Talking Chess

Freddie

This is the one situation I wanted most to avoid.



Anatoly

Then what on earth are you doing? You could be better employed.



Freddie

No. Please hear me out. I think I can help.



Anatoly

If it's about Florence I'm warning you



Freddie

No. It's not about her, your wife or your kids or money

or Walter or Molokov.



Anatoly

What the hell is it?



Freddie

I want to talk chess.



Anatoly

Chess?



Freddie

Something I've noticed in Viigand.

It's his King's Indian Defense.

One of the lines he's been trying doesn't completely make sense.



Anatoly

Why? I don't understand.



Freddie



I told you his King's Indian



Anatoly

No, I don't understand why you're helping me.



Freddie

Because I love chess. Does nobody else?

Jesus, sometimes I think I'm the only one. How can you let mediocrity win.



Anatoly

What about Florence's father? My wife and my children?



Freddie

You've let them all down already.

Win or betray yourself too.

You don't want those shits to get what they want.



Anatoly

They'll get what they want. They always do.



Freddie

No. They won't if you win.

Be true to the game. The one thing you know you can count upon.



Anatoly

What about Florence?



Freddie

The one thing is chess.



Anatoly

Chess.



Freddie

How can you let mediocrity win?

You have one chance left. Win for chess.

You were five one up. Now it's five all. Get a grip.