Desmond's First Chess Tournament

Slow Hands

1On Saturday, the school cafeteria did not look like a cafeteria at all. Long rows of tables stretched from wall to wall, and each one held a black-and-white chessboard. Instead of the usual clatter of trays, the only sounds were the soft tap of pieces and the click of game clocks. Desmond stood in the doorway and gripped the strap of his backpack.

2This was his first chess tournament. For months, he had practiced with his grandfather on the back porch after dinner. Grandpa Lou always said, "Slow hands win games." But right now, Desmond's hands would not stop shaking.

3His first opponent was a tall girl named Lucía who wore a sweater covered in tiny knights. She smiled and held out her hand. "Good luck," she said. "This is my fifth tournament, but I still get nervous." Desmond shook her hand and mumbled, "You too." He wondered how anyone could feel nervous five times and still come back.

4The game began. Desmond moved his pawns carefully, the way Grandpa Lou had taught him. Then Lucía slid her queen across the board, and his stomach dropped. He had not seen that move coming. I already lost, he thought. Everyone in this room is better than me.

5Desmond wanted to knock over his king and give up. Instead, he closed his eyes and pictured the porch: the creaky swing, the buzzing porch light, and Grandpa Lou tapping his chin as he thought. Slow hands, he reminded himself. He opened his eyes and studied every piece on the board.

6Then he saw it. If he moved his knight, he could protect his king and trap Lucía's queen at the same time. He took a deep breath and made the move. Lucía's eyebrows shot up. "Nice one," she whispered.

7The game lasted another twenty minutes. In the end, Lucía won, but it was close. Desmond was surprised to find that he did not feel crushed. He felt proud. When they shook hands again, Lucía said, "You almost had me. Want to practice together at lunch next week?"

8Desmond grinned, and for the first time all morning, his hands were perfectly still. "Yes," he said. "I'd like that."