In "The Flanders Panel," Arturo Pérez-Reverte draws a compelling analogy between chess and the act of murder, suggesting that the game's core objective revolves around putting the king, symbolizing authority, in a vulnerable position. This perspective implies that chess transcends simple strategic competition and delves into deeper themes of power dynamics and existential conflict.

The idea that chess resembles a form of artistic execution rather than traditional warfare emphasizes the psychological and intellectual elements of the game. Pérez-Reverte's comparison invites players to rethink chess as a battle of wits where the ultimate goal involves outmaneuvering and outsmarting an opponent, akin to performing an intricate dance of destruction.