Checkmate.

I'm in a dilema now. And you could say it's my fault that i landed up in this state, for depending so much on Her. So much so, it restricts my gameplay.

I don't like to be in a game where my Queen isn't on the table. There are players who could win games with their bishops and rooks but to me my gameplay revolves around my Queen.

She forms the heartbeat of the team. every basic move encompasses around Her. Attacks begin with Her and She will be there to support the attack or finish off the move at a later point in time. In short She's the playmaker, not very mich different from Arsenal's Fabregas, or Laker's Kobe.

I could do away with all the other pieces (apart from the king of course which represents my life in the game), but taking the Queen away from my gameplay would leave me very much handicapped. My opponent must have checked out my game play. It's what we all do in such competitions. The circle of players isn't a lot, especially in a small country like this, and the players like to call themselves the 'fraternity'. Seeking information from the other players doesn't require much effort. You simply have to challenge somebody within the fraternity for a game and during the game itself, you can seek any valuation, or valuable information in short, that you require.

Back to the game itself, my opponent had clearly set off with an agenda to restrict the movement of my Queen. He seemed very much satisifed with the current situation. I wouldn't be surprised if he would be contended sitting there, soaking up the waves of attacks coming at him, patiently. In between the last eleven moves which saw the start of three different attacking moves that i had tried on him, my Queen could only amuse herself with the sight of her calvary pieces doing what houseflies do to the thick skin of an elephant. attacks which seek the attention at the start but soon break down with no bite. attacks easily brushed off by him. Which had only infuriated me further. Defensive plays are no dout my greatest nightmare.

And so, i'm in a dilemna. between sacrificng my Queen, playing a game that is out of my comfort zone. and being free frome his vice liked grip, or wait patiently and see out this stalemate.

His next move sealed my decision, and ultimately my fate as well. Sensing that he was growing a little restless as well, and myself growing confident with a plan formulating in my mind that can end the game in the next three minutes. A series of exchanges would be involved, which will ultimately end up with my Queen being sacrificed. Sacrificing my Queen though will break up his fortress, paving way for my rook and knight to find a way to trap his king. And I can see how it can be done in a matter of moves. I could feel the confidence growing in me now.

The trap was laid. And he sank his Bishop into it. The exchanges that followed were swift.

"And finally. Your Queen."

"That is unfortunate. For the greater good, sacrifices must be made, Knight to d5."

"Now I see you're making some progress, breaking up my fortress.

Fortunately, your Queen is out of the way, and this makes my job simple."

"Checkmate."

^ _ ^

I needed 4 moves to win the game.

He took 3. Along with my Queen.