Pulp Fiction and Chess
by Bill Wall

Pulp magazines (often referred to as "the pulps") were in inexpensive fiction magazines that were published from the 1890s to the late 1950s. The term pulp derives from the cheap wood pulp paper on which the magazines were printed. Magazines that used higher quality paper were called glossies or slicks. The pulps gave rise to the term pulp fiction, in reference to low-quality literature. A lot of pulp fiction magazines were science fiction or mystery magazines. Many of them contained references to chess. Here is a list of some of the pulp fiction magazines and other magazines with a chess reference during the pulp fiction days from the 1890s to 1959. In April 1890, Richard Marsh wrote "A Set of Chessmen," published in Cornhill Magazine. It featured chess. In March 1892, Raymond Allen wrote "Chess and Hypnotism," published in The Strand Magazine. It had a chess theme. In November 1893, William Liebermann wrote "Checkmate," published in Argosy. It referenced chess. In April 1894, Raymond Allen wrote "The Black Knight," published in The Strand Magazine. There was a reference to chess. In 1896, William Graydon wrote "The Fall of the Soudan," published in The Argosy magazine. There was one reference to chess. "They spend their days at Shepheard's Hotel planning the campaign on paper over their win and cigars, as one plays chess or checkers." The Argosy was the first pulp magazine, beginning in 1896. It started as a newspaper in December 1882. In December 1897, T. W. Speight wrote "The Secret of Wyvernt Towers," published in The Argosy magazine. There was one reference to chess. "In the afternoon, he and mamma — sometimes taking me with them — drive or walk, and for the evening we have books, chess, and music. In January 1898, Charles Chapin Sargent wrote "An Unconditional Surrender," published by The Argosy. There was one reference to chess. "A young officer with his arm in a sling was playing chess with an elderly gentleman with a major's leaf on his collar. The game suddenly ended and the major sat back." In April 1899, Arthur Marchmont wrote "A Dash for a Throne," published in The Argosy. There are a few references to chess. "You will find it difficult to play your game of chess without the king. ...You have dared to seize the queen. Why should I not dare to seize your king? This is no child's game we are playing. He started again, pursed his lips, and frowned. I had beaten him. I knew it. 'It is checkmate,' said I quietly." In June 1899, John P. Ritter wrote "The Man Who Dared," published in The Argosy. The story is about Robespierre during the Reign of Terror, with one reference to chess. Chapter VIII is titled "Jean's First Moves on the Chess Board." In March 1900, Robert Barr wrote "A Game of Chess," published in Pearson's Magazine, page 211. Illustrations were by Arthur Buckland. It was about a murder in Paris after an accusation of cheating in chess at a chess club and revenge against the murderer. It featured a chessboard that could electrocute you. Pearson's Magazine was a pulp magazine from 1896 to November 1939. In July 1900, Alma Martin wrote, "In the Queer Little shop," published in The Argosy. There is one reference to chess. "They had frequent evenings together, these three old men, in the comfortable living quarters of the brothers, back of the dingy little shop, with now a game of chess or dominoes, but oftener an uninterrupted season of Dickens." In November 1900, Fred White wrote "The Other Side of the Chess-Board," published in Pearson's Magazine. It referenced chess. In August 1903, Van Tassel Sutphen wrote "The Himalayan Edelweiss," published in Pearson's Magazine. The story is about a chess match and a proposal of marriage by wireless telegraphy. One of the characters is Dunstan Dorr, amateur chess-player and professional bore. In August 1903. Harry Furniss wrote and illustrated an article called "Celebrities and Their Heads," published in Pearson's Magazine. "It has struck me with sadness that, speaking generally, celebrated chess players have the cleverest and largest heads of any class of men." He goes on to point out that Paul Morphy and Steinitz died in a madhouse. (note: Morphy died at home) There is an illustration of Steiniz. The author writes that he had a fine head by a deformed body (note: he may have had clubfoot). In October 1909, Radcliffe Martin wrote "When the Red Rust Came," published in Pearson's Magazine. It referenced chess. Old Professor Meppel plays chess and discusses tulips with one friend. In June 1910, Margaret L. Woods wrote "Pastels Under the Southern Cross," published in Cornhill Magazine. It was about Napoleon with references to his chess playing. In August 1911, Olive Briggs wrote "Chess Players," published in Scribner's Magazine. It referenced chess. In 1912, Gilbert Patten (1866-1945) wrote the novel "Checkmate by Wireless," published in New Story Magazine. In March 1914, Mrs. Herbert Vivian wrote "Living Chess," published in The Strand Magazine (page 304). It is a story on living chess with photographs from a living chess match in Prague. In March 1916, Ernest Robertson Punshon (1872-1959) wrote the short story "The Haunted Chessmen," first published in The Novel Magazine (Vol 22, #132) in Britain. The story was reprinted in More Uncanny Stories in 1918, Weird Tales, March 1930, and Ghost Stories and Other Queer Tales in 1931. The main theme is chess with a reference to Lasker and Capablanca. "Poor Lathbury had been discovered one morning lying dead across the chessboard on which he had apparently been working out some problem, or analyzing a game. The razor with which he had cut his throat was in his hand, and there was no faintest explanation possible of his miserable deed. It was certainly shown in evidence that for a day or two before the end he had seemed slightly worried, and had spoken about some game of chess or problem that appeared troubling him." The Novel Magazine was printed from April 1905 to December 1937. It was the first all-fiction British pulp magazine. In March 1916, Frank Conly wrote "The Crime Destroyer," published in Detective Story Magazine (vol 2 #5). There is one reference to chess. "I glory in the sea, and with deck quoits for exercise, chess and cards for recreation, and strong, healthy-minded men for companions, I cannot imagine a more enjoyable vacation under ordinary circumstances." Detective Story Magazine was a pulp fiction magazine that was published from October 1915 to the summer of 1949. It was one of the first pulp magazines devoted to detective fiction. In November 1916, Henry Rowland wrote "Dicky," published in The Popular Magazine (vol 42, #4). There is one reference to chess. "I gave in to the controlling interest he stood out for because this first funding scheme of yours had been talked about already and I thought he would be a good, useful block. So he was too, until he saw the chance of springing a new one. It's like a game of chess. The old coot is chucking his interest in my little road because he sees the chance of getting it all back, and more besides, on this new proposition. He has swapped his knight for a bishop on the chance of checkmate." In January 1920, Thomas Stribling wrote "The Green Splotches," published in Adventure magazine and the April 1926 issue of Amazing Stories. It was re-published in the August 1952 issue of Famous Fantastic Mysteries. It mentions chess as a way for two men to take their minds off of matters before they retired for the evening. In the June 12, 1920 issue of The Argosy (vol 122, #1), Ray Cummings (1887-1957) wrote "The Marriage of William Durrant. There were several references to chess. "Then he wanted me to play a game of chess, which I cannot conceive any rational-minded person being interested in." In December 1920, Lewis H. Moulton wrote the short story "The Chess Club Problem," published in The Black Mask (vol2, #3), pages 57-66. It mentions chess. The Black Mask pulp magazine was first published in April 1920. Its final issue was 1987. In April 1921, Harold de Polo (1885-1958) wrote "Checkmated," published in Detective Story Magazine. It has a chess reference. In July 1921, Nelia Gardner White wrote "The Man Who Wasn't Wanted," published in The American Magazine. There are a several references to chess and an illustration of two men around a chessboard. "Rough, working men most of them, Poles and Russians and a couple of Germans, but they loved chess; and there were some matches there in the little back room that would have made the men at the Queen City Club gasp in surprise. ...He kept his chessmen beside him almost constantly. They were his only means of forgetfulness. He had several fine chess book, and day after day he studied out openings and planned attacks and solved problems. ...'Gentlemen, I have the honor of suggesting the name Stanislaus Tobolski for membership in the Queen City ChessClub!' There was a little silence — crammed with feeling. Young Vandermuellen got to his feet. 'Let's make it unanimous!' he said." In 1921, Harold Lamb wrote "The Grand Cham," published in Adventure magazine (vol 30 #1). There are several references to Tamberlane the Great and chess. On February 18, 1922, Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) wrote "The Chessmen of Mars," first published in Argosy All-Story Weekly as a six-part serial in February-March, 1922. It was later published as a complete novel in November, 1922. On Mars, they play a modified version of Jetan, a popular Martian board game resembling chess, except played on a 10x10 board instead of an 8x8 board. The living version uses people as the game pieces on a life-sized board, with each taking of a piece being a duel to the death. Burroughs was an amateur chess player himself and started writing his fifth Mars novel in January 1921. In January 1923, Forbes Parkhill (1892-1974) wrote the short story "Checkmate," published in Action Stories (Vol 2, #5). It references chess. In July 1923, Howard Marsh wrote "Checkmate," published in The Black Mask. It references chess. In October 1923, George Edmund Holt (1881-1950) wrote "Checkmate," published in Adventure magazine. It references chess. In January 1924, George Whiteley Ward wrote the short story "The Chessmen of Ghor Khi Laht," published in Chums magazine. It has a chess theme. In February 1924, Agatha Christie (1890-1976) wrote "The Chess Problem," published in The Sketch magazine. The story was repeated in September 1927 issue of The Blue Book Magazine. The story was included in the book, The Big Four, published in 1927. The theme is chess and mentions Lasker, Capablanca, and Rubinstein. In August 1924, J. E. Granville wrote "Check Mate," in Hutchinson's Mystery Story Magazine. There is a chess reference. In August 1925, Headon Hill (1854-1927) wrote "Checkmate," published in Brief Stories. It mentions chess. In October 1925, John Hunter (1891-1961) wrote "Checkmate," published in Cassell's Magazine. It references chess. In April-May 1926, the first two issues of Amazing Stories (vol 1, #1 and #2) published "Off on a Comet," written by Jules Verne (1828-1905) in 1887. Colonel Murphy and Major Oliphant would have enough time to play chess when travelling in space. In Verne's original version, Colonel Murphy was a Brigadier General. The translator accordingly demoted him to the rank of Colonel, a rank less likely to cause offense and a rank more likely to play chess with a Major. Philidor was mentioned, along with pawns are "the soul of chess." Not one pawn was taken during their chess game. In 1927, Amazing Stories Annual (vol 1, #1) published "Under the Knife," written by H. G. Wells (1866-1946) in 1896. Chess is referenced once. "The interest was much of a quality with that one might feel in a game of chess." See my article on H.G. Wells and chess. In January 1927, Miles Breuer wrote "The Man with the Strange Head," published in Amazing Stories (vol 1, #10). There is one reference to chess "Mr. Anstruther came