"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).