Scene 1 - Merano The people of Merano are very enthusiastic about the great event that is taking place in their small community (Merano). Freddie, who arrives with Florence Vassy his girlfriend/second of seven years standing and Walter de Courcey, head of the US delegation, is extremely scathing of the whole event. He congratulates himself on bringing what has hitherto been a minority-interest sport to the frenzied attention of the world's media and anticipates the potential financial rewards of the match.
Scenes 2/3 - Merano Although Florence tries to prevent him, Freddie behaves badly at his first press conference, denouncing his opponent, every other Soviet and the press. He finally storms off after assaulting one of the journalists. Anatoly's KGB-employed second, Molokov, is inclined to dismiss the American as a fool. Anatoly concedes that his opponent is eccentric, but realises that every outrageous move made by him is a calculated one. The relationship between the two Russians is strained due to their different approaches to the match - Molokov has a purely political agenda. Anatoly, who just wants to play Chess, reflects upon his own rise to the top (Where I Want to Be).
Scene 4 - Arena The Arbiter of the match is in the arena trying to instill some order and decorum to the proceedings, while merchandisers, businessmen, and diplomats struggle to get everything they can from the contest, and the excitement builds up to fever pitch (The Arbiter/Diplomats/Merchandisers).
Scene 5 - Arena The first game of the contest begins as the two players make their first moves. Tension builds up as each man resorts to underhand tactics to distract or enrage the other. Suddenly there is high drama as Freddie flings the board up in the air and the two men nearly come to blows. During this exchange, Florence meets Anatoly for the first time, before both players walk out (Quartet - A Model of Decorum and Tranquility). Florence is left to defend her player's behaviour to Molokov. She takes the initiative and arranges with Molokov for a secret meeting to take place between the two contestants, in order that the match resume without either party losing face.
Scene 6 - Arena Freddie is demanding more 'appearance' money from Walter. When he hears about the proposed meeting, he is very scathing. Florence confronts Freddie, telling him that she cannot tolerate his behaviour and treatment of her much longer. We learn that she was born in Hungary and is now a naturalized British citizen. She has never discovered what happened to her father who 'disappeared' in 1956 when the Hungarian uprising was crushed (Budapest is Rising). Their argument reinforces her belief that the only person she can ever really rely on is herself. (Nobody's Side)
Scene 7 - Merano At a Merano tavern , the locals are enjoying themselves (Der Kleine Franz). While they wait for Freddie to arrive for the secret meeting, Anatoly and Florence find they are attracted to each other (Mountain Duet). The romantic mood is rudely interrupted when Freddie finally turns up.
Scenes 8/9 - Arena The match continues, but things are going badly for Freddie who is losing his games. The cause is all but totally lost, and he blames Florence for his failure. She tells him she is going to leave him after the match (Florence Quits). Freddie is devastated but, even after Florence has left, continues to justify his actions to himself (Pity the Child). He resigns, and Anatoly is declared World Champion
Scene 10 - Consulate Anatoly, the new world champion, asks for political asylum from the very bored and blasé staff members at the British Consulate. Florence reflects on her decision to be with Anatoly (Embassy Lament - Heaven Help my Heart). Eventually he gets the forms and freedom he wants and they leave.
Scene 11 - Merano Anatoly and Florence arrive at the station to make a secret get- away, only to be met by a barrage of reporters. He is certain he has made the right decision to defect, but is equally certain that there are some things he will never be able to leave (Anthem).
Scene 1 - Bangkok Solo dance (Bangkok). One year has passed, and Anatoly is to defend his title, in Bangkok, against a new challenger from the Soviet Union. Freddie is also there - this time working for Walter's TV Company (One Night in Bangkok).
Scene 2 - Bangkok Florence and Anatoly, who have been lovers since his defection, discuss his new opponent and wonder why Freddie is in Bangkok. They also talk about the possibility that Anatoly's wife, Svetlana, will come to the match. Florence speculates about their future together (You and I).
Scene 3 - Bangkok Molokov and his team are confident that this time they have a player, Viigand, who can be relied upon not only to win but also to stay in Russia (The Soviet Machine). However, Molokov wants to avoid all risk of another humiliating defeat for the USSR. He telephones Walter to discuss a mutually agreeable plan to force Anatoly to lose his title.
Scene 4 -TV area Anatoly arrives for a TV interview. He is surprised to see that Freddie is to interview him, but agrees to stay. As instructed by Walter, Freddie ignores chess, concentrating on Anatoly's personal life. He succeeds in getting Anatoly increasingly agitated. Anatoly storms off the set when told that Svetlana is being brought to plead with him.
Scene 5 - Chessboard Arena Chess Ballet The Arbiter acts as an MC, supervising and controlling the events as Walter and Molokov's plot unravels (The Deal). Molokov, who has engineered Svetlana's presence, is offering her a life in the West if she can persuade Anatoly to lose the match. Walter tells Florence that her father has been found and will be released by the Soviets, along with other political prisoners, if she can persuade Anatoly to lose, thus creating a massive human rights victory. Florence is confused. Her loyalty to her father is in question Molokov and Walter have to be sure that Florence will co-operate, so they involve Freddie, whose only interest is to get Florence back. He agrees to help and tries to persuade Anatoly to lose, for Florence's sake. He makes a last desperate plea to win her back. Florence and Svetlana reflect on their relationships with Anatoly (I Know him so Well).
Scene 6 - Temple Another secret meeting is arranged between Freddie and Anatoly, this time by the American himself who wants to point out a weakness that he has noticed in the challenger's game which Anatoly could exploit. Freddie realises that he has lost Florence forever but feels that something can be salvaged from the mess - the 'glory of the game'.
Scene 7 - Chessboard It is the final game of the match. All are coming to terms with their feelings, their failed relationships and the realisation that nothing remains the same (Endgame). Anatoly cannot accept losing for the wrong reasons. He wins the last game and retains his title. Florence realises that she cannot stay with him - the pressure on them is too great - and they reluctantly agree to part (You and I). Anatoly leaves, joining Svetlana and Molokov. Walter, pleased with the outcome of events, then drops the bombshell - that there was no actual proof that Florence's father had been found after all.
Epilogue - The Story of Chess
So who wins the game? Freddie is alone Anatoly reluctantly returns to Russia with Svetlana, their marriage in ruins Florence is alone, tricked and betrayed Walter and The Arbiter never let themselves become involved in personal relationships - so had nothing to lose But retaining the World title for the Soviet Union was Molokov's only ambition, irrespective of how this was achieved - so he won!