to me ten years ago, when I was a poor mechanic. He had heard of my automatic chess-player, and my famous animated show-window models." In May-July 1927, A. Merritt wrote "The Moon Pool," published in Amazing Stories (vol 2, #3). There was one reference to chess. "He was like a cautious swordsman, fencing, guarding, studying his opponent; or rather, like a chess-player who keeps sensing some far-reaching purpose in the game; alert, contained, watchful." In January 1928, Peter Perry wrote "Checkmate," published in Detective Fiction Weekly. There is a reference to chess. In January 1928, Stewart Robertson wrote "Checkmate," published in The Popular Magazine. There is a chess reference. In March 1928, W. J. Rapp wrote "The Invisible Chess Player," published in Ghost Stories. Chess is a theme in the story. Ghost Stories was a U.S. pulp magazine that was published between 1926 and 1932. In April-June 1928, Jack Bertin wrote "Checkmate," published in the Golden West Magazine. It references chess. In May 1928, Amazing Stories (vol 3, #2) published "The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherazade," written by Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) in 1845. There is one reference to chess. "One of this nation of mighty conjurors created a man out of brass and wood, and leather, and endowed him with the ingenuity that he would have beaten at chess all the race of mankind, with the exception of the great Caliph, Haroun Alraschid." Poe was referring to Maelzel's Automaton Chess-Player. In August 1928, Lockhart North wrote "Check Mate," published in Cabaret Stories. There is a reference to chess. In September 1928, Eric Warndof wrote "The Magic Chessmen," published in Ghost Stories. Chess is referenced in the story. In 1928, Amazing Stories Quarterly (vol1 #1) published "When the Sleeper Wakes," written by H. G. Wells. There is one reference to chess. "In process mathematics particularly, this aid [hypnotism] had been a singular service, and it was now invariably invoked by such players of chess and games of manual dexterity as were still to be found." In 1928, David Keller wrote "Stenographer's Hands," published in Amazing Stories Quarterly (vol 1 #4). There is one reference to chess. "The individuals were of no value. In fact, he considered them simply as pawns on his chess board, things hardly human, living in human shape but somehow not worthy of sympathetic regard." In March 1929, Mel Watt wrote "Checkmate!" published in Detective Story Magazine. It has a chess reference. In June 1929, Irvin Lester and Fletcher Pratt wrote "The Reign of the Ray," published in Science Wonder Stories (vol 1 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Military skill from 1914 on became no more important than skill in chess." In June 1929, Dr. David H. Keller wrote "The Threat of the Robot," published in Science Wonder Stories (vol 1 #1). There are several references to chess. "We found that to properly work one of the machines required a very high grade of intelligence. And when it came to selecting eleven men who could work as a team, in perfect harmony with each other, so the eleven robots would act as one well-run machine, why, that was an almost impossible task. It was soon discovered that the best type of collegians were little men with clever brains. Chess and bridge players made good players..." In July 1929, Bob Olsen wrote "The Superperfect Bride," published in Amazing Stories (Vol 4, # 4). In 1951, it was re-published in Avon Science-Fiction Reader #2. There are several references to chess. A woman in the story is good at chess. One quote is "Whoever heard of a woman who could play chess?" In September 1929, David Keller wrote "The Human Termites," published in Science Wonder Stories (vol 1 #4). There is one reference to chess. "So I worked a game of chess with this thing that ruled the colony house." In October 1929, Ray Avery Myers wrote "Into the Subconscious," published in Science Wonder Stories (vol 1 #5). There is one reference to chess. "When we see people who can multiply any two numbers of 9 digits and give the result immediately, when we see others who can play thirty games of chess in their heads simultaneously, when we consider the hypnotic possibilities of the human mind, and when we delve into the great infinity of the sub-consciousness mind, we realize how much remains to be discovered about the marvelous mechanics of the human brain." In 1930, John Taine wrote "White Lily," published in Amazing Stories Quarterly (vol 3, #1). There was one chess reference. "Throughout this vas game, Hu the Good was merely a pawn, but the Moscow agents were unduly contemptuous of poor old Hu. They forgot that chess as played by masters often turns upon the gain or loss of one humble pawn." In January 1930, Ray Cummings wrote "Phantoms of Reality," published in Astounding Stories of Super-Science. There is a chess reference. "The general moved rarely, and spoke hardly at all. His whole air was that of a man absorbed in a game of chess — "...a game on which the fate of a nation depended. He was thus absorbed." In March 1930, E. R. Punshon wrote "The Haunted Chessmen," published in Weird Tales. The story references chessmen. The main theme is chess with a reference to Lasker and Capablanca. "Poor Lathbury had been discovered one morning lying dead across the chessboard on which he had apparently been working out some problem, or analyzing a game. The razor with which he had cut his throat was in his hand, and there was no faintest explanation possible of his miserable deed. It was certainly shown in evidence that for a day or two before the end he had seemed slightly worried, and had spoken about some game of chess or problem that appeared troubling him." Weird Tales was a fantasy and horror fiction pulp magazine that was published from March 1923 to 1954. In May 1930, Laurence Manning and Fletcher Pratt wrote "The City of the Living Dead," published in Science Wonder Stories (vol 1 #12). There are several references to chess. "'Do you play chess?' he asked; not in our own words, but in the tongue of the Anglesk of old; and, wonder of all wonders, I understood him. 'Chess?' I answered. 'I don't know the name. Is it a game of the Anglesk?' 'The man with the metal face sighed deeply and half to himself said: 'And for tweny years I have been bringing my Sayers gambit to absolute perfection — my legacy to the world.'" In July 1930, Clarence Heller wrote "A Drama of A.D. 1950," published in Amazing Stories (vol 5, #4). There is one reference to chess. "The family greeted me warmly; the elder Van Swagger had been playing a game of internationals chess with an opponent in Switzerland, over the wires of the Atlantic Cables, Incorporated. I did not interrupt the game, but watched him take a bishop, as he talked into a receiver, and baited his victim some six thousand miles distant." In December 1930, Ray Cummings wrote "Tama of the Light Country," published in Argosy. Chess is mentioned on table of the main room. In 1931, Miles Breuer and Jack Williamson wrote "The Birth of a New Republic," published in Amazing Stories Quarterly (vol 4, #1). There is one reference to chess. "As we sat at table I reveled in his cutting wit, and often he found time to join me for a game of chess, for an animated discussion of the latest drama from earth, or of some principle of philosophy or even in a scientific speculation as to the future of the race — he was almost catholic in his breadth of understanding." In June 1931, Reginald Barker wrote "Checkmate," published in Street & Smith's Complete Stories. There is a reference to chess. In 1931, John W. Campbell,Jr. wrote "Islands of Space," published in Amazing Stories Quarterly (vol 4, #2). There are several references to chess. Chess is played in space by several persons. One character has mental telepathy and always wins. "The chess game was possible by using a standard lightweight set, each piece of which has a small magnet in it, and the board was iron." "I was rather mussing up those chess games of yours by reading Morey's mind, and projecting the thoughts into Wade's thinking mechanisms. I can make you 'hear,' or you can conceive the idea as though it were your own, depending on my method of projection." In 1932, I. M. Stephens and Fletcher Pratt wrote "A Voice Across the Years," published in Amazing Stories Quarterly (vol 5, #1). There are several references to chess. Cube chess and a three-dimensional chess game was played on a cube 10 squares long. A footnote to the story added, "It is interesting to recall that the players of the Marshall Chess Club of New York City have tried out a form of three-dimensional chess since Capablanca's demonstration that the old two-dimensional chess is becoming obsolete through lacking in complication for modern minds." In 1932, John Campbell wrote "Invaders from the Infinite," published in Amazing Stories Quarterly (vol 5, #2). There is one reference to chess. "Oh, I think waiting so long would be boring," said Wade sarcastically. "What do you suggest we do in the intervening eighty millenniums? Play cards?" "Oh, cards or chess. Something like that," grinned Arcot. In March 1932, Carl Freeman wrote "Check an' Double Check," published in Cowboy Stories. Chess is referenced. In May 1934, Arthur Savage wrote "The Chess-Man and the Dice-Girl," published in The 20-Story Magazine. There is a reference to chess. In October 1934, Howard Davis wrote "Checkmate," published in Detective Fiction Weekly. Chess is referenced. In 1934, Jack Williamson wrote "The Legion of Pace," published in Astounding Stories. It was re-published in 1950 as part of Galaxy Science Fiction Novel #2. There are several references to chess. "'You're really indestructible. Remarkable shape, for a man of your age — except for that knee. You'll make me a good patient and a better chess opponent for the next 20 years.' ...I liked him. A lonely old soldier, - he didn't talk too much about his campaigns. We discovered a mutual interest in chess, and he made a pleasant companion. ...I knew, too, that he was busy with some literary project — dropping in at his rather shabby rooms for a pipe and a game of chess." In 1935, Olaf Stapledon wrote "Odd John," which was re-published in 1951 for Galaxy Science Fiction Novel #8. There is one reference to chess. "He was drawn into them much as an intelligent spectator might be drawn into a game of chess played by blockheads." In December 1935, Ray Cummings wrote "Checkmate to Death," published in Detective Fiction Weekly. There is a chess theme. In January 1936, C. K. M. Scanlon wrote "Check and Double Check," published in Popular Detective. There is a reference to chess. In August 1936, Lawrence Treat (1903-1998) wrote "Check and Double Check," published in Ace-High Detective Magazine. In December 1936, an editorial in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 8 #3) wrote about science fiction and a mention of chess. "Science Fiction! Of thee I sing. War, pestilence, depression — and unemployment. But science fiction is here to stay, as the blacksmith remarked of the automobile industry. For entertainment we have the talkies, bridge, ping-pong — but give me science fiction; the entertainment as intriguing as chess, and as modern as tomorrow." Thrilling Wonder Stories was part of the Wonder Stories American science fiction magazine that was published from 1929 to 1955. Wonder Stories was renamed to Thrilling Wonder Stories in 1936. In June 1937, Otto Binder wrote "The Chessboard of Mars," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 9 #3). Chess is the chief occupation of the Martians. "The chief occupation of the Martians in the past ages of their civilization had been warfare. Now their chief occupation is playing on this gigantic chessboard of Mars, moving humans in paths of fate like the chess player moves his pawns and pieces!" Wonder Stories was a pulp science fiction magazine from 1929 to 1955. In February 1938, Gordon Giles wrote "Via Asteroid," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 11 #1). There is one reference to chess. "The rest of the time we amused ourselves playing cards and chess. Now and then we'd go hunting in the bush-wilds of our pool for small game." In March 1938, Arthur C. Clarke wrote "How We Went to Mars," published in Amateur Science Fiction Stories. He mentions 4-D chess. In June 1938, Gayle Maile wrote "Pawn Takes Bishop," published in The American Magazine. The story was illustrated by Mead Schaeffer. There is a reference to chess. In June 1938, Harry Walton wrote "Below—Absolute," published in Astounding Science-Fiction. One of the spacemen is "presently engaged in nothing more vital than a game of solitaire chess." In August 1938, Don A. Stuart (John Campbell) wrote "Who Goes There?" published in Astounding Stories. The movie The Thing is based on this story. Chess is being played in a hut in the Antarctic. In October 1938, Arthur J. Burks wrote "The Challenge of Atlantis," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 12 #2). There are several references to chess. "Snow in July, in places where there never should be snow at all, or only in the dead of winter! 