Why does the story start with the father and son playing chess? Does the father’s strategy at the chess game tell you anything about his personality? If so, what?

Mr. White's reckless move while playing chess in the beginning of the story foreshadows the same type of recklessness in his use of the monkey's paw. Thus, the opening scene, which includes the games of chess between father and son, foreshadows things to come.