Slow Match — Oversized Tee

You have been waiting for a move long enough to become interested in the history of the table. There is a small mark near your elbow. A previous game may have ended badly here. Your opponent is still thinking, with the expression of someone whose next decision will affect several generations.

This was supposed to be a friendly game. It remains friendly. It has simply developed a pace at which you can finish your drink, notice the weather, and ask whether anybody has ever successfully taught a dog the rules. Your opponent says you are trying to distract them. You say you were hoping to establish whether there might eventually be a third player.

You like this use of an afternoon. A broad sand-colored tee, a chair pulled into the light, something to pay attention to that will not send you a reminder tomorrow. You want the pleasure of making a good move and the equally useful pleasure of having plenty of time to enjoy somebody else's difficulty.

At last a piece advances. Your opponent leans back. You study the board, then move almost immediately, which feels spectacular until they begin to smile. Apparently you have given them something to consider. You look toward the drinks and settle in. The table has another small mark on the other side.

Research support only. Purchasing this listing supports our AGI research. No physical item or download is included.