'It makes me think, somehow,' said Hilton Fore, 'of a game of chess!'" Another character thought it reminded him of checkers. "'Now,' said Herndon, 'I know why I thought of checkers, why you thought of chess! We three are the first to know, and we are playing, against the Insiders, the grimmest, most vital game of chess ever devised! No wonder we sensed it in advance!'" In January 1939, Arthur J. Burks (1898-1974) wrote "The First Shall be the Last," published in Astounding Science-Fiction (vol 22, #5). McNab says, "Some day I'll ask th' skipper to join me in a game o' chess!" In March 1939, Eando Binder wrote "The Impossible World," published in Startling Stories (vol 1 #2). There is a reference to chess. "Routine settled over the ship. There was much time for cards, chess and idle talk." Startling Stories was an American pulp science fiction magazine, published from 1939 to 1955. In March 1939, Eric Frank Russell wrote "Sinister Barrier," published in Street & Smith's Unknown fantasy fiction magazine (vol 1 #1). It was re-published in 1950 in Galaxy Science Fiction Novel #1. There is one chess reference. "'I am a chess enthusiast. So was Webb. Our friendship rested solely upon our mutual fondness for the game." In April 1939, John Taine wrote "Tomorrow," published in Marvel Science Stories (vol 1 #4). There are several references to chess. "Arrived at the club house after leaving Hardinge, Dakan and Merriman sought the quiet solitude of the chess room. They had barely set up their pieces, when the aggressively affable Pobby stuck his nose in. ...That afternoon at one o'clock he met Merriman in the chess room." In May 1939, Edmond Hamilton wrote "The Prisoner of Mars," published in Startling Stories (vol 1 #3). There is one reference to chess. "[The machine] could do several things at one time, as easily as a human genius could play a number of chess-games at once." In July 1939, Clifford Simak wrote "Cosmic Engineers," published in Astounding Science-Fiction. The story mentions three-way chess or three-dimensional chess with 27 men. In September 1939, Englehardt Frederick (L. Ron Hubbard) wrote "General Swamp, C.I.C.," published in Astounding Science-Fiction (vol 4, #21). Chess is an ancient game. "You've heard of the ancient game of chess. It is a battle of wits. Well, I want to match wits with the Earthly commander, only we'll be using men and ships for pawns." In September 1939, Robert Neal Leath wrote "Karpen the Jew," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 1 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Oh, the ambassadors, personally, and John Albertson, were safe enough in their planning. Not one of them, not one of the dictators for who the ambassadors spoke, ever would see an actual firing line. They were impersonal as though they were playing chess. War — is always impersonal to those who start it." In October 1939, Harry Butman wrote "Finished Game," published in Weird Tales (vol 34 #4). The subtitle was "What weird compulsion guided the player's hands in that archaic chess game?" The whole theme of the story is about chess. A chess game is being played by Mr. Cabot at the Sommers Chess Club in Boston against a visiting master. A position appears on the board that occurred in an unfinished game 100 years ago played by Talbot Morrison and a novice. Cabot makes moves he doesn't understand and checkmates the master. The unfinished game 100 years ago was finally finished. This was a good short story. In December 1939, Henry Kuttner wrote "Suicide Squad," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 14 #3). It has one reference to chess. "I followed the typewritten instructions before me, playing the ground-ship delicately among the tangled chess-game or space-craft the vision-screens showed, until there came a time when I realized that one of the vessels was off its course." In January 1940, Gordon Giles wrote "Via Pyramid," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 15 #1). There is one reference to chess. "We were nearly flooded out. We had to desert our metal hut for the waterproof ship. The natives brought us food, sloshing, through the muddy current with evident delight. We played cards and chess until we were sick of them." In March 1940, Harry Walton wrote "Bomb from Beranga," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 1 #6). There are several references to chess. "He'd work all day, usually, and at night we'd play chess. He taught me the game, and I got to like it better after I caught on. Sometimes we'd play into the small hours, like we were doing that night two months ago when the thing happened. You bet that was one game we never finished. ...Now I became footman to the Princess, as well as chauffer, butler, cook and valet. There were no more chess games." In April 1940, Philip M. Fisher wrote "The Devil of the Western Sea," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 2 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Captain Williams' face was grim as I hurried away. Young Rowland with whom he played chess every evening after dinner, hurt." In May 1940, a chess game appeared on the cover of Black Book Detective. In June 1940, Eric Howard wrote "The Pawn and the Game," published in Detective Fiction Weekly. There is a reference to chess. In July 1940, Raymond Gallun wrote "Tangled Paths," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 17 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Say, can't you two quite plain' chess for a while, and come out and play ping-pong with me?" In August 1940, Henry Kuttner wrote "No Man's World," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 17 #2). There is one reference to chess. "Earth was merely the board for the deadly chess game between two mighty civilizations." In August 1940, L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt wrote "The Mathematics of Magic," published in Unknown magazine (vol 3 #6). There are several references to chess. "You must let me show you the really fine chess player I made sometime, or the imps I conjured up to handle my torture work." "The fuzzy-haired apprentice was not naturally a good player. Shea beat him in the first two games easily, winning the small bets the youth insisted on 'to make the sport more interesting." In September 1940, L. Sprague de Camp wrote "The Hardwood Pile," published in Unknown magazine (vol 4 #1). "A mill like Pringle's, that is not equipped for turning out little things like chessmen, accumulates a vast amount of waste." In December 1940, Hal Vermes wrote "Checkmate," published in The Phantom Detective. There is a chess reference. In December 1940, Manly Wade Wellman wrote "The Life Machines," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 18 #3). There are a few references to chess. "Warwick realized that he could not explain [surrender]. It was like a mighty chess game, with the most pieces and the best strategy on the side of the Other. ...Chess, that was it, and Warwick was even more helpless than a pawn." In December 1940, Gordon Giles wrote "Via Intelligence," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 18 #3). There is one reference to chess. "Hello Mars Expedition Two! Your winter has set in, you say, confining you to your barracks. It's a long, bitter one. It'll last six months. Luckily, besides cards and chess, you have books. We didn't." In January 1941, Anson MacDonald (Robert Heinlein) wrote "Sixth Column," published in Astounding Science-Fiction. The story features a chess problem that someone tells a prince that there is a mate in four move solution on the chess table at the prince's palace. It was a bluff and there was no such mate. In January 1941, Mojave Lloyd wrote "Grindstone Checkmate," published in Wild West Weekly. There is a reference to chess. In April 1941, Robert Heinlein wrote "They," published in Unknown magazine (vol 4 #6). Chess is referenced throughout the story. "We've played chess every day for a week. If you will talk, I'll play chess." "Why do you like to play chess so well?" "Because it is the only thing in the world where I can see all the factors and understand all the rules." In the May 1941 issue of Amazing Stories (vol 15 #5) there was a section called "Would You Believe..." Included was the following, "Would you believe that the number of possible moves on the part of each player during the first six moves in a game of chess exceed 4,000,000,000?" In May 1941, Duncan Farnsworth wrote "Return of the Space Hawk," published in Amazing Stories (vol 15 #5). There is one reference to chess. "Mentally, Fay was running through countless maneuvers he had used in his space fighting days. Maneuvers based on skill and cunning, made to draw an enemy into a futile defense of his weakest points. Fay had always planned his tactics — like a superior chess player — three or four moves in advance." In July 1941, Robert Heinlein wrote "Methuselah's Children," published in Astounding Science-Fiction. A chess game is being played by two of the characters, Libby and King. In July 1941, Leigh Brackett wrote "A World is Born," published in Comet magazine (vol 1, # 5). There is one reference to chess. "I don't like being a pawn in somebody else's chess game." In August 1941, A. Merritt wrote "The Metal Monster," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 3 #3). There is one reference to chess. "The rods were movable; they formed a keyboard unimaginably complex; a keyboard whose infinite combinations were like a Fourth Dimensional chess game." In September 1941, L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt wrote "The Land of Unreason," published in Unknown Worlds magazine (vol 5 #3). There is one reference to chess. "There seemed to be some choice of reaction. ...It was more like a game of chess; you played pawn to king four on the board of personal relations, and your opposite number, though not compelled to imitate you exactly, had to make one of a series of standard moves or find himself compromised." In October 1941, John York Cabot wrote "The Truthful Liar," published in Fantastic Adventures. A man brags that he plays chess by cable with someone important (he was lying). Later he gets a cable that contains chess symbols. In October 1941, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote "Invisible Men of Mars," published in Amazing Stories (vol 15 #10). There is one reference to chess. "We have the princess," said Ptor Fak, which is the same as saying in America, "It is in the bag." The expression derives from the Barsoonian chess game, jetan, in which the taking of a princess decides the winner and ends the game." In July 1942, Francis Stevens wrote "Serapion," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 4 #3). There are several chess