— Let’s play a chess game.

— Are you sure?

— Why not? I have nothing to lose. Are you afraid I might beat you? By the way, what’s the Queen’s Gambit?

— Don’t try to run before you can walk. I’d better give you a quick mini masterclass first.

— “Give you a masterclass, give you a masterclass...” You’re such a pompous guy. Be quick, or else…

— What?

— I’ll… take white.

— That was off the table from the start, rookie.

— Okay, Mr. Paskarov. Enlighten me.

— Happy to help. And it’s Kasparov. The first thing you need to know is that the pieces aren’t moved “just because.” Every move should have a purpose, like protecting or attacking something.

— Okay, I can do that. Can we start already?

— Not before you learn three golden rules. Rule number one.

— Don’t tell me… “Don’t blow up balloons with chewing gum.”

— Do you want to play or not?

(To be continued)