Why does the story start with the father and son playing chess?

The story begins with Mr. White playing his son, Herbert, in a game of chess. During the game, Mr. White makes a reckless move by putting his king in danger. Mr. White then attempts to distract his son from noticing his mistake but Herbert takes advantage and wins the game. Chess is a game of strategy that depends on a person's ability to make logical decisions and anticipate a player's next move. Mr. White's recklessness and lack of foresight while playing chess foreshadows his terrible decision to acquire and use the magic monkey's paw to make a wish. Mr. White's careless and risky chess moves set the stage for his use of the monkey's paw. Despite Sergeant-Major Morris's warning and ominous story regarding the monkey's paw, Mr. White rescues it from the fire and casually wishes for two hundred pounds. Tragically, Mr. White's wish has a disastrous effect that results in the death of his son.