references. Nils says, "Even the chess sometimes ends in a row. I wouldn't play him at all, if he hadn't beaten me so many times. . ...Near the large reading-table, with the lamp, a small stand had been drawn up and a chess-board laid on it. In anticipation of Nils's arrival Moore had been arranging the pieces. They were red and white ivory mend, finely carved." In June 1942, L. Sprague de Camp wrote "Solomon's Stone," published in Unknown Worlds (vol 6 #1). There are several references to chess. "Nash wondered about the suppressed desires of the other two. Little Bob Lanby displayed none except to be a depressingly good boy and a good chess player." Sultan Arsland and Nash played chess. "Arsland settled back on his cushions and bellowed for a chessboard, and more coffee. He took white as a matter of course, opened with queen's pawn, and followed through with a headlong attack that pinned Nash behind his pawns. ...The lamps had been lit when [Nash] was finally checkmated." In August 1942, Edward Benson wrote "The Outcast," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 4 #4). There are several references to chess. "You shall be left in peace with your chess for being so awfully brilliant." "I listened to this with sufficient attention to grasp what Madge was saying, but what I was really thinking about was a chess-problem which I was attempting to solve." In September 1942, David Keller wrote "The Bridle," published in Weird Tales (vol 36 #9). There are several references to chess. "I had thought to argue with him, changed my mind, paid him a dollar I owed him and invited him over that night for a game of chess." "Mr. Jordan, I asked you for help, not to play a game of mental chess." In February 1943, Harry Jenkins wrote "A Pawn for a King," published in Amazing Stories. It references chess. In February 1943, Henry Kuttner wrote "Wet Magic," published in Unknown Worlds (vol 6 #5). There are several references to chess. "Often the queen has wanted a partner to play at chess — and often she has asked me for you. In truth, there are few humans beneath the lake, and I would be sorry to lose your company, Bohart. But Morgan has not played at chess for long and long." "He played at chess with me," she added, half maliciously. "You see ... Arthur ...for a hundred years or so after I came here, I invited occasional guests. I would play at chess with them. Then I tired of it, and only lately have I felt ...need again." In March 1943, John Hawkins wrote "Ark of Fire," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteris (vol 5 #3). There is one reference to chess. "The old woman leaned forward. 'And why not? You are dangerous now. This is war, child, and you are an enemy. Your father thinks I am a robot, a creature without a will. A creature who dumbly obeys all orders. I would have him thinking that. So, we play a game, you and I. Like chess. You have good pieces, and so have I. Suppose we end it this way? I do what you ask, and you keep my secret. Checkmate — no?'" In April 1943, Ray Cummings wrote "Checkmate," published in 10 Story Mystery Magazine. Chess is referenced in the story. In April 1943, Nelson Bond wrote "That Worlds May Live," published in Amazing Stories (vol 17 #4). There are several references to chess and tri-chess. Dr. Bryant plays chess with Dr. Boris Anjers. "Dr. Boris Anjers, having placed his opponent destructively, en pris, leaned back in his chair." One of the characters says, "You've got a chess game to occupy your minds. Me, I got pink and green meemies running up and down my corpuscles." In May 1943, Eric Russell wrote "Men, Martians and Machines," published in Astounding Science-Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In June 1943, Ronald Henderson wrote "Checkmate in Crimson," published in Ten Detective Aces. It has a chess reference. In June 1943, N.R. De Mexico wrote "The Devil's Fiddle," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 24 #2). There is one reference to chess. "Theodore Thomas and my father used to be just like that, and I can remember Huneker with a girl on his lap, playing chess with an older brother of mine. So when a dilettante like Landau thought of a manager, he thought of our name." In the fall of 1943, Fredric Brown wrote "Daymare," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 25 #1). There is one reference to chess. "'Willem was a funny little runt,' he said. 'Most people didn't like him because he was sarcastic, and he had crazy notions on politics. Me, I'm not sure whether he wasn't half right half the time, and anyway he played a swell game of chess.'" In the fall of 1943, Wilbur S. Peacock wrote "Prey of the Space Falcon," published in Planet Stories (vol 2 #4). There is one reference to chess. "Cat men from the tombs of Mars played Martian chess with their traditional enemies, the big-chested Upland boiloongs whose tentacles were like living ropes of steel." Planet Stories was an American pulp science fiction magazine that was published between 1939 and 1955. In January 1944, Roger Vreeland wrote "The Hidden Player," published in Weird Tales (vol 37 #3). There is an illustration of a creature playing chess. It is a story about the Prince Henry Chess Club and its members and a creature, Prince Henry, returning from the dead. "He moved toward the coffin and peered into it. Finally he reached into a corner and withdrew an object about four inches long. It was a yellowish ivory. 'As I thought,' he said, examining it closely. 'This is a Persian chess queen. The head rises from a pulpit of acanthus-leaf design. And I assure you it is at least 2,000 years old.' He drew a breath. 'Now do you understand? It was Prince Henry's talisman. They should have taken it with them. It must be destroyed by fire as soon as possible!'" In March 1944, Seabury Quinn wrote "The Unbeliever," published in Weird Tales (vol 37 #3). There is one reference to chess. "Bob Mayhew was hazel-eyed, dark-haired, small-boned and delicate, as sensitive as neurotic as a girl. He played the piano; he had a talent for composing verse, played excellent chess and was a natural linguist, taking honors in French, Latin and Spanish." On the March 1944 cover of Famous Fantastic Mysteries, it looks like a large red and black chessboard with a man's large hands moving humans as chess pieces. In June 1944, Don Wilcox wrote "Man from the Magic River," published in Fantastic Adventures. There are several references to chess, jeweled chessmen, a chess table in the garden, playing by moonlight, and magic chess pieces. In September 1944, Richard Tooker wrote "The Day of the Brown Horde," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 6 #2). There is one reference to chess. "Nor could she know that I was really her water-wading and her leaving the water by way of the lodged reeds that had misled Ag-Tar. No, in her mind there was a higher power moving the pawns on the chess board of fortune." In the fall of 1944, Clifford Simak wrote "Mr. Meek Plays Polo," published in Planet Stories (vol 2 #8). There is one reference to chess. "First year they almost drove [Gus Hamilton] loopy trying to figure out what kind of game they were playing." "Game?" asked Meek, wondering if he was being hoaxed. "Some game. Like checkers. Only it ain't. Not chess, neither. Even worse than that. Bugs dig themselves a batch of holes, then chose up sides and play for hours." In January 1945, P. Schuyler Miller wrote "Ship-in-a-Bottle," published in Weird Tales (vol 38 #3). There is an illustration of a ship in a bottle on top of a chess board. There are several references to chess. "We might have passed it, for we were on our way to the little triangular plot of grass under the old chestnut, where Grand and Beeman come down to the river, and the chess-players meet to squabble amicably over their pipes and their beer of a Saturday night." A man, who is looking for a ship in a bottle, plays chess with the proprietor of a shop. There is a fight during the game. "And the thing that lay sprawled at my feet among the scattered chessmen, its clothes in tatters and its flesh raked as if by the barnacles of a ship's bottom — its throat ripped as if by one slashing blow of a steel claw — that thing had been too long undersea to be wholly human." In February 1945, George O. Smith wrote "Beam Pirate," published in Astounding Science-Fiction, British edition (vol 4 #9). There is one reference to chess. A radio man flashes "OK," and goes back to his 47th game of chess with the assistant pilot. In May 1945, Ray Bradbury wrote "The Watchers," published in Weird Tales (vol 38 #5). There is one reference to chess. "The game of chess continues, Good against Evil, I hope. And I am losing." In June 1945, J. S. Bradford wrote "Even a Worm," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 6 #5). There is one reference to chess. "A quick eye and a far-seeing eye took in the lack of fences, the few straight, chess-board-square country roads." In September 1945, Joe Archibald wrote "Heaven Only Knows," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 6 #6). There is one reference to chess. Hitler is on trial but the judge wants to get the trial over since he has a game of chess to finish with Leo Tolstoi. In September 1945, Claire Neikind wrote "It's a Kid's Game," published in Collier's magazine. It references chess. In October 1945, Madeleine Buchanan wrote "The Chessboard," published in Breezy Stories. There is a reference to chess. In the winter of 1945, there was article called "the Literary Piano," published in Startling Stories (vol 11 #3). The article was about Christopher Sholes and the invention of the typewriter. According to the article, Sholes was fond of poetry and chess. In January 1946, August Derleth wrote "Mrs. Lannisfree," published in Weird Tales Canadian edition (vol 38 #3). There are several references to chess. Mr. Lannisfree played chess and taught an older companion to play chess. "I got used to his nervous habits after a while, but at first he startled me. The first time I noticed anything was during the second game of chess we played — after I had learned enough about the game to play it without always being told what I could do and what I couldn't. I was thinking about a move; so I looked at him, and there he sat, with his head bent to one side a little." In February 1946, Lewis Padgett wrote "The Fairy Chessmen," published in Astounding Science-Fiction. It was republished as "Chessboard Planet," published in Galaxy Science Fiction Novel #26 in 1951. War was more of a chess game than a series of battles. There were several references to fairy chess and different variants of chess. "Chessboard Planet" was also reviewed in the December 1956 issue of Astounding Science Fiction. In March 1946, Keith Hammond wrote "Valley of the Flame," published in Startling Stories. "I don't like to be pushed around. Darum — Parror — even you — have been treating Craddock and me like chessmen." In March 1946, Ray Bradbury wrote "The Traveller," published in Weird Tales (vol 39 #4). There is one reference to chess. Cecy Elliott can travel outside her body. "'Wher'd she go?' he demanded. 'I've got to find her!' Mother talked straight at him. 