Earth Attacked From Space by 1. d4

A fascinating chess match has begun between astronaut Greg Chamitoff -- currently aboard the International Space Station -- and us mere Earthlings. Organized by NASA and the United States Chess Federation (USCF), the match allows the public to vote on Earth's moves, while Chamitoff will move whenever his workload permits him to play; the goal is to have one move made each weekday. Chamitoff has the white pieces.

Earth won't be playing without some guidance. Before voting begins on each move, the chess club members from Stevenson Elementary School in Bellevue, Washington -- the K-3 national champions - will narrow Earth's choices to four, from which the public will choose the one move that is played.

The game has already begun with Chamitoff playing 1. d4, and Earth responding with Nf6. You can follow all the action and participate in voting from the USCF's special page devoted to the game.