Hanni's Gambit

5) Ruy López Opening (1. e4 e5, 2. Nf3 Nc6, 3. Bb5)

The Ruy Lopez, also known as the Spanish Opening, is one of the oldest and most classic chess openings, named after the 16th-century Spanish priest Ruy López de Segura. It begins with the moves:

    1.    e4 e5
    2.    Nf3 Nc6
    3.    Bb5

I learnt it when I was seven years old.

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The chess club meeting was in full swing, with members scattered around the room in various stages of friendly matches and deep strategy discussions. The room buzzed with quiet energy, the only sounds being the occasional click of chess pieces and low murmurs of conversation. Hanni could see the perspiration dripping down the side of David's temple, his eyes calculating as he stared down at the board. There was a simpler way of going about this: to defend with 3...a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 or 3...a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4. But he didn't think like her; nobody did. He made a move, Bb5 d6?

She moved 4. d4, immediately challenging the center, and his passive move allowed her to gain a strong central presence.

"Checkmate," she said. He sighed. "I'm starting to rethink my strategy," David said. Hanni just looked at him, offering no comfort. She was unapologetically better, and she wasn't about to sugarcoat it.

"You know, you should enter the competition this year. You could maybe make it to the finals," he said. At those words, a few people perked up behind him at their tables.

"Did someone say competitive chess?" a girl asked. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to David. For a moment, the only sound was the ticking of the old wall clock.

"Competitive chess?" asked Sarah. "That scene is brutal. I've heard some real horror stories."

"Yeah, I've read articles about it," chimed in Rachel, adjusting her glasses nervously. "The pressure, the stress... it's nothing like our friendly games here. People can get really toxic."

"Exactly," added Michael. "It's not just about playing the game anymore. It's about dealing with the politics, the mind games, the constant scrutiny. It's a whole different beast."

"I've heard of players getting so stressed they can't eat or sleep properly. It's like walking into a battlefield."

Rachel nodded. "And then there's the issue of sponsorships, rankings, and the intense competition. One mistake can cost you everything. It's not just a game at that level; it's a lifestyle, and not a healthy one."

"I've heard the rivalries can get pretty nasty too," Michael said. "People spreading rumors, trying to psych each other out before matches. It's all very cutthroat."

Hanni, who had been silent up until now, leaned forward, her eyes sharp with determination. "Where do I sign up?"

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"Is it true?" Hanni heard as soon as she shut her locker. Harriette was suddenly on the other side of it. "Is what true?" Hanni asked as they began to walk.

"That you're like a beast when it comes to chess. Word came out that you're joining the competitive league, and people started researching your name. You've been in 37 competitions and won all of them?" Harriette said, eyes wide with excitement.

"People researched me?" Hanni furrowed her brows, surprised.

"Can you blame them? You're the new girl and apparently some sort of clairvoyant chess player," Harriette replied with a teasing grin.

Hanni squinted. "I'm not a clairvoyant," she said firmly.

"Yeah, whatever, but you're a master at chess. Who taught you?" Harriette asked, genuinely curious.