Yes, they did take it seriously, and the nice thing about their system was the ability to take their time. The games were far more intense when it took each player at times up to thirty minutes to make a move. Sometimes they would leave each other notes when they'd finished, but before Erik could think that far ahead he was joined by one of his students. (And wasn't it odd to think of them as his students? He'd never thought to be at a place in his life where he'd have students.)
One look up told him it was Jaime, a student who had a somewhat minimalist power compared to some of the other students. It was almost refreshing, having at least one student who one didn't have to worry about blowing something up, crashing into something after flying, or otherwise causing mayhem. Mayhem was to be expected, one supposed, when there were a multitude of teenagers involved, but Erik preferred a more organised lifestyle. In that respect, he could appreciate Jaime.
Erik moved the bishop and sat back in his chair to eye the board. "You're up early," he commented without looking over at the younger girl. "Especially for being out so late last night."