The obsession for chess: A Soviet atavism in the Putin era

The game for the world chess title has a special stake for Moscow. Like the USSR before it, Putin's Russia is obsessed with success at all costs in the chess arena - both on the board itself and within the International Chess Federation.

Why are Russians traditionally so good at chess? - Quora

Here's why chess was so EXTREMELY popular in the USSR (PHOTOS

Values Martens Centre

The obsession for chess: A Soviet atavism in the Putin era

Why are Russians traditionally so good at chess? - Quora

Here's why chess was so EXTREMELY popular in the USSR (PHOTOS

Why was chess taken deadly seriously in the former USSR? Why have

In Soviet Russia, Bishop Takes Pawn - A Classic Tal Game

How Did Chess Become So Popular in Russia? - Visit Russia

Here's why chess was so EXTREMELY popular in the USSR (PHOTOS

Here's why chess was so EXTREMELY popular in the USSR (PHOTOS