A clean strike: Nicolas C.'s pawn topples the pawn on B3.

Skeleton captures the pawn on E2 and puts Nicolas C. in check.

From F1 to E2, Nicolas C.'s bishop swallows Skeleton's rook.

Skeleton's knight advances from C7 to E6. A clean strike: Nicolas C.'s bishop topples the bishop on A6.

Stealth. Nicolas C.'s trap leaves Skeleton confused.

Skeleton advances to B3 and claims our pawn.

From A2 to B3, Nicolas C.'s pawn swallows Skeleton's pawn.

From the dark, Skeleton pushes the knight to F4. Nicolas C.'s pawn takes G3, leaving G2 behind. Skeleton gives check with the knight on D3.

Nicolas C. slides the king across the board, from E1 to E2. Skeleton captures the bishop on C1 and puts Nicolas C. in check.

A clean strike: Nicolas C.'s queen topples the knight on C1.

Check from Skeleton: the rook plants itself on E6.

Nicolas C. advances the king from E2 to F3; then skeleton sets the rook on E5, watching every square. Without hurry or fear, Nicolas C. places the king on F4.

Skeleton advances to B3 and claims our pawn.

Nicolas C.'s pawn takes D4, leaving D2 behind. Check from Skeleton: the rook plants itself on F5.

Nicolas C. slides the king across the board, from F4 to E4. Skeleton advances to C1 and claims our queen.

Nicolas C. is forced to flee. Skeleton holds the field.