This battle was not about searching for an opening, nor was it about two adversaries exchanging attacks. This battle was about choosing sides, choosing the appropriate style...

For those of you who know something about the battle that took place ages ago, this time, the roles would be inversed:

On one side, ‘Demetris’ would be assuming the role of a fierce Spartan. Supported by his Greek brethren, ‘Demetris’ would lay back behind a mighty fortress, almost ridiculing his opponent and silently taunting him with the words: "Take it if you can!" (The irony here is that a Spartan is known to engage in battle as the aggressor, by charging or advancing, and not behind a mighty fortress.)

And, on the other side, I, ‘KnightPawn28’, assuming the role of a Trojan fighting to reclaim what was once his ground... but this time outside of the city walls.

In a staged setting that would display two particular styles, only one side would be declared victor, either the one defending his ground behind a mighty fortress, or the one impelled to march forward in a hostile yet familiar ground. Was this a flashback of a historic battle that took place in front of the mighty walls of a city called Troy! Consider this an artistic remake! A battle of the mind, a virtual combat, an encounter between 2 chess.com equals on our shared chess network.

I did not know what to expect in this battle but, I admit, the occasion was mine to part with a good result after I realized that my adversary was merely defending his ground (yet was waiting for an opportunity to strike back with a merciless attack). In other words, I was incited to march forward and there was no turning back. I did not choose to attack. I had no other choice. I had to assume the role of the aggressor if I was to reclaim a sand of dignity!

One step after another, for every move I made I knew that this advance would have to be coordinated with precision and accuracy. If not, my advance would simply be futile and would fall apart or tumble like a house of cards.  

If I were to give this battle another title, I would call it: "Gaining Space: No turning back!”

The stratagem: The Trojan Horse

After 44…Nxe1, I was waiting to see if ‘Demetris’ would accept the Trojan horse or refute it. The answer I got was 45.Nxh7. I am not sure if this was a hotly disputed move but, the horse was now clearly inside the ‘city’ walls waiting for some reinforcements (45…Nxg3+ 46. hxg3 Kxh7 47.Nd2 Nxc2 48. Ne4 Bxa3  49. bxa3 Nxa3, in this position the horse stratagem proved to be the winning schema or plan.)

Enjoy The Game!

Cheers to my friend ‘Demetris’, and to all Spartans (and Greeks) taking part in the match: World League round 4- Canada vs Greece(Board 5) but, this result goes to the flag with the ‘Maple Leaf’!