In 1928, Max, a roaming, suicidal child of twelve, meets Ambraoise, a disillusioned pastor. The young boy turns out to be a genius at the game of chess. They set off together to conquer the title of world chess champion. Fourteen years later, Mas has become a taciturn, strange, powdered dandy. With Ambroise, his trainer and protector, still at his side. Mas is confronted with the most condescending champion at that time, Lord Stauton, during a very suspicious tournament organized by the Marquise de Theux. A woman so consumed by her passion for game of chess that she will give her daughter, the ravishing Anne-Lise, to the winner of the tournament. In the elegant gardens of the chateau de Theux, a game full of intrigue and betrayal is about to unfold. In a dark world, where the game doesn't end on the board, the protagonists risk their lives and their souls.