Chess Is 99 Percent Tactics

Chess Is 99 Percent Tactics

Robert E. Lee has not been named a saint–
except in Heaven, where no doubt he has.
A sympathetic figure now he ain’t:
He falls afoul of rap — and maybe jazz.
In old age, he revealed unguessed pizzazz.
Even his allies called him Granny Lee
at first — but dropped the appellation as
he smote with thunderbolts the enemy.
He lost at last — but kept his dignity.
Those who defeated him saw how he shone
with courage, principle, and sanctity.
Today’s weak souls declare he must atone.
I’ve heard — and I declare I doubt it not–
he and St. Michael now play chess a lot.

–Tom Riley

Last-Minute Chessboard Swindle

Last-Minute Chessboard Swindle

 

Adversary played well – and the fight
Was a hard one. Defeat came in sight.
Yes: I had a lost game.
Resignation? For shame!
No: I swindled the guy. Grinning? Quite.

 

–Tom Riley

 

Busy

Busy

 

You keep them really busy: that’s the key.

You give them junk to eat and lies to read.

You give them limitless activity

To limit them.  They don’t have time to heed

The signals – so they mindlessly proceed

Into the nowhere realms you’ve worked to plan.

It is a simple strategy indeed.

It does all that a system really can.

The tactics you must manage like a man

All by yourself.  Don’t worry: you’ll do fine.

You never struck us as an also-ran.

We chose you in accordance with design.

The trials you’re soon to face won’t make you dizzy.

Keep in mind what we’ve said here – and keep busy.

 

–Tom Riley