'I don't know. She has her favorite places. You might find her in a child, running along a trail in the ravine. Or swinging on a vine. Or you might find her in a crayfish under a rock in the creek, looking at you. Or she might be playing chess inside an old man in the courthouse square.'" In September 1946, Chester Geier wrote "Minions of the Tiger," published in Fantastic Adventures. The story involves a chess problem and a chess game with Melhorn and Corbin. "The older man had a chess set laid out on the bench and seemed to be engaged in working out a problem." In September 1946, W. T. Ballard wrote "Dig Your Own Murder!" published in Dime Mystery Magazine (vol 33 #4). There are several references to chess and to a chessboard. A chessboard is used as a treasure hunt. The clue is "Start at the center and turn right. From Y to A and V to D, the bishop's longest move you see. Dropping squares at bottom and right, and using only those which are white, you have to place for the letter Z." In the fall of 1946, Leroy Yerxa wrote "Through the Asteroids — To Hell," published in Planet Stories (vol 3 #4). There was one reference to chess. "The Warrior Patrol had come to protect it, keep it open, and to prevent the fighting ships of Vestena from using it to conquer Parma. A vast set for a chess game. The pieces were placed, alert and waiting, about the tunnel head. When would the opposing player make his first move!" In the fall of 1946, Keith Hammond wrote "Call Him Demon," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 29 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Uncle Lew smoked his pipe and wrinkled the brown skin around the eyes at Uncle Bert, who bit his lips and hesitated a long time between moves. But Uncle Lew won the chess game anyway." In November 1946, Ray Cummings wrote "Check and Double Check," published in The Phantom Detective. Chess is referenced in the story. In January-February 1947, Lewis Padgett wrote "Tomorrow and Tomorrow," published in Astounding Science-Fiction. There are several references to chess, including an illustration of a man studying at a chess board. "Carolyn Kohl and her new guardian played tri-di chess, glancing occasionally at the gauges that told them nothing." In February 1947, Famous Fantastic Mysteries (vol 8 #3) published "The Star Rover," written by Jack London in 1915. There are several references to chess. "By sheer visualization under my eyelids, I constructed chess boards and played both sides of long games through to checkmate. ...I taught Oppenheimer to play chess. Consider how tremendous such an achievement is — to teach a man, thirteen cells away, by means of knuckle-raps; to teach him to visualize a chess board, to visualize all the pieces, pawns and positions, to know the various manners of moving..." In February 1947, Theodore Sturgeon wrote "Maturity," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 38, #2). Chess is referenced once in the story. "We're being played like chessmen, Peg, by a lunatic against a devil." In March 1947, John and Dorothy de Courcy wrote "Chess and Double Chess," published in Amazing Stories. Chess is a major theme in the story. Something looks like a spherical chess race and a chess move was invented. In March 1947, James Gunn wrote "Breaking Point," published in Astounding Science Fiction. It was re-published in the March 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction (vol 1 #5). There is an illustration of a chess board with a hand moving pieces,illustrated by Ebel. There are several chess references. "'What do people do with their time in a place like this?' 'Books,' said Hoskins, almost absently. 'Chess. Conversation.' ...'What are you thinking about?' The engineer looked at him, shrugged, and said mildly, 'Chess.' 'What, especially?' 'Oh, a very general thing. The reciprocity of the game. That's what makes it the magnificent thing it is. Most human enterprises can gang up on a man, slap him with one disaster after another without pause. But not chess. No matter who your opponent might be, every time he does something to you, it's your move.' ...'Hoskings,' said Paresi, 'why are you playing chess?' 'Chess is chess,' said Hoskins quietly. 'Chess may symbolize any conflict, but it is chess and it will remain chess.'" In March 1947, Carter Wainwright wrote "Old Age Begins at?" published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories. There is a reference to chess in the story. In the spring of 1947, Emmett McDowell wrote "Beyond the Yellow Fog," published in Planet Stories (vol 3 #6). There is an illustration with a chessboard in the background. There is one reference to chess. "Gavin felt like a blind man playing chess." In May 1947, Henry Kuttner wrote "Lands of the Earthquake," published in Startling Stories (vol 15 #2). There was one reference to chess. "Was it that nameless, formless being who had moved him like a pawn on the chess-board for the forgotten year in his own world and the uncountable days he had spent in this? Had that chess-player taken up a citadel in the center of Boyce's own brain?" In May 1947, Manly Wade Wellman wrote "The Disc-Men of Jupiter," published in Startling Stories (vol 15 #2). There is one reference to chess. "He wrestled with Bromburg, accepting with rueful good nature an almost unbroken series of defeats. The three also played chess and cards and found much to interest them in the spectacle of the heavens around them." In June 1947, Chandler Davis wrote "Letter to Ellen," published in Astounding Science-Fiction (vol 39, # 4). It also appeared in the December 1947 issue of Astounding Science-Fiction, British edition (vol6 #1). There was this reference to chess: "Looking back, I'm surprised I didn't have the same ambition. Maybe I was too interested in chess; I was on one of my periodic chess binges at the time." In June 1947, Jerry Shelton wrote "You Are Forbidden," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories. "Below, the city drifted slowly behind like a chessboard of rioting colors, studded with gargantuan chessmen." In June 1947, George O. Smith wrote "Trouble," published in Astounding Science-Fiction, British edition (vol 5 #10). There are several references to chess. "He moved his king aside with a contemplative smile. His queen was gone on the next move, he knew. So he had lost a major piece. So that other bird though that losing a major piece was bad, huh? Well, winning battles does not count — it is a matter of who wins the last one. ...Tom Lionel snarled at the chessboard. He'd made his gambit, and instead of ridding himself of a rather powerful threat to his own security, he'd — well, he reread the significant sign that presided over the chessboard and began to growl like an insulted cocker spaniel. The sign said: CHECKMATE!" In the summer of 1947, Bryce Walton wrote "Mo-Sanshon!" published in Planet Stories (vol 3 #7). There is one reference to chess. "Where is he?" "In the gaming rooms," said Ward quickly. "He ... er ...plays chess." In July 1947 Isaac Asimov wrote "Grow Old with Me," for Startling Stories. In January 1950, he re-wrote in and called it Pebble in the Sky. In 1953, it was re-published for Galaxy Science Fiction Novel #14. It has several chess references. "Two months passed, and it all came out — over a game of chess with Grew in the arbor. Chess, somehow, hadn't changed, except for the names of the pieces. It was as he remembered it, and therefore it was always a comfort to him. At least, in this one respect, his poor memory did not play him false. Schwartz had a bare knowledge of the moves when he began, so that he lost constantly in the first games. But that had changed and losing games were becoming rarer." In January 1948, Margaret St. Clair wrote "Aleph Sub One," published in Startling Stories (vol 16 #3). There is one reference to chess. "Jick had given up teaching her math and was trying to acquaint her with the rules of three-board chess." In February 1948, Jack Williamson wrote "With Folded Hands," published in Astounding Science Fiction, British edition (vol 6 #2). There is one reference to chess. "[Humanoids] were stronger than men, better at everything, swimming or chess, singing or archeology. They must have given the race a mass complex of inferiority." In March 1948, Jack Wiliamson wrote "And Searching Mind," published in Astounding Science Fiction. Chessmen are mentioned in the story. In the spring of 1948, Ray Bradbury wrote "Jonah of the Jove-Run," published in Planet Stories (vol 3 #10). There is one reference to chess. "Join me in a game of Martian chess." Nibley said, "I'd beat the hell out of you. Wouldn't pay. It's against orders for me to be down below, anyways." In April 1948, Kenneth Putman wrote "Dud," which appeared in Thrilling Wonder Stories, Canadian edition (vol 32 #1). There are several references to chess. "'Sorry, Hank. But honestly, everything's under control. Rafferty and Goldfarb stopped their chess game so I could get a smoke. They won't miss a trick.' ...Rafferty and Goldfarb were howling about the loss of their chess-board." In May 1948, Robert Heinlein wrote "Gentlemen, Be Seated!" published in Argosy. In June 1952, it was re-published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries. There are several references to chess and a chess game being played. "There's a game we can play in the dark, Jack. You play chess?" "Why, yes — play at it, that is." "A good game. Used to play it in the decompression chamber when I worked under the Hudson. "What do you say to twenty on a side, just to make it fun?" "Uh? Well, all right." He could have made it a thousand; I didn't care. "Fine. King's pawn to king three." "Uh-king's pawn to king's four." "Conventional, aren't you? Puts me in mind of a girl I knew in Hoboken--" What he told about her bad nothing to do with chess, although it did prove she was conventional, in a manner of speaking. "King's bishop to queen's bishop four. Remind me to tell you about her sister, too. Seems she hadn't always been a redhead, but she wanted people to think so. So she-sorry. Go ahead with your move." I tried to think but my head was spinning. "Queen's pawn to queen three.""Queen to king's bishop three. Anyhow, she--" He went on in great detail. It wasn't new and I doubt if it ever happened to him, but it cheered me up. I actually smiled, there in the dark. "It's your move," he added. "Oh." I couldn't remember the board. I decided to get ready to castle, always fairly safe in the early game. "Queen's knight to queen's bishop three." "Queen advances to capture your king's bishop's pawn-checkmate. You owe me twenty, Jack." "Huh? Why that can't be!" "Want to run over the moves?" He checked them off. I managed to visualize them, then said, "Why, I'll be a dirty name! You hooked me with a fool's mate!" He chuckled. "You should have kept your eye on my queen instead of on the redhead." In May 1948, Craig Browning (1906-1966) wrote "Armageddon," published in Amazing Science Fiction stories. Chess is referenced. In June 1948, George O. Smith wrote "The Trans-Galactic Twins," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 32 #2). There are a few references to chess and fairy chess. "Maradun, like most mathematicians, was a chess-player of no mean ability, and he played often with Barry, though the Terran mind in Barry's body did little but hinder occasionally. That led to various types of fairy chess, which both enjoyed. Then, that in turn led back to what Mathematician Maradum elected to call 'fairy mathematics.' They made a game of it." In June 1948, Ray Bradbury wrote "...And the Moon be Still as Bright," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 32 #2). There is one reference to chess. "The captain picked up his gun. He watched the running, hiding men. He looked at the towers of the little clean Martian village, like sharply carved chess pieces lying in the afternoon." In July 1948, L. Ron Hubbard wrote "When Shadows Fall," published in Startling Stories (vol 17 #3). There are a couple of references to chess. "Mankin looked from one to the other. He was heartened a little, for he had begun to see these fabulous men as little more than companions of his desultory chess games. ...And Mankin, day after day moving thin-worn chessmen idly about on his board, bided his time." In August 1948, Rog Phillips wrote "Starship from Sirius," published in Amazing Stories (Vol 22 #8). There are several references to chess. "It was like it might be if you were only allowed time to play one game of chess during your life, and you had to assert that your game was the true chess game. Or, more accurately, it was like it would be if you were allowed to play any game you wished, but had to finally settle on one game such as chess and