"It seems we may be heading for a draw, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says as she scans the board in front of her. "Or perhaps your first victory?"
The doctor then moves....
25. h3
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"It seems we may be heading for a draw, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says as she scans the board in front of her. "Or perhaps your first victory?"
The doctor then moves....
25. h3
"Are we looking at the same game?" Johnson replies with a smile as he goes back to board. "Still plenty of time for me to get it wrong."
25. ...Qa6
26. Bf3
26. ...Ne5
27. Qg2
Johnson takes a deep breath.
27. ...Nxf3+
"Check"
Cmdr. Vargas enters the room and gets himself a cup of coffee. He wanders over to see how the game's going, and blows a little on his coffee to cool it.
T'Var maintains her focus on the game. She barely notices Cmdr. Vargas as he enters the Rec Room.
28. Nxf3
28. ...Bxe2
Vargas looks over the board and purses his lips.
29. Bxb4
29. ...Qd3
30. Ne1
30. ...Qd4
Johnson smiles to himself. 30 moves against Dr T'Var. By this point he has normally resigned, perhaps he is getting better after all.
31. Nc2
31. ...Qb2
"Your chess skills are most definitely improving, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says.
She then moves....
32. Qe4
"Thank you Dr T'var. That actually means a great deal coming from someone as experienced as you."
32. ...axb4
33. Ra8
Johnson ponders the options before finally deciding...
33. ...Rxa8
34. Qxa8+
Johnson makes the only sensible move.
34. ...Kh7
35. Qe4+
36. ...g6
Johnson awaits to see what move Dr T'Var will make next, but happy in the knowledge this is a much closer game than previously. Maybe he can get a draw out of it.
T'Var scans the board for the best possible move. She considers suggesting a draw to Johnson, but will wait a bit longer.
The doctor then moves....
36. Nxb4
Johnson is quite surprised to still be a pawn ahead at this point, but what to do...
36. ...b5
37. Nd5
Hmm, Johnson mulls the details over in his mind, looking at the fewer and fewer pieces on the board.
"Would you be interested in a draw at all?" he enquires of Dr T'Var.
Vargas looks interestedly at the doctor.
"Though I do have a mate possibility in a few moves, I am certain you would easily counter my attempts at this."
T'Var reaches her hand across the board. "If you are offering a draw, Mr. Johnson, I accept."
"Likewise." Johnson reaches across the table and shakes T'Var's hand.
The doctor smiles at Johnson. "It has been a long time since I've ended a chess match with a draw," she tells him. "Well done, indeed."
Johnson sits back in his chair and sighs with relief. "Thank you Doctor, thank you indeed."
"I think you're getting better, Mr. Johnson," the First Officer says. "Our Vulcan healer is quite a formidable chess player."
"Thank you sir, it's all the practice I am getting facing a superior player. "
"Well Doctor T'Var. What next?"
"We could take a little break from our friendly chess competition or we can play another game now," T'Var says. "With your improving chess skills, Mr. Johnson, I believe you will defeat me soon -- perhaps as soon as our next game."
"Or it could have been beginner's luck and your experience will show through. I don't mind either way as to when our next game is, but I am certainly looking forward to it."
"There are benefits to taking a break from our games. There is also the idea of momentum and its importance when one is on a roll," T'Var says with a smile.
"Perhaps a rest from our chess battles is in order at this time," the doctor tells Johnson. "Then again, you do seem to have momentum on your side right now."
Johnson's blinks a few times as he tries to work out what T'Var is saying, "So, if I play black a lot more, I can draw more games?" He smiles again, "A break is not a problem, just let me know when you want another game. Somehow I don't think I will have momentum on my side for a few games yet."
"Yes, I believe a short break would be a good idea," T'Var says. "You can use the time to study chess games of the past and analyze them."
T'Var stands and stretches. "You can also play a few practice games against the computer. It is quite good, I've found."
"Sounds like a good idea. A bit more research and a bit practice can only be beneficial."
Johnson stands and nods at Dr T'Var, "I'll look forward to the next few games."
It's a while or so later and Johnson is back in the Rec Room looking over various gambits and scratching his head as he tries to work out how he can use them.
He's ready for a new game, but he didn't get as much practice in as he wanted. Being honest, he skimped a little and is rapidly trying to catch up before his next set of games. Then again, he thinks, losing is the best experience, so playing again may not be such a bad idea after all.
T'Var walks into the Rec Room and is pleased to see Johnson there.
"Are you ready for another game?" the doctor asks him.
"Afternoon Sir, how are you? Yes, I'm ready for another game, or perhaps that should be lesson."
Johnson adds the rest of the pieces to the board he had been working on and sets it up to play.
"Black or White, Sir?"
"I prefer to play as black," the doctor says with a smile. "You may have the honor of the first move, Mr. Johnson."
"Thank you", says Johnson and moves.
1. d4
T'Var replies with black's first move.
1...Nf6
and Johnson goes for something new.
2. c4
T'Var is gratified that Johnson has made the correct move by playing c4.
She responds with 2...e6 which allows her flexibility as opening play continues.