The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Science Fiction

Set in a high-stakes game of living chess, a hero must navigate the treacherous dynamics of friendship and rivalry with the enigmatic Panthan warrior. As he fights for the love of a maiden, the battle unfolds with deadly consequences, blending action and strategy. Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, this installment is part of the Martian Barsoom series, originally serialized in 1922, showcasing Burroughs' signature blend of adventure and intrigue.