Episode 4036

Sesame Street
Elmo helps Gordon with chess
Air date	April 14, 2003
Season	Season 34 (2003)
Written by	John Weidman
Sponsors I, 10 Syndication PBS Sprout

Picture	Segment	Description
	SCENE 1	Elmo comes across Gordon setting up a chess board. He plans on playing chess with Alan today. Since he always loses, he's going to practice first with the help of his new book - How to Be a Better Chess Player. Elmo is disappointed that he cannot help, so Gordon asks him to set up the pieces. Elmo becomes very fascinated with the "horsies" (the knights). Elmo thinks he's won the game by finding and counting them, but Gordon explains there's more to it.
	SCENE 1 cont'd	Gordon shows Elmo how the pieces are supposed to be set up and reads off their names. Elmo thinks it's a story game and comes up with a story about the royal pieces, thinking that's how the game is won.
	SCENE 1 cont'd	Gordon explains the actual rules of the game and states he'll be practicing his opening moves, which could make or break the game. Elmo demonstrates some of his silly moves (misunderstanding what Gordon meant) and knocks over the table, spilling the pieces. One of the knights is missing, so Gordon tries substituting it with a salt shaker. Elmo begs Gordon to think of the horse's feelings and has an idea.
	SCENE 1 cont'd	Elmo puts up a flyer advocating a search for the missing piece (that only Elmo can read). Some real horses answer the call (including an actual knight), but none of them match. When Alan shows up, two of the racehorses (Epitaph and Fortune Cookie) are playing their own game of chess.
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	SCENE 2	Gordon and Alan play a round of chess together as Elmo and a knight have a horserace. Big Bird announces the sponsors.

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