assert that chess is the only true game, and the rules in chess are the basic, perfect rules that account for all games, and that all other games are really chess or they don't exist." In August 1948, Henry Kuttner wrote "Happy Ending," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 32 #3). There are several references to chess. There is a reference to Maelzel's chess player. "Quarra Vee was playing some sort of game vaguely reminiscent of chess, but his opponent was on a planet of Sirius, some distance away. The chessmen were all unfamiliar. Complicated, dizzying space-time gambits flashed through Quarra Vee's mind as Kelvin listened in." In October-November 1948, A. E. van Vogt wrote "The Players of Null-A," published in Astounding Science Fiction. Chess is referenced in the story. "Like the Follower, he was a major piece in the galactic game of chess." In November 1948, Dr. J. A. Winter wrote "Expedition Mercy," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 42, # 11). "Bob and Irv played chess; they studied and re-studied the records from the other ship..." In November 1948, Wilmer Shiras wrote "In Hiding," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 42, # 11). There is also an illustration of a chessboard and some black chess pieces. "He played by correspondence — a game he never dared to play in person, except when he forced himself to move the pieces about idly and let his opponent win at least half the time." In November 1948, Frank Belknap Long wrote "Humpty Dumpty Had a Great Fall," published in Startling Stories (vol 18 #2). There are a couple of references to chess. "Boy chess wizards crop up in every generation and chess is a three-way game." In November 1948, Theodore Sturgeon wrote "The Perfect Host," published in Weird Tales. There is a reference to chess. "There is his unspoken, undemanded authority in the choice of programs in the evenings; and where are the chess-games, the folk-singing with your guitar, the long hours of phonograph music? They are there, of course, ready for you every moment; no one has taken them away." In December 1948, Charles Harness wrote "Fruits of the Agathon," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 33 #2). There are several references to chess composition. "'Your chess composition is like a chord of music,' said Blaine Follansbee, eyeing Maillon curiously from his blood-change armchair. ...Blaine grinned at her suddenly. 'A pure multiple echo, really. Same type of harmony you find in a tone poem. I, the experience solver of chess problems, look through the echoes and see the musician....If you stay a little while longer I'll show you how to force a mate with two knights against the lone king." In January 1949, A. Merritt wrote "Seven Footprints to Satan," published in Fantastic Novels. "Some people live their lives for chess. I play my chess with living chessmen, and I play a score of games at once in all corners of the world." In February 1949, George O. Smith wrote "The Catspaw," published in Astounding Science Fiction, British edition (vol 6 #8). There is one reference to chess. "Two of the crew were matching pennies in front of the meter panel, and three more were watching a chess game between two of the others who were using various-shaped radio tubes as men. All was set for a quiet journey home." In February 1949, Peter Phillips wrote "Unknown Quantity," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 2 # 5). It has several references to chess. "A walking filing cabinet, valet, chess-player, conversationalist, and dilettante of the arts — apply the correct verbal stimuli and you'd get a variable discourse on anything from cave paintings to Dali." New Worlds was a British science fiction magazine that began in 1936 and lasted until 1970. In March 1949, H. B. Hickey wrote "Checkmate to Demos," published in Fantastic Adventures. An Earthman has to beat an alien to save the Earth. He doesn't win, but he tried, and the Earth is saved anyway. In May 1949, Lynn Standish wrote a column about a mechanical chess player in "Scientific Oddities," published in Fantastic Adventures. "Dr Norbert Wiener, the father of cybernetics, maintains, that, with the technical knowledge now at our command, it is perfectly feasible to build a machine which can play chess!" In May 1949, Carter Wainwright wrote "The Temple of Benares," published in Fantastic Adventures. The story mentions how chess was invented by Sissa Ben Dahir and, in return, asked for a grain of wheat for each square on the chessboard, with the first square being 1 grain of wheat, then doubling it to 2 for the next square, then doubling that number to 4 for the next square, then to 8 on the next square to all 64 squares. You find out that the number is larger than all the grains of wheat in the world. In May 1949, Charles Harness wrote "Flight into Yesterday," published in Startling Stories (vol 19 #2). There are a few chess references. "'You play chess, I hope? This psych we have is an Eskimo.' 'Chess — Eskimo?' he murmured with puzzled politeness.' 'Sure, Eskimo,' boomed Miles impatiently. 'Never been in a solarion before. Has the swat he has born with. Probably fresh out of school and loaded down with chess sets to keep our minds occupied so we won't brood.'" In July 1949, Charles Harness wrote "Stalemate in Space," published in Planet Stories (vol 4, # 3). There is also an illustration of a chessboard and pieces on a couch. "She stopped and toyed idly with a box of chessmen on his table. 'Would you care for a game of Terran chess? I'll try to play very intelligently, so that you won't be too terribly bored.'" The opening went 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d6 3.f4. In July 1949, Fredric Brown wrote "Come and Go Mad," published in Weird Tales (vol 41 #5). Chess is a theme in the story and one of the players, who had amnesia, dreams of chessmen that are red and black. He has a recurring dream of things which could not have happened. In July 1949, June Lurie wrote "Gin Rummy Genius," published in Fantastic Adventures. "A popular subject of recent scientific discussions, has been the machine proposed by Mr. Norbert Wiener of MIT, to play the game of chess. This hypothetical machine has not yet been devised, but it is far from the realms of impossibility and very likely we will see its eventual appearance." In August 1949, Ray Bradbury wrote "The Naming of Names," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 34 #3). There is one reference to chess. "The nights were full of wind that blew down the empty moonlit sea meadows past the little white chess cities lying for their twelve-thousandth year in the shallows." In September 1949, Arthur C. Clarke wrote "Hide and Seek," published in Astounding Science Fiction. Chess is referenced in the story. In September 1949, Gardner F. Fox wrote "The Rainbow Jade," published in Weird Tales (vol 41 #6). There is one reference to chess. "It is something to do, to play chess with an entire world. To move races and nations like pawns — with a planet for a playing board!" In September 1949, Rog Phillips wrote "The Club House," published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories. There is a reference to chessmen. In November 1949, Frank Belknap Long wrote "The Timeless Man, published in Super-Science Fiction. There are several references to chess. "'You had to have something to occupy your mind.' Langley laughed harshly. 'Any game would do. We could have sat here playing chess. But when Death does the checkmating chess isn't a very amusing game.'" Holden played chess in college. In January 1950, Richard Shaver wrote "We Dance for the Dom," published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories. There is a reference to chess. In January 1950, A. Morris wrote "Tic-Tac-Toe," published in Fantastic Adventures. The article predicts electronic games of chess and checkers. A machine was already built to be unbeatable in tic-tac-toe. The same principles could be extended to chess. In February 1950, L. Ron Hubbard wrote "To the Stars," published in Astounding Science Fiction. Chess is played in sickbay. In February 1950, R. C. W. Ettinger wrote "The Skeptic," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 35 #3). There is one reference to chess. "...you've been on sedatives long enough. Isn't there anything that will take your mind off your leg? Why don't you play a nice game of chess?" In March 1950, Sandy Miller wrote "Checkmate," published in Fantastic Adventures. Chess is a major theme in the story. "He sat down and touched a stud. At once a chess board swung up, its pieces set in order and ready to play. Flaren pressed another stud and the clicking of a relay told him the set was primed. The machine would give him a good game." In March 1950, Henry Piper wrote "Mercenaries," published in Astounding Science Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In March 1950, Raymond Z. Gallun wrote "A Step Farther Out," published in Super-Science Stories (vol 6 #3). "That is why, when she said absently, 'I wish we had a chessboard,' he closed the airtight doors of the two staterooms, so that the passage and the door outside could be used as an airlock, and went out to search among the hoard of stuff they had collected. He found chess equipment easily enough, in a drawer of a table from the game-room of the Aries. ...They played chess, gumming the bottoms of the pieces..." In April 1950, Fritz Leiber wrote "Let Freedom Ring," published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories. Chess is referenced in the story. In April 1950, Francis L. Ashton wrote "The Long Way," published by Super-Science Stories (vol 6 #4). There is one reference to chess. "The year of the acceleration passed swiftly, as it indeed it must when so much of it was spent to sleep. ...Jan and Jefferson played innumerable games of three-dimensional chess." In May 1950, S. J. Byrne wrote "Colossus," published in Other Worlds Science Stories magazine (vol 1 #4). There is one reference to chess. "Like a chess player trying to build up the strategy of six moves ahead, Rocky thought quickly and hard." Other Worlds was an American science fiction magazine, first published in November 1949. Its final issue was in May 1958. In June 1950, Katherine Maclean wrote "Incommunicado," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 45, # 4). Cliff tries to clear his mind by playing games of chess. In July 1950, Fritz Leiber wrote "You're All Alone," published in Fantastic Adventures. Jane and Carr escape in to the Caissa Chess Club. In July 1950, S. J. Byrne wrote "Colossus II," published in Other Worlds (vol 2 #1). There are several references to chess. "Greg 'Baby Face' Stierman, one of the country's leading citizens and one of the most dangerous men alive to involve in an argument if you were playing for keeps. Hobbies: rare and beautiful jewels, one of the world's leading connoisseurs; chess, one of the master players; knife throwing, the deadliest thrower in recorded history of the art..." In July 1950, Ray Bradbury wrote "Purpose," published in Startling Stories (vol 21 #3). There is one reference to chess. "The flaps of his sliced skin were pinned to the table while hands shifted parts of his body like a quick and curious player of chess, using the red pawns and the red pieces." In July 1950, Cleve Cartmill wrote "Fly Down Earth," published in Weird Tales British Edition. There are several references to chess. Damon de Brek was a prisoner and he requested a chess opponent. "He played chess again with a Plastoid, but his mind was not on the game. He was roundly defeated, and even before the departing Plastoid reached the door his eyes were closed in thought." In August 1950, Lee Owens wrote "Fables from the Future," published in Fantastic Adventures. The article discusses the work of Dr. Claude Shannon and the nature of a chess-playing machine. By implication, he tells how to build such an apparatus. In September 