Plot

Once upon a time and place, there was a toy-maker, living alone, in a cabin up on a mountain. He created a wooden puppet, as an opponent for his games of chess. But can a puppet become a worthy opponent? Unless...

In the heart of a gloomy forest, atop a snow-covered hill, stands the weather-battered shack of a lonely, childless toymaker. But, cut off from the world in his decrepit hut, the sad artisan needs someone to keep him company during the long winter nights. So, he carves a block of pinewood into a boy. At last, his design is complete. However, a new challenge emerges once the skilled craftsman adds the finishing touches to his silent creation. Wouldn't it be great if the wooden marionette learned how to play chess?—Nick Riganas