Life
After the game is played the king and the pawn go to the same box. (Dennis Engelbrecht, business consultant)
The reference to the skilled game of chess is simply a reminder that games do come to an end. When it’s over, it’s over. The winner and loser are identified, and you can’t make changes to the moves you made in the game. Life, of course, is much more than a game. But like chess, until it’s over changes can (and often should) be made. Set things right before it’s over.
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. (Mark 8:35)