September 24, 2021

Chess, the Most Dangerous Game


Chess, the Most Dangerous Game
Don't let the peaceful photo deceive you: chess is a surprisingly violent pastime.
Jorge Royan, Wikimedia Commons

Chess aficionados are rarely considered malicious; they're usually pretty nerdy and introspective. Not so when it comes to Russian chess aficionados, apparently.

In Krasnoyarsk, a chess match resulted in such intense emotion that it turned deadly and resulted in a double murder.

Reportedly, two men (both 34) had gathered in an apartment stairwell for an impromptu game. After starting a second round, they were joined by a couple who lived in the same apartment building. When one of the men showed unwanted attention to the female bystander, her male companion stabbed both players, killing them both.

A 29-year-old whose name was not released has been detained in relation to the incident.

Even though chess is a game about battling, in our experience, it doesn't tend to get this out of hand.

You Might Also Like

Intrigue at the Monastery
  • March 11, 2021

Intrigue at the Monastery

Sredneuralsk Monastery becomes an action-packed place as police enter in search of a murder suspect.
Murder, He Meowed
  • September 07, 2020

Murder, He Meowed

A library's famous cat now resides with the big yarn ball in the sky, thanks to foul play.
Chess from Space
  • June 12, 2020

Chess from Space

These astronauts are taking chess to the next level—the cosmos!
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955