A member of the Polish underground resistance in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Maria Florkowska is captured by the Gestapo and imprisoned in Auschwitz. Her family is sent to their deaths; she is spared. Realizing her ability to play chess, the sadistic camp deputy, Karl Fritzsch, decides to use her as a chess opponent to entertain the camp guards. However, once he tires of exploiting her skills, he has every intention of killing her. For four years Maria plays for her life. By cleverly provoking Fritzsch's volatile nature in front of his superiors, Maria intends to orchestrate his downfall, and see him punished for his wickedness. As the war nears its end, she challenges her former nemesis to one final game, certain to end in life or death. -- Adapted from book jacket flap.