a chats a little with another person in the seat across the isle. I can sense they are strangers and the conversation is a bit socially awkward because the guy sitting next to me is a bit off. Too friendly or something. Jeans and gray sweat shirt. A bit too thin and twitchy. Tobacco stained fingers.
He looks over at me and sees I’m on my tablet:
Guy: Whatcha got there? You playing chess?
Me: Yeah. Something to do on a commute.
(I put my head back down indicating lack of interest in conversation.)
Guy: <shakes his head> You white?.. I’m much better at this than you.
Me: Yeah. I’m sure you’re right. I’m not very good. (Hoping that’s the end of it.)
Guy: So what are you going to do next?
Me: (A little annoyed now.) I think I’ll continue to pressure the king.
Guy: Really? Is that the point?
Me: (… wtf?) Isn’t it? Force the opponent to make a mistake…
Guy: You haven’t castled yet. Why don’t you castle?..
I look down at the castling move and wonder what it’s going to get me when I’ve just put my queen deep in the opponent’s end zone.
Me: Really? Why castle?
Guy: You look smart, but I’m much better at this than you are.
Me: I think I should continue to attack.
Guy: Well, I’ve got one more stop. Up to you. <shakes head again>
Me: (Fine. I’ll humor him for one stop.) Alright. <castle king side>
Game: <Offers to resign match>
Guy: <Nods his head in approval…> I’m sure you’re smarter than me at other things. I’m Justin <sticks out his hand>
Me: I’m QS. Thanks for the game Justin. <shake hands>
Justin: Well, this is my stop. I’m sure you’re smart at other things…
Me: … It’s not about that, is it? This is chess.
Justin: … I’m really good at this.
Me: Yes you are, Justin. Thanks for the game.
Train leaves with me staring at the board for the rest of the ride. Grinning like an idiot.
Have a good life Justin.