Mark Bland, of Virginia Beach, has written a chess-based novel. Due for publication shortly, the book is synopsized as follows on its back cover: "THE FOUR CHESSMEN takes the reader on a trip through life and time. The game of chess becomes one of the pleasures along the road. The setting is the 20th century, but it acts only as a backdrop to hold time in place while individuals race to find their happiness and success in its boundaries." Here Mark provides an amplified preview exclusively for VIRGINIA CHESS readers.

The Four Chessmen will not teach the reader any opening theory, middlegame planning, or endgame technique; rather, it sheds light on the reason for playing the game. "Why do I continue to play this game?" Every chessplayer has echoed this cry at one time or another. Whether rated 1200 or 2400, the thrill of the win and the devastation of the 1088 remain the same. To draw, of course, is like kissing your sister. So why do we continue? The answer lies in the nature of man's quest for pleasure. The Four Chessmen takes the reader through the quest while using the game of chess to hold time long enough to examine the answer.

The plot is simple: four elderly men are planning to go to the World Open in Philadelphia. From varied backgrounds, they have been united through their mutual interest in chess. Each player has his own unique approach to the game, and each represents an ideal by which to achieve success in life and in chess. Chess has become the gift of the moment for the four men.

The cycle of life is alluded to as a chess game throughout the story. For example, in chapter two, Matt Ballister has reached thirty years of age and his opening is over.

His game plan was set, the opening was over. To attack or wait, to take or sacrifice, or to follow the well used paths of those who have already succeeded had been decided. Was too much time lost on trivial moves? Did the clock show enough time to finish the game without rushing? Was the position at hand satisfactory or merely an illusion of the time spent on what one thought was reality?

By retirement, Matt has ended the middle game.

The middle game was over. Mistakes had been made and pieces had fallen, changing the perspective of the whole. Moves transpired, plans changed unexpectedly, and the play became active. The ending was in sight, but the destiny of it unknown. More time had been taken from the clock. Too many traps still lay in wait to predict the outcome.

While at Sunnydale, a retirement home, Matt reaches the end game.

Now in the end game, the final picture became more clear. The end was in view. Only a few pieces left on the board. The final battle begins. The fatigue of the opening and middle game has marked the body and mind. The price of the whole has paid its toll. One bad move now and the game will be lost. Endurance and care can conquer, but poor judgment will surely bring death. Little time remains on the clock.

The trip through life is the game, but the pleasure that the moment brings becomes the nature that allows us to continue. We share this nature and see the process which brings it about in The Four Chessmen.

The Four Chessmen can be ordered directly from Mark Bland, 3624 Kingdom Ct, Va Beach, VA 23452 for $11, shipping included. All copies for chessplayers will be signed by the author.