Silence descends,you could hear a pin drop,
the tournament commences,
all minds focused, thinking non stop.
Two hundred competitors, all wanting to win,
deserving of luck for the effort put in.
The set, board and clock are the tools of the trade,
the brain is the motivator to inspire a high grade.
The trendy, the eccentric, the odd and the nice,
play for the love of the game, it's their decision,it's their choice.
Chess embraces each individual, no matter what trait,
both patience and perseverance can seal one's own fate.
The strain on the faces is taking its toll,
some near defeat, others on a roll.
Some shattered, dejected, like a boxer gone nine rounds,
rapidly making moves in the hope they are sound.
The long hours of playing have been finally worthwhile,
though the loser not too happy, the winner grins and smiles!