6.   It is okay to yawn, but only when it is your opponent’s turn.

7.   Always shake your opponent’s hand before and after the game, win, lose or draw. Again, this is good manners.

8.   Never storm off or let your opponent see you are upset. This is a weakness and anyone who sees it will know what to do when they play you.

9.   Trust me!

Dad turns the piece of paper over. ‘What’s the tenth thing?’

‘I don’t know,’ I say, ‘but I’m tired of Granddad’s lists. Can’t you get me out of it? Maybe tell him the black and white squares hurt my eyes and give me headaches, and it’ll affect my schoolwork?’

‘I can’t, matey,’ says Dad. ‘You made a deal with him.’

‘But . . .’

‘But nothing,’ says Dad. ‘To be honest, you should feel honoured that Granddad is talking and doing these things. He never did with me – he always kept it to himself, like he was a closed book. But I will give you one piece of advice.’

‘What’s that, Dad?’ I say hopefully.

‘The next time you try to bargain with your granddad, don’t.’

‘Dad!’ I facepalm. ‘You could have told me before!’

Dad laughs. ‘Maybe you should get some sleep,’ he says. ‘Sounds like you’ve got a busy weekend.’

‘But can’t we do something together, you, me and Mum?’

‘No,’ he says. ‘I’m on call and Mum’s taking a double shift.’

‘But we never go anywhere.’

‘I know.’ Dad shrugs. ‘I wish it was different, mate. But I don’t get to choose my hours any more, now I’m not my own boss.’

‘But Jake’s dad is taking him to play golf tomorrow.’

‘Didn’t he ask you?’

‘Yes, but I don’t have any money.’

‘How much is it?’

‘Ten pounds, I think.’

Dad winces. ‘I’d love to, matey,’ he says. ‘But Mum would go mad if I gave you money for that when you need other things, like new shoes.’ He nods at my scuffed-up shoes by the door.

‘It’s okay,’ I sigh. ‘I didn’t want to go with his dad anyway.’

‘Yeah, maybe not, but at least you’ve got Granddad.’

‘Yeah.’

Dad looks at me, concerned. ‘Felix, is this about chess or something else?’

‘Or something else,’ I mumble as Dad leaves my room.

I wait for Dad to ask again, but he just turns and goes out of the door.