To A Son Who's Learning to Play Chess

Son,


Every piece has different move to take:
(Pawns advance one step
Rooks march straight
Knights dash in L-shape
Bishops glide through diagonal lanes
And the queen parades on all quarters.)
but all move to capture the enemy
and to guard king’s safety.


Your every move has an outcome
don’t rouse your pieces without a plan
make them work together to trap your rival.
Predict the movements of your enemy
maximise all the possibilities
then be ready to strike.
You must also know how to sacrifice
the little pieces to fortify your next attack.


Play smart and play hard
make the right moves
and keep this in mind:
you'll lose the game
once your king is trapped.


It is checkmate!