Anatoly is fighting against Molokov’s control, while Molokov in turn is trying all the harder to control Anatoly. He tries once again to persuade him to make a move on Florence. Anatoly does not want to use underhand tactics to win the game and tells Molokov that he will not take part in these psychological games. Molokov points out that they are already beginning to work and that’s before Anatoly has even made a proper move on Florence. Freddie thinks he has and that is all that has been required to make him lose his form. Imagine what could be achieved if Anatoly did make a move! Anatoly secretly does want to see Florence, but at the same time he does not want it to be for the wrong reason. He’s really uncertain how to make his own move on Florence and not one that will help with Molokov’s plans.
Sub Scene 3 (Anatoly and Florence – Downstage centre)
Anatoly is trying to speak with Florence. He manages to catch a few minutes with her in a corridor at the arena. He asks to meet her somewhere, but she refuses. He then tells her that he thinks he loves her! She’s surprised and flattered, but she still can not allow herself to be seen with him. She walks away, but inside, her heart is starting to question how she really feels about this man.
Sub Scene 4 (Anatoly and Molokov – Downstage right)
Freddie has begun to regain his form and has won the next two games. Molokov is becoming worried and once again tries to convince Anatoly to at least be seen with the woman. Anatoly of course knows that Florence won’t let this happen and he tells Molokov that he’s tried, but she won’t speak with him. Molokov suggests that maybe if Anatoly were to change the way he looks at Florence this would do the trick. “Just look at her as if there is something between you and Trumper’s imagination will do the rest.”
Sub Scene 5 (Anatoly and Freddie – Chess Table)
Anatoly, though loath to take any advice from Molokov, has no better ideas of his own, so he does begin to look at Florence in a slightly different way. During the next game he catches her eye on several occasions and makes sure that Freddie sees him smiling at her. This of course has the desired effect and Freddie is enraged. Unable to endure it any longer he interrupts the game and accuses Anatoly of trying to distract him. Anatoly denies it, but it’s enough to unhinge Freddie a little more and he storms out.
Sub Scene 6 (Florence and Freddie – Downstage right)
Back at the hotel Freddie begins to doubt Florence again and accuses her of leading Anatoly on. Why else would he sit there staring at her? She tries to remind him that he’s the one who always said never to trust a Russian. Why can’t he see what they are doing? He can’t, his paranoia has taken control of him and he suggests that Florence is turning into a Russian herself! She has had enough of his abuse and decides to walk out on him. She throws a few things into a bag and leaves. She’s made the move she’s been feeling in her heart for several days. Freddie puts on a front to show that he doesn’t care - reminding himself that he doesn’t need her or anyone else. That HE is going to be the world champion and that she needn’t think she can come running back to him when he’s won!
Sub Scene 7 (Anatoly and Florence – Downstage centre)
Anatoly just happens to be in the right place at the right time and he meets Florence just after she has left Freddie. He tries to console her but though she tries to ignore him he won’t let her and when he pulls her towards him she falls all too easily into his comforting arms.
The final bars of ‘Chess’ are played as Anatoly and Florence embrace and kiss. During this the downstage screens begin to close and the lights fade to a single light on the couple, this too fading as the screens close in front of them.
END ACT ONE