The Shipboard Tournament

The paid match develops from an exhibition of the champion’s superiority into a confrontation with an unknown player.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Terms of Play

A Professional Arrangement Rules in the smoking room Mirko Czentovic proposes that the passengers play collectively, since the ship lacks enough boards for a simultaneous match. He sets a time limit and moves between the tables. Unequal footing The amateurs agree to the champion’s procedure. His cool authority and their nervous deference establish a contest in which the group begins at a psychological disadvantage.

The Group’s Draw

An Unexpected Reversal A dangerous promotion The passengers consider advancing a pawn to become a queen, unaware that Mirko Czentovic has prepared a trap. Dr B intervenes and explains how the move would lead to defeat. Respect replaces contempt Following Dr B’s guidance, the group holds the champion to a draw. Mirko Czentovic recognizes that the stranger, not the assembled amateurs, is the real source of resistance.

The Direct Challenge

The Stranger Is Named A public invitation McConnor calls for Dr B to play the next match himself. The group’s excitement turns the stranger’s brief intervention into a public challenge. Reluctant consent Dr B initially refuses, explaining that he has not played for more than twenty years. After learning that his opponent is a recognized grandmaster, he agrees to one match, while cautioning everyone against expecting too much.

The afternoon after McConnor secures the match

During the second match, near the thirty-seventh move

Immediately after the draw