Note: Beatnik poetry by blog host. - ed.

"Frosty vs. Deep Blue" - Translucent tall figures assuming different positions, to give opposition in a power play similar to real life! What a tangled web of frosted ice and deep blue! What will be the denouement when the end game is through?

"Double Chess." Translucent green onyx from Pakistan and Moroccan compressed fossils. Purchased 2009.

Different shades of marble green making for a swirly scene. Castles, rooks and knights fighting for the rights to win the hand of our fair lady, the beloved queen.

"Blue and White Showdown." Hand-carved wooden chess set from eastern Europe, sold to blog host in Nice, France in 2002.

Sun's last rays creating long-figured shadows warping the battlefield of wooden soldiers.

"Olive and White Showdown." Olive green onyx, from Pakistan; with white marble. Purchased by blog host at Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, 2007.

Deep reflections in a square of light, mirroring the moves of a mental fight.

Chinese chess set, alternate view.

According to Confucius (551 b.c. - 479 bc, whose philosophy took root during the Han Dynasty) : “He who always has a full stomach but does nothing meaningful is simply a good-for-nothing. Is there not a game of chess? Even playing chess is better than idling the time away.”

Chinese chess set, owned by blog host. Supplemental Asian pieces added for photo purposes only (not part of original set).

Rare amber chess set exhibited at TCC Gem Show, from Eastern Europe. (Permission granted. - ed.)

Rare orange alabaster chess set, owned by blog host. Alabaster from Mexico.

Whether from Mexico, Iceland, or Russia, grandmasters can lose their senses in this orange abyss while all their thoughts go amiss...when they cross this great barrier, a razor-thin line between genius and insanity.

Medieval Anglo chess set, owned by blog host (photographed with side lighting) as featured in one of the Harry Potter films.

A small window of light, giving venue to the fight. Eightscore pawns acting as shields, may not be enough to set the score right.

Rare Malachite chess set, from African Congo - taken at International Gem and Mineral Show, Tucson, Arizona. (Permission granted. - ed.)

Rare blue-glaze glass chess set, owned by blog host. Photographed on windowsill of Amsterdam apartment, Netherlands.