There is a history of painting card players and board games. The primary inspiration for this painting was Thomas Eakins' "The Chess Players," which is a tiny painting that hangs in the American Wing of the Met in New York. I sought to pay homage to its composition while infusing it with a distinctly southern flavor. The horizon line is placed at the level of the chess board, giving the viewer a seat at the table; we become the third figure seen in the Eakins composition, a witness to the game at play. David, the model in the yellow shirt, is a family friend who can beat all of us in chess. I wanted to capture him in his element, and here he plays his younger brother Jordan... in some ways, David's role as a chess master becomes symbolic of mentorship. As he engages in the match, his interactions with his brother extend beyond gameplay. The nuances of each move echo life lessons, emphasizing the importance of resilience - a reflection of the broader journey of self-discovery.