Maggie’s eyes lit up. “A real grandmaster? From where?” “From overseas. Leon Markham. He’s ranked tenth in the world.”
Ellen appeared in the kitchen doorway, looking worried. “Isn’t it too soon for her to play someone that strong?” she asked. “Maggie needs to find out where she stands,” Anthony said.
“And he’s known for being gracious with young talent.” Three hours later, at the federation training center, Maggie was preparing for the most important game of her young life. Richard arrived early, visibly nervous himself.
“If you lose, it’s not the end of the world,” he told her, trying to calm her down. “I’ll do my best. That’s what Grandpa always taught me,” Maggie answered.
When Leon Markham entered the room, Maggie was impressed. He was an elegant man in his forties, carrying the quiet confidence of someone who had devoted his life to chess. “You must be the famous Maggie,” he said with a slight accent.
“I saw the video of your game. Very impressive for someone so young.” “Thank you. It’s an honor to play you,” Maggie said.
“The honor is mine. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen talent this pure.” The game lasted two intense hours.
Maggie did not win, but she did not lose either. She held the tenth-ranked player in the world to a draw. The result made a deep impression on the seasoned grandmaster.
“Maggie,” he said afterward, “in thirty years of professional chess, I’ve never seen anything quite like this. You have the kind of gift that comes along once in a generation.”
“May I ask you a professional question?” she said. “Of course.” “What do I need to improve if I want to beat you someday?”
He smiled kindly. “Time and tournament experience. Technically, you’re already playing at my level in many positions.”
Richard, who had watched the whole game, came over deeply moved. “Do you realize what you just did?” “I drew a game,” Maggie said modestly.
“You drew with one of the best players on earth. That means you already belong among the best.” Three weeks later, that astonishing news had spread throughout the chess world.
Maggie began receiving invitations to tournaments on several continents. But before she accepted any international invitations, she and Richard had one important piece of unfinished business. They still had to fulfill their first shared promise.
“Ready?” Maggie asked, standing in front of a modern building on the edge of the city. “More than ready,” Richard said, holding a red ribbon in his hands. In front of them stood the Stephen Smith Chess Institute.
It was a beautiful three-story center equipped with top-quality resources for free instruction for children from low-income families. Richard had invested heavily in the project, making good on his promise in a meaningful way…
