The controversy starts with this. Schneizel performs an illegal move during the chess game, by moving his King in front of Lelouch's King. Now, it's easy to view this scene as the writers not knowing the rules of chess. But I don't think that this scene should be viewed-

with the context of the chess game itself in mind. This scene should be examined more on what the brothers are trying to express through their playing. IMO, if you view this scene as Lelouch and Schneizel KNOWING that the move was illegal, it becomes much more coherent.

Schneizel as a character is defined by his control over others. By making this illegal move, he's saying to Lelouch this: "What? Are you going to call out my illegal move? No one else will, after all I'm the Prime Minister." It forces Lelouch into a situation where he has to-

make one of several decisions. 1: Take Schneizel's King and win the game, showing that Lelouch will take any victory given to him. 2: Call out Schneizel for the illegal move, showing him that he is focused on the logic of the game rather than the real battle going on.

3: Retreat and show that he won't fall for Schneizel's "trap"(which is what he does) 4: Capture Schneizel's King with the Pawn next to it, showing that Lelouch will do away with his problems with even the minimum. This isn't about chess. It's about their battle tactics.

With this in mind, the scene isn't perfect. But it says so much about both characters that I think it's interesting regardless. It is completely fair if you disagree with my thoughts, but I would like your own interpretation of this scene in the replies. Thanks for Reading.

Chances are, I may expand upon this essay in a video. But I won't promise that.

@ElijahKaiVA u made beautiful sense out of this scene ty for making this

@soiimalk You're welcome!

@ElijahKaiVA Don't quote me on this but that move is legal in blitz chess I think. Obviously it doesn't change much as all your points made in the thread are accurate nonetheless.

@ElijahKaiVA I just found it as silly 😭

@McShoot3 I disagree. I've been playing chess for years and it focuses heavily on mind games.

@ElijahKaiVA Can’t believe people don’t grasps the multiple meanings behind this scene

@ElijahKaiVA To be honest, Code Geass is much better if you examine it in a more non-materialistic view. It pulls off irony incredibly well imo.

@ElijahKaiVA I thought the intention of that scene was obvious lol. Didnt even know ppl has problem with it coz its “illegal” move.

@kesyop

@ElijahKaiVA I always had interpreted as Schneizel testing Zero to see if he would take the “easy” but obviously wrong victory, or if he would find another way to win in his own right way. Schneizel is handing him the easy winning but knows he won’t take it cause of pride and righteousness