Once both Mauriss and Leo had settled into their positions, the game finally began as both players contemplated which card to play first.
Unlike Mauriss, Leo already knew which card he wanted to play, as after having played the game against multiple opponents hundreds of times, he had arrived at what he believed to be the most optimal opening sequence, one that did not guarantee victory, yet ensured that he would not fall behind from the very first exchange.
Because in every variation he had tested, against every opponent he had faced, the first move always dictated the rhythm of everything that followed.
And since the first move was so important, he had thought about it the most, eventually arriving at the conclusion that the game must begin with an attack.
