The Game

Kasper and Valencie were two titans of the game. They each had a loyal following. A cloud of admirers, imitators, disciples that stood fiercely behind their selected champion.

Kasper was measured, with a deep and long strategy that built up slowly through the match. Valencie was the opposite, quick and reckless with an edge of chaos. The possibilities of their meeting tantalized everyone.

Under the surface of the game, the two had a mutual respect for each other, but a professional jealousy as well. Neither would hold back in their upcoming match.

One crisp fall day, the two fell into the other’s shadow – bright lights and cameras making that image literal.

Kasper started the match quietly, as per usual. His placement was strong, but neutral, not hinting at future moves. Valencie countered almost immediately, having watched Kasper’s usual tactics for a week prior to the match. His play was strong, but still lagging behind the other man’s manoeuvre.

Four moves in and the momentum had shifted. Kasper’s long arc threatened derailment as he was pressed to stop Valencie’s bold push. Valencie’s smile was wide and confident as he saw Kasper’s straight posture slump slightly as the back and forth continued.

Valencie had stumbled into a Nerov Split and was two moves away from a payoff. Kasper sat up suddenly and seemed to see the plays so far from a new angle. He easily bested Valencie’s accidental stratagem and left himself in stronger position.

It was now Valencie’s turn to be deflated. Taking a cue from his opponent he looked at the long path of the game so far. His placements, that he thought strong, were not and Kasper’s dejection was a feint to lull him into complacency.

“I concede.” Valencie muttered under his breath. Cameras clicked and flash bulbs went off.

“What was that?” ask Kasper wryly. The man was almost gloating, egging his opponent into saying it a second time.

“I concede.” Valencie said, stronger this time, with an edge of anger in his voice at the humiliation.

Kasper looked around the room. A thin grin spreading across his face. “I won’t let you.” he said with an unrestrained hint of glee.

He took the final piece of the game and dropped it into place, saying the words that would echo for nearly a decade.

“Connect four.”