1950, Raymond F. Jones wrote "The Cybernetic Brains," published in Startling Stories (vol 22 #1). There is one reference to chess. "I'm convinced that what he says is true now. In one way he's played us like chess pieces." In September 1950, John Holbrook wrote "Ultimate Quest," published in Super-Science Stories (vol 7 #2). There are several references to chess. "Julius and Bob played cards and chess; occasionally Chiram joined them. Jay played a few games of chess — long enough to find that Julius could beat him as often as he set his mind to it — then gave up." In September 1950, Fredric Brown wrote "The Undying Ones," published in Super-Science Stories (vol 7 #2). There is one reference to chess. "It was a routine patrol in Sector 1534, out past the Dog Star, ten parsecs from Sol. The patrol ship was the usual two-man scout used outside the system. Captain May and Lieutenant Ross were playing chess when the alarm rang." In September 1950, Isaac Asimov and James MacCreagh wrote "Legal Rites," published in Weird Tales (vol 42 #6). There are several references to chess. A couple of friends, Hank and Zeb, played chess and cards together. "Every night we sat up together. When we didn't play pinochle or chess or cribbage, we just sat and talked over the news of the day. I still have the book we used to keep recorts of the chess and pinochle games. Zeb made the entries himself, in his own handwriting." In October 1950, Stanton Downs wrote a Letters to the Editors in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 37 #1). He was responding to recent remarks on fencing in literature. "To compare fencing and combat by sharp-edged weapons to modern warfare is to compare chess with canasta." In October 1950, H. Beam Piper wrote "The Mercenaries," published in Astounding Science Fiction, British edition (vol 7 #6). There are several references to chess. "He listened to a call that came in for Adam Lowiewski, the mathematician. 'This is Joe,' the caller said. 'I've got to go to town late this afternoon, but I was wondering if you'd have time to meet me at the Recreation House at Oppenheimer Village for a game of chess. I'm calling from there, now.' 'Fine; I can make it,' Lowiewski's voice replied. 'I'm in the middle of a devil's own mathematical problem; maybe a game of chess would clear my mind. I have a new queen's-knight gambit I want to try on you, anyhow.'" In November 1950, Jack Vance wrote "The Five Gold Bands," published in Startling Stories (vol 22 #2). There is one reference to chess. "The Kotons are the ruthless chess-players, the daring ones, the soldiers. I think of them as the devils that figured out the most horrible tortures." In December 1950, Richard Matheson wrote "The Waker Dreams," published by Galaxy Science Fiction magazine. "That swept away sleep and annoyance as a petulant old man brushed chessmen from his board." In December 1950, Coretta Slavska wrote "Checkmated!" published in Dime Detective Magazine. There is a chess reference. In December 1950, Arthur C. Clarke wrote "Guardian Angel," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 3 #8). There is one reference to chess. "And once again Stormgren had the feeling that the Supervisor's real interests were elsewhere, and that he ruled Earth with only a fraction of his mind, as effortlessly as a master of three-dimensional chess may play a game of checkers." In December 1950, Cleve Cartmill wrote "Captain Famine," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 37, #2). There is one reference to chess. On the space ship, Harvey Clay, the liaison officer, came into the lounge and asked Corky for a game of chess. Corky said, "Some other time, thanks." In January 1951, Arthur Zagat wrote "Drink We Deep," published in Fantastic Novels (vol 4, # 5). Chess is a theme in the story as two twins play chess. One of the twins died, but a chess move was completed on his side of the board after his death. In January 1951, William Temple wrote "Conditioned Reflex," published in Other Worlds (vol 3 #1). There is one reference to chess. "That's a point you'd better consider," said Arthur, lazily. "The homeostat developed to play chess, for instance, could eventually play with subtlety and strategy beyond that of the inventor himself." In February 1951, Charles Creighton wrote "The Man Who Forgot," published in Amazing Stories. There are several references to chess. One character is writing a book on the history of chess. "And you should see his library! Would you believe it? He has over forty thousand books on chess alone, some of them dating to the twentieth century." In February 1951, Matt Lee wrote "Final Haven," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 37 #3). There are several references to chess. "Anstruther transferred his gaze to Leland. Leland was staring up at young Dorna, who had brought the message. His face matched the hue of his knuckles, which were paper white from the pressure he was putting on them to grip the sides of the chess table. ...He sat by himself at the library chessboard, not seeing the problem he had arranged for himself to solve. Again a shadow fell across the board and he looked up, startled, to see Tanlev sitting across from him, that damnable superior smile on his face." In February 1951, Frank Quattrocchi wrote "Assignment in the Unknown," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 46, # 6). Three-dimensional chess is played in space. In February 1951, Ray Bradbury wrote "The Fireman," published in Galaxy Science Fiction. It has one reference to chess. "With an effort, Montag reminded himself again that this was no fictional episode to be watched on his run to the river; it was in actuality his own chess-game he was witnessing, move by move." In February 1951, there was an article called "Infinite Mathematics," published in Imagination magazine (vol 2 #1). It repeats the story of an ancient Indian King who wished to reward a servant who had rendered him a priceless service. The servant asked for a piece of grain one day, two pieces the next, four pieces the next for the next 30 days. "It might be pointed out that in the original version, the service for which the servitor was being rewarded, was theoretically for inventing the game of chess! Undoubtedly when the king saw where his grain pile was heading, he refrained thereafter from playing and probably mounted the head of his servant where he could keep an eye on it!" In March 1951, Arthur Rees wrote "The Threshold of Fear," published in Famous Fantastic Mysteries. A room contains ivory chessmen with carved elephants for castles. In April 1951, Carter Sprague wrote "Milords Methuselah," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 38 #1). There is one reference to chess. "For Smitty, an older man of less volatile temperament had played the role of balance wheel much of the way. For a moment Mike felt sorry for him — then he remembered the chess games and forgot about it." In June 1951, Edward Grendon wrote "Crisis," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 47, # 4). "The humans looked at television, listened to a crystal set, played chess, go, dominoes, and checkers, read, talked and occasionally got drunk." In June 1951, Edgar Pangborn wrote "Angel's Egg," published in Galaxy. Chess is mentioned several times in the story. "Lester dropped around for sherry and chess." An angel helps in a game of chess. In June 1951, S. J. Byrne wrote "Beyond the Darkness," published in Other Worlds. There are several references to chess. "Some Passengers flew transparent globes in changing formations far above the floor, engaging in an aerial game called three-dimensional chess. All around the gigantic chamber where countless observation tiers and refreshment mezzanines, where observers looked down at the activities below or watched the aerial chess game. ....The metal-walled world of ours is like one of the flying globes used for the aerial chess game in the Recreation Hall." In July 1951, Merle Constiner wrote "The Skull of Barnaby Shattuck," published in Weird Tales (vol 43, #5). It has one reference to chess. "Shattuck said stolidly, 'I'm Professor Lacefield. And I sent you but one note.' 'I beg to differ. You sent me two, one written in an illiterate script — Lacefield was evidently a mussy man, I perceive you affect it in your dirty fingernails and uncouth clotghes. You even had chess pieces set up to indicate stupidity.'" In September 1951, John McGreevey wrote "The Catspaw," published in Fantastic Adventures. "The reality of Thorne Leathem, ex-engineer, was lost in the hyper-reality of a Galactic conflict which used Earth's people as hapless chessmen." In September-November 1951, Robert A. Heinlein wrote "The Puppet Masters," published in Galaxy. "He chuckled. 'It's like playing both sides of a very difficult chess game.'" In October 1951, Edward Fielding wrote "Checkmate," published in Cosmopolitan. There is a reference to chess. In October 1951, Fletcher Pratt wrote "Asylum Satellite," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 39 #1). There are several references to chess. One of the characters was Sivard the chess-player. The general would only trust someone that had a peculiar brain, like that for playing chess to operate a torpedo calculator. "A matter of split-second timing — also of chess-player skill in handling the calculator." In October 1951, Dallas Ross wrote "Ultimate Answer," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 39 #1). There are a few references to chess. The Mark-Bessie VI computer plays chess. "Van Oldman rubbed the end of his nose with a rueful forefinger. 'Well, first we set it up to play chess and it beat me three games out of three.' His superior snorted. 'Did you lead off with that usual fantastic gambit of yours?' Oldman nodded and opened his mouth to elaborate. The other interrupted him. 'What do you expect? A talking dog would checkmate you the way your play.'" In October 1951, Clifford Simak wrote "Time Quarry," published in Galaxy. Chess is referenced in the story. In November 1951, Bernard Wolfe wrote "Self-Portrait," published in Galaxy. There are several references to machines playing chess in this article. "After that he made some major contributions to the robot chess player. ...Out of the mathematical analysis of chess came a robot chess player, and out of the chess player came some kind of mechanical brain that's useful in military strategy." In November 1951, Mack Reynolds wrote "Chowhound," published in Marvel Science Fiction magazine (vol 3 # 5). There are several references to chess. "Doctor Thorndon had his face buried in his hands, studying a chess problem, but he spoke up mildly. ...'Nothing of importance, skipper,' Doc Thomdon said easily, returning his attention to his chess board." In November 1951, Eric Frank Russell wrote "The Star Watchers," published in Startling Stories (vol 24 #2). "Indicating the highly polished surface of his desk, Carson continued, 'Imagine this is a gigantic checkerboard with numberless squares per side. We're using midget chessmen and playing white. ...Knights, bishops, rooks, queens and — what is so much the worse of us — new-style pieces endowed with eccentric powers peculiar to themselves. ...Mutants by the dozen, each worth a whole battalion of pawns." "A pretty setup. As sweet a mutual animosity as could be contrived. I like it. It smacks of an enticing chess problem." "That's Carson's parallel," remarked Heraty. "he called it super-chess for reasons you've yet to learn. He said it's time we stuck a new piece on the board." In December 1951, Rog Phillips wrote "Checkmate for Aradjo," published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories. Chess is referenced in the story. In December 1951, Sydney Bounds wrote "Liaison Service," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 4 #12). There are several references to chess. "I didn't say any more. We had been on bad terms since I made three wrong moves at chess, throwing away the game. Blair takes chess seriously and he lost his temper and made rude remarks about my intelligence quota. ...For one rosy moment, I imagined myself baffling him over the chess board — with the ability to look into his mind and see every move he planned. I couldn't lose!" In 1951, Arthur C. Clarke wrote "Prelude to Space," published in Galaxy Science Fiction Novel #3. There are several references to chess. "After a few minutes of this, Dirk was glad when McAndrews challenged him to a game of chess on a miniature board. He lost his first game over Southeastern Europe, and fell asleep before completing the second — probably through the action of some defense mechanism, as McAndrews was much the better player." Later on, Leduc and a young astronomer play chess. In January 1952, Murray Leinster wrote "Journey to Barkut," published in Startling Stories. "Tony had bought it for a lucky charm in one of those tiny shops on side-streets in New York, where antique jewelry and ivory chessmen and similar wares are on display in the windows." In February 1952, Emgee Baler wrote "The Chessman," published in Western Action magazine. There is a chess reference. In February 1952, Kendell Foster Crossen wrote "The Regal Rigelian," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 39 #2). Anyone may challenge the emperor to a game of 4-dimensional chess, and if the challenger wins, he becomes King of Alphard VI for a period of one week. "'Okay, I'll play you,' Dzanku said. 