Mary’s father taught her how to play chess when she was just eight. She was grateful for the distraction it provided in the crowded quarters below deck.  She secretly taught 13-year-old John Cooke how to play the old war-game using ripped, folded fabric pieces. It was a game for grown men, but Mary loved the anticipation of each move and the Queen’s ability to save the King. She would call check-mate and see John cringe. Her father said that playing chess and knowing how to think ahead would help her prepare for life. Of course Mary did not know yet what life would bring to need those skills….

Astrid remembers the family chess set, made of heavy Italian Marble. She would often play with her older brother and father. They never used a chess clock and Astrid could take any length of time to think and plan ahead. Her father was prepared to let her discover the consequences of the moves that she herself had chosen to make. But one rule was sacred: once you let go of the piece, the move was final. Of course Astrid could not yet foresee the consequences of her own choices….