Chessboard Thievery: Playing For Keeps?

What I am about to share, on the surface will seem so grandiose that it might prompt a sudden urge to ignore it. But please, bear with me, lend your patience and your reading eye. 

It was a regular Monday morning. I wandered to my neighbourhood tavern, where I expected to enjoy a few Gin Martinis, and play a round of Chess. 

I should mention that the Tavern I attend is a popular locale for Chess playing, as well as alcohol consumption. Therefore, I always have my Chessboard handy, in case a chance to play "Over the Board" presents itself. The bartender that day was a new employee, and by chance legally compliant when it comes to the serving of liquor. He informed that liquor could not be served at the particular hour. I offered no quarrel, ordered a glass of water, and waited. 

It was about this time I decided to glance around the room. To survey if any of the other regular patrons were in attendance.  I found no familiar face. However, a stranger sat at a table where the Chess matches usually take place. He was reading a book. From a distance I could make out that the author was Wilhelm Steinitz. 

I approached the man, and asked if he played. "I only play for keeps" said he. Confused by this utterance, as I have never heard such colloquialism before, I didn't stop to consider the meaning of his words. "Alright, let's play" said I.

The man, well versed in the modern defence structure, beat me convincingly with the black pieces. This is where things start to get interesting. Upon giving checkmate, he immediately packed up my chess board, closed it, and with haste was about to leave. "What in the Lord are you doing?" said I. "I told you I only play for keeps" said he, and walked away. I ordered a Gin Martini, and sat in silence. 

Has anybody else been duped in a similar fashion? 

well, "I play for keeps" is quite obvious

Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. 

Did you happen to take a glance at some works by Edgar Allan Poe before making the original post?

Fantastic writer, the great Edgar Allan Poe. But without fortune, my Chess studies have taken me away from literature, at least for now.  

I think "Playing for keeps" refers only to the Chessboard in use. But I sure would like more information on the subject. 

You might have to ask FIDE whether that behaviour is compliant with the laws of chess.

So, you're a martini kind o' guy huh?

I'm afraid that this particular case may be outside of their jurisdiction. I was playing what my compatriots and I refer to as "Street Chess". 

It depends on the morning. 

Next time, ask him for a rematch. You might get your chessboard back.

Or lose your jacket.

I don't think you understand how well studied this gentleman was in the game of Chessary. I almost accused him of being Magnus Carlsen is disguise. 

Perhaps he was... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxLxDEW-1Zg

Did he have ridiculously big hair and glasses? I've heard Magnus has been using this disguise recently.

Ha! Very good. Thank you for the post, I enjoyed a hearty laugh watching that.