Toby and Eve play the first match. Avery can tell from past experience that Toby could have won quickly, but Toby deliberately lets Eve win. Vincent Blake recognizes the thrown game and raises the stakes before Toby’s match against Avery by threatening to cut Eve’s arm with his bowie knife if Toby throws another match.

Avery sits across from Toby, and their old rhythm returns immediately. Toby tries to steady Avery with familiar banter from their time playing in the park, but when Toby warns Avery not to get cocky, Avery realizes Toby has spotted a danger on the board that Avery has missed. Blake stops Toby from giving further hints by pressing the knife to Eve’s arm.

Forced to play honestly, Toby puts Avery in check. Avery studies the board and understands that most of Avery’s possible responses lead to quick defeat. Avery also recognizes the larger consequences: if Toby beats Avery, Blake can expose the cover-up of Sheffield Grayson’s death or demand something even worse from Avery in exchange for silence.

Avery finds the only viable path, continues playing at increasing speed, and sets a trap. Toby sees it too late, calling Avery a “horrible girl” with affection before the game continues to its end. Avery finally declares checkmate, and Blake lowers the knife from Eve’s arm.

Avery’s win saves Avery from losing this match, but it creates a devastating outcome for Toby. Because Toby has now lost both of his matches, the terms of Blake’s tournament mean Toby belongs to Vincent Blake.