Response to Kenny Harman's original post

I guess this project explores the metaphorical significance of the game. I'm not suggesting that chess players or chess tournaments are actually violent but am inviting those with a talent for strategic thinking, to re-evaluate the system of human institutions, mirrored on thechessboard.

I take your point that a pawn can be promoted - but then the pawn is not a pawn anymore. I am very interested in the qualities of lateral as opposed to hierarchical structures for social organisation

I have also thought a fair bit about Yoko Ono's 'Play it by Trust' and I agree that it doesn't really stand up to detailed, logical analysis especially from a serious chess player's perspective (which unfortunately I am not). As you said many skilled players are able to visualise and remember the formation of the pieces for the duration of the game. However the game does communicate a core idea about co-operation springing from the recognition of commonality.

Also Ono's piece started me on track with this one, so I owe her a doff of the cap!

Kenny Harman's second post