Bartlet mentors Sam Seaborn and Toby Ziegler through chess analogies to instill 'whole board' strategic thinking, mirroring Taiwan crisis decisions and personal leadership growth under duress.

In the dimly lit sanctuary of his office late at night, Sam Seaborn sheds his scarf and coat, only to freeze upon spotting a meticulously arranged chessboard on his desk—black …

In the quiet intensity of Sam's office at night, President Bartlet observes Sam Seaborn deliberating over a chessboard, his hesitation mirroring broader strategic pressures from the Taiwan crisis. Bartlet offers …

In the dim solitude of Sam's office late at night, President Bartlet enters, visibly burdened by the Taiwan Strait crisis, and sits before offering a simple, human apology for his …