Ivory Tower plot
Hershell and Thadeus are two chess-playing brothers and have an unhealthy rivalry over both chess and a woman. Hershell is a chess purist and the prodigal son, Thadeus is disciplined and a ruthless competitor. After four years of wandering around Europe playing chess for the sake of the game itself and no matter who won, Hershell returns home. Thadeus is now Canada's successful but arrogant chess champion, who is engaged to Marsha, Hershell's former girlfriend. Hershell challenges Thadeus for the title of Canadian chess champion.