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.