Ход королевы

           Sheloweredhereyesandwalkedpastthemintothesmallroom.Somemenwerewaitingtherewithcameras.Reporters.SheslippedbehindtheblackpiecesatBoardOne.Shestaredattheboardforamoment,heardthetournamentdirector’svoicesaying,“Playwillbegininthreeminutes,”andlookedup.

           Borgovwaswalkingacrosstheroomtowardher.Hissuitfithimwell,withthetrouserlegsdrapingneatlyabovethetopsofhisshinedblackshoes.Bethturnedhereyesbacktotheboard,embarrassed,feelingawkward.Borgovhadseatedhimself.Sheheardthedirector’svoiceasiffromagreatdistance,“Youmaystartyouropponent’sclock,”andshereachedout,pressedthebuttonontheclockandlookedup.Hewassittingtheresolid,darkandheavy,lookingfixedlyattheboard,andshewatchedasifinadreamashereachedoutastubby-fingeredhand,pickedupthekingpawnandsetitonthefourthrank.Pawntokingfour.

           Shestaredatitforamoment.ShealwaysplayedtheSiciliantothatopening—themostcommonopeningforWhiteinthegameofchess.Butshehesitated.Borgovhadbeencalled“MasteroftheSicilian”somewhereinajournal.Almostimpulsivelysheplayedpawntokingfourherself,hopingtoplayhimongroundthatwasfreshforbothofthem,thatwouldnotgivehimtheadvantageofsuperiorknowledge.Hebroughtouthisking’sknighttobishopthree,andshebroughtherstoqueenbishopthree,protectingthepawn.Andthenwithouthesitationheplayedhisbishoptoknightfiveandherheartsank.TheRuyLopez.Shehadplayeditoftenenough,butinthisgameitfrightenedher.