So, first post/challenge and I already have ignored the rules. I used an album title, not cover: Fiona Apple’s “When the Pawn Hits the Floor.”
I think she would approve.

Ivory veneers on steel, that’s a patient craftsman! I like the story, even if I can’t tease out the deeper meaning.

Poor player. Woe betide the player that underestimates the value of his pawns.

Wow… I really enjoyed this! Very well written!

And you thought I’d consider it rubbish?

You must have a screw loose!

Very well done!

i LOVE this concept! very entertaining to read. :)

If you replace the pawn with “god” and the player with “man” you get a metaphorical philosophical statement.

“Though presumed to be ignorant, the pawn knows what the player does not. He plays against himself, and thus fancies that he is destined to win. In truth, he is destined to play forever – always feeling the sting of loss.”

So there, Science. :P

I would just like to comment that, on searching this album on Google (to know what it was), your story was the first hit.

I’d say good job on topping Google. :D
Oh, and the story was very nice, too.
Pawns are always so underrated. XD

Wow…that’s crazy about Google! I feel special. :-)

Awesome story. Well written. It really paints the scene.

This story was nominated for the ficly book.