Making First Move Novels & Stories

Kael explained dramatically, gesturing wildly with a carved piece, "is always thinking a minimum of three distinct moves ahead of your opponent." Aiden studied the checkered board intently for a brief moment, his silver eyes scanning the pieces. Then, without a word, he quietly and deliberately moved one small wooden piece forward. Kael froze, staring down at the placement in utter disbelief. "...You just completely trapped my Alpha piece. How did you even see that angle?" Aiden blinked innocently. "I did?" "You absolutely did," Commander Roland noted, walking past the grass and glancing down at the board with a massive smirk. "Did the little prince get the better of you again, Kael?"

just an interesting observation. I was the one with the white pieces so I was to play first. I made my first move with my Knight, jumping over the pieces in front of it- what I considered to be a very proactive start. He played, something simple... a pawn in the middle. I brought out my other night and he sighed. "Why did I assume you would be good at this?" I was baffled. "What?" "Chess. You looked like some kind of savant and this is your opener?"

Just enough to remind me I’m in his space. A low chuckle somewhere to my left. My eyes burn. They're finding it fucking entertaining. One more attempt would make me look desperate. Walking away would look weak. Staying— Staying makes me look pathetic. There is no winning move on this board. Only damage control. I draw in a slow breath through my nose. Count four. Hold. Release. I pivot slightly, preparing to leave before this degrades further. I turn—just as a hand clamps down on my shoulder.

Mara had agreed to stay behind during the game. She didn’t trust the quiet either. Finn rolled a toy puck across the floor. Liam stared at it intensely. The puck lifted slightly. Hovered. Then dropped again. Mara watched carefully. “Your control is improving,” she murmured. Liam giggled proudly. Then suddenly— Mara froze. She felt it too. The same pressure Jake had sensed earlier. Someone powerful had just entered the building. The First Move The game began normally. The puck dropped. The crowd roared.

he gestured to the storm of light and sound around us, “is reality. Choose.” The men on either side closed in. Cora was poised, a hunting knife now in her hand, but she was one against a dozen. Stromwell was offering a cage, but one with gilded bars and medical guarantees. The alternative was the icy river, or a bullet. I looked at the stone king in my hand. The First Move. My mother’s move had been to run, to hide, to scatter the pieces. It had brought us here. I made mine. I threw the chess piece. Not at Stromwell. Not into the river. I threw it with all my strength at the helicopter’s spotlight.

“You have to call me ‘Grandpa’ after the competition when you lose then…” Geoff was livid and coldly said to Darryl, “You… Okay! Sure! I’ll bet with you!” The competition then officially began! Go was divided into black stones and white stones with Geoff taking black and Darryl white. The one who took white stones would usually be the first according to the rules. Darryl picked up a white Go stone at that moment, but he did not place it on the chessboard. He smiled at Geoff and said, “Mister Jefferson, why don’t you start first. I’ll allow you nine moves as a head start…”

Jiro thought. "Lorenzo! I pick him as my opponent..." "Oh? Alright." Lorenzo only shrugged unbothered and composed as he leaned back on his chair and prepared the chess pieces. "...You can go first." Jiro ignored the sweat trickling down his brow, especially since he was surrounded by men watching a perilous game that could end his life. "K," Lorenzo snorted as he did the first move, moving the pawn forward. Jiro's teeth were gritted as he moved his pawn with trembling hands.

Alexander nodded and began setting up the pieces, explaining each one’s movement as he placed them on the board. “White goes first,” he said, gesturing to my side of the board. “Your move.” I hesitated, then moved a pawn forward two spaces. Alexander nodded approvingly and moved one of his own pawns. The game progressed slowly, with me making cautious moves and Alexander responding with quick, strategic ones. It was clear he’d played this game many times before, while I was just guessing at the best course of action.

The only thing that remained now was how to deale with the situation at hand. “Remember to act natural. We don't want to spook him. Just be your usual self so we can get out of there as quickly as possible. My men would be surrounding the perimeter to make sure that the situation is managed.” “You’re going to make the first move?" He looked at me like I was stupid. “No, but if he does make the first move, I want to be prepared to stop it.” It was a god enough plan and since I didn't have any more to add, I just stayed quiet.

Alexa was still standing in front not wanting to move. “Don’t even think!” I pointed my finger at her sharply. She looked at me hurt, turning to the house, but I couldn’t risk anything else happening to her, even though she was a good warrior, she was my only relative and as my younger sister, she would have to lead a pack if anything happened to me. I had 300 souls with me who were willing to follow me and I was grateful I deserved it. “We are ready for the movement Alpha”, Tyron echoed.