Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood introduces readers to the world of competitive chess through the eyes of Nolan Sawyer, a teenage chess prodigy who has just turned eighteen. The story explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pressures of fame as Nolan navigates his rise to the top of the chess world. Set against the backdrop of a chess renaissance fueled by social media, the narrative captures the excitement and challenges of being a grandmaster. This novel is perfect for fans of contemporary young adult fiction and those interested in the intricacies of chess. Readers will find themselves immersed in Nolan's journey as he balances personal aspirations with public expectations.

Key Points

  • Explores the life of Nolan Sawyer, a teenage chess prodigy and grandmaster.
  • Highlights the impact of social media on the popularity of chess among Gen Z.
  • Delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the pressures of fame.
  • Captures the excitement of competitive chess and the challenges faced by young players.
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  • newtopiccyclegrowin
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“I am reliably informed that you’re a Gen Z sex symbol.”
I nearly drop my phone.
Okay: I do drop my phone, but I save it before it splashes into a beaker
full of ammonia. Then I glance around the chemistry classroom, wondering
if anyone else heard.
The other students are either texting or puttering around with their
equipment. Mrs. Agarwal is at her desk, pretending to grade papers but
probably reading Bill Nye erotic fanfiction. A hopefully- not- lethal smell
of ethanoic acid wafts up from my bench, but my AirPods are still in my
ears.
No one is paying attention to me or the video on my phone, so I press
Play to resume it.
“It was on Time magazine two weeks ago. On the cover. A picture of
your face, and then ‘A Gen Z sex symbol.’ How does that feel?”
I am expecting to see Zendaya. Harry Styles. Billie Eilish. The entirety
of BTS, crammed on the couch of whatever latenight show the YouTube
autoplay algorithm decided to feed me after the pH experiment tutorial
ended. But it’s just some dude. A boy, even? He looks out of place in the
red velvet chair, with his dark shirt, dark slacks, dark hair, dark expression.
Intensely unreadable as he says in a deep, serious voice, “It feels wrong.”
“It does?” the host— Jim or James or Jimmy— asks.
“The Gen Z part is correct,” the guest says. “Not so much the sex
symbol.”
The audience eats it up, clapping and hooting, and that’s when I decide
to read the caption. Nolan Sawyer, it says. There’s a description explaining
who he is, but I don’t need it. I might not recognize the face, but I can’t
remember a moment in my life when I didn’t know the name.
Meet the Kingkiller: The No. 1 chess player in the world.
“Let me tell you something, Nolan: smart is the new sexy.”
“Still not sure I qualify.” His tone is so dry, it has me wondering how his
publicist talked him into this interview. But the audience laughs, and the
host does, too. He leans forward, obviously charmed by this young man
who’s built like an athlete, thinks like a theoretical physicist, and has the net
worth of a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. An unusual, handsome prodigy who
won’t admit to being special.
I wonder if Jim- Jimmy- James has heard what I’ve heard. The gossip.
The whispered stories. The dark rumors about the golden boy of chess.
“Let’s just agree that chess is the new sexy. And you’re the one who
made it so— there has been a chess renaissance since you started playing.
Someone was running commentaries of your games, and they went viral on
TikTok— ChessTok, my writers tell me it’s called— and now more people
than ever are learning how to play. But first things first: you are a
Grandmaster, which is the highest title a chess player can achieve, and just
won your second Wor ld Championship, against”— the host has to look
down at his card, because normal Grandmasters are not as famous as
Sawyer— “Andreas Antonov. Congratulations.”
Sawyer nods, once.
“And you just turned eighteen. When, again?”
“Three days ago.”
Three days ago, I turned sixteen.
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End of Document
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FAQs of Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood

What is the main theme of Check and Mate?
The main theme of Check and Mate revolves around identity and ambition, particularly in the context of competitive chess. Nolan Sawyer, the protagonist, grapples with the pressures of being a teenage chess prodigy while navigating his personal aspirations and public expectations. The story also touches on the impact of social media in popularizing chess among younger generations, showcasing how the game has evolved into a cultural phenomenon.
Who is Nolan Sawyer and what are his achievements?
Nolan Sawyer is a teenage chess prodigy and the world chess champion at just eighteen years old. He has gained fame for his exceptional skills and has recently won his second world championship against renowned grandmaster Andreas Antonov. The novel portrays Nolan's journey from a young chess enthusiast to a celebrated figure in the chess community, highlighting his dedication and passion for the game.
How does social media influence the chess community in the story?
In Check and Mate, social media plays a significant role in revitalizing interest in chess, particularly among Gen Z. The narrative illustrates how platforms like TikTok have created a 'chess renaissance,' making the game more accessible and appealing to a younger audience. Nolan's rise to fame is partly attributed to viral commentary on his games, showcasing the intersection of traditional sports and modern digital culture.
What challenges does Nolan face as a young chess grandmaster?
As a young chess grandmaster, Nolan faces numerous challenges, including the intense pressure to maintain his status and the scrutiny that comes with fame. He must navigate the expectations of fans, media, and sponsors while staying true to his passion for chess. The story delves into his internal struggles, including self-doubt and the fear of failure, as he strives to balance his personal life with his professional commitments.
What role does family play in Nolan's chess journey?
Family plays a crucial role in Nolan's chess journey, particularly his grandfather, who introduced him to the game at a young age. The novel explores the influence of familial support and mentorship in shaping Nolan's identity as a chess player. As he reflects on his early experiences and the sacrifices made by his family, readers gain insight into the emotional aspects of his journey to becoming a grandmaster.
What is the significance of the title Check and Mate?
The title Check and Mate signifies the culmination of a chess game, where a player's strategy leads to victory over their opponent. In the context of the novel, it represents Nolan's journey to achieving success in the competitive chess world while also highlighting the personal challenges he faces. The title encapsulates the themes of ambition, strategy, and the complexities of winning both on and off the chessboard.
How does the novel portray the competitive chess scene?
Check and Mate portrays the competitive chess scene as both exhilarating and demanding, showcasing the rigorous training and mental fortitude required to excel. The narrative includes detailed descriptions of chess matches, strategies, and the psychological aspects of competition. Through Nolan's experiences, readers gain an appreciation for the dedication and skill involved in becoming a top player, as well as the camaraderie and rivalries that define the chess community.

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