'There hasn't been a Terran born who could beat a Rigelian in four dimensional chess 0 why do you think my planet has held the Galactic Championship for the past two hundred years? And don't think you'll catch me with a cheap trick like you did last time — it wouldn't help you any even if it were possible.'" In February 1952, Jack Vance wrote "Abercrombie Station," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 39 #2). Jean challenges Earl to a game of chess. Earl says he is one of the best chess players alive. Jean has only played chess four times in her life. "She found an alcove filed with little chess-boards, each set-up in a game. A numbered card and record of moves was attached to each board. Jean picked up the inevitable index book, and glanced through. Earl played postcard chess with opponents all over the Universe." In March 1952, Matthew Cammen wrote "Mate in Three Moves," published in Astounding Science Fiction (Vol 49, #1). There are several references to chess in this story. A political boss is a chess player. "He isn't interested in anything but politics and chess." In March 1952, Jack Thomas wrote "Next Door," published in Astounding Science Fiction (Vol 49, #1). There is one reference to chess. "Even in chess he takes goofy chances. With Black he defends with the Greco-Counter Gambit or the Benoni. With White, he opens with the Spike or the Ourang-Outang." In March 1952, an article called "Machine vs. Man" was published in Imagination magazine (vol 3 #2). "A hotly contested struggle is being waged in the mathematical world and it concerns — of all things — chess playing machines! One school believes that mechanical-electrical chess players can be built eventually, which will be capable of defeating any human, no matter how skilled. The opponents think otherwise, insisting Man is preeminent." In April 1952, Peter Phillips wrote "She Who Laughs," published in Galaxy Science Fiction magazine (vol 4 #1). There are several references to chess. "'It was during the war,' Bran said, "and, being so near the border, we had a jeepful of your fellers running in here every night to stoke up Mister Golighan's brew. And one night we tell them about the House, and about how poor daft Johnnie Maur goes up there now and again to play chess with the ghost, as he said. Poor Johnnie, gone eleven months now—' ...She started in on me now, so I grabbed up the chess board and pieces from the attic and skipped down from the Tenth Plane, where she was lying up and waiting for me to do most of the work. ...I dumped the chess board and pieces on the kitchen table. 'No,' he said. 'No! I'm not going to confirm myself in my own madness. Take 'em away.' I started setting out the pieces. He watched with a kind of horrible deadpan fascination. In a faraway voice he said: 'Queen on her own color.' 'That's better,' I told him. 'Pull up a chair.'" In April 1952, S. J. Byrne wrote "The Golden Guardsmen," published in Other Worlds (vol 4 #3). There is one reference to chess. "And far away, somewhere, that little scene caused a very inhuman entity to laugh. It was a laugh one might have expected of someone who had just won another move in an intricate game — like chess..." The story was continued in the June 1952 issue of Other Worlds (vol 4 #4). There were more references to chess. "The blazing globe was back, disguising Izdran again. And once more the Nrlanian laughed. But the chess board, Germain! Have you forgotten the queen piece? And the black bishop — Nicholas? It is your move, Germain! ...There were a few hidden pieces which he, himself, had installed on Izdran's treacherous chess board! ...Neither Nicholas nor Trinha Llih nor Eidelmann were aware of the Chess Player as their two ships maneuvered in towards Mars through robot detector screens unscathed." In April 1952, J. T. McIntosh wrote "Tradition," published in Other Worlds (vol 4 #3). There is one reference to chess. "Carefully Gladwin replaced everything. He would probably be a pretty good chess player, he was telling himself, if only he played chess. For already he was three moves ahead and was considering the fourth." In May 1952, Cyril Mand wrote "The Fifth Candle," published in Weird Tales (Vol 44 #4). There is one reference to chess. "March 21 found me at a friend's house. Sergei was traveling again on one of his business trips, and I had no desire to be present alone when the Old Man came to light the candle in the vanished candelabrum. The day, the evening, and even the eighth hour passed easily. My friend and I chatted, supped, and played chess. Finally we went to bed." In May 1952, Walter Miller wrote "It Takes a Thief," published in If — Worlds of Science Fiction (vol 1 #2). There is one reference to chess. "The grim chess-game continued a cautious step at a time, with the girl following one square behind him." If was a pulp science fiction magazine that started in March 1952 and ended in December 1974. If merged into Galaxy Science Fiction after the December 1974 issue. In May 1952, Peter Hawkins wrote "Hideway," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 5 #15). There is one chess reference. "'Yes!' The doctor paused. 'I've been thinking about your suggestion the Thinker may have manufactured the ovoid.' 'Well?' 'Apart from the fact it's provided itself with a chess opponent for its equivalent of the long winter evenings, don't you see it's done something far more fundamentally dangerous that that?'" In May 1952, George O. Smith wrote "The Hellflower," published in Startling Stories (Vol 26 #1). There are several references to chess. "Gentlemen do not take kindly to daughters' lovers. So we've got to think of something like chess or tiddley-winks for the next few hours, because I haven't enough ice in these hardened arteries to keep my hands off you otherwise." "...So what'll it be? Chess, or tiddledy-winks?" In June 1952, Richard Wilson wrote "The Hoaxters," published in Galaxy (vol 4 #3). There are several references to chess played in space. "You get yourself stuck off on a rock in space and after a while you begin to go nuts. Naturally. That's why Sam Black upset the chess board halfway through a game he certainly had not been losing to Alex Hurd." In June 1952, Paul W. Fairman wrote "The Third Ear," published in Other Worlds (vol 4 #4). There are several references to chess. Rabbi Glenman is a telepath. "Father Carney looked with satisfaction at the board and said blandly, 'I've yet to find a Jew — especially a rabbi — who could play a decent game of chess.' On the other side of the table, Rabbi Paul Glenman stated pensively at the pieces. 'And I've yet to see a Roman Catholic — especially a black Irish priest — who wasn't a fool for luck. You got out of that one because of the sheer brilliance of our guardian angel.' 'And by a superior knowledge of chess.' ...Father Carney said, 'This is Rabbi Glenman, Gary. A sworn enemy of mine. Thinks he can play chess.' ...Rabbi Glenman scowled too but there was a twinkle deep in his eyes. 'A telepath never takes advantage of — 'of a poor priest over a chess table? Why you —' 'Never,' Glenman said solemnly, 'under any circumstances.'" In June 1952, Anthony Boucher wrote "Gandolphus," published in Other Worlds (vol 4 #4). There is one reference to chess. "It was about two a.m. by now; and we were too tired for chess or cribbage even if we hadn't been kind of scared by the too damned beautiful boards and men Harrington offered us." In July 1952, Roger Dee wrote "Wailing Wall," published in Galaxy (vol 4 # 4). It has one reference to chess. "Stryker came over and unstrapped him. Gibson, playing chess with Xavier across the chart-room plotting table, looked up briefly and went back to his gambit." In July 1952, John Wyndham wrote "Dumb Martian," published in Galaxy (vol 4 #3). There are several chess references. "'Play chess?' He pointed to a board with the men pegged into it. Duncan shook his head. 'Pity. There's a fellow over on Callisto who plays a pretty hot game. He'd be disappointed not to finish this one. Still, if I was fixed up the way you are, maybe I wouldn't have been interested in chess myself.' ...[Duncan] had taught himself the moves in chess from a book, and instructed Leslie in them, intending after a little practice with her to challenge the men on Callisto." In July 1952, August Derleth wrote "McIlvaine's Star," published in If magazine (vol 1 #3). There is one reference to chess. "'Take Thaddeus McIlvaine,' said Harrigan. 'I never heard of him.' 'I suppose not,' said Harringan. 'But I knew him. He was an eccentric old fellow who had a modest income — enough to keep up his hobbies, which were three: he played cards and chess at a tavern called Bixby's on North Clark Street; he was an amateur astronomer; and he had the fixed idea that there was life somewhere outside this planet and that it was possible to communicated with other beings — but unlike most others, he tried it constantly with the queer machinery he had rigged up.'" In July 1952, Bertram Chandler wrote "Finishing Touch," published in New Worlds magazine. In May 1953, it was re-published as "Doom Satellite" in Imagination magazine. There are several references to chess. Benson and Hughes played chess. "However, Benson thought, the psychologists could be excused, perhaps. Both men were chess addicts, both men were fond of what is, probably, the only possible card game for two persons — cribbage." In July 1952, Charles Dye wrote "The Man Who Staked the Stars," published in Planet Stories (vol 5 #7). There are several references to chess. "Bryce explained some of that to Pierce, setting up a chess board to pass away the time until they arrived back at Moonbase City. ...Pierce had been comparatively silent since the chess game on the trip back..." In July 1952, Kendell Foster Crossen wrote "Passport to Pax," published in Startling Stories (vol 26 #3). It had a couple of references to chess. "...he repeated a poem she was thinking, and worked out a minor chess problem which she failed to get. ...'King's Knight to the Queen's Rook for for a mate,' Caristia said." In February 1943, Harry Walton wrote "War God's Gamble," published in Super-Science Stories (vol 4 #3). It was also published in the July 1952 Super-Science Stories, British edition (#9). There is one reference to chess. "'We play a game familiar to us both. If I lose, Stirn and I are set free in return for the information you want. You can check first, of course. But if I win, we're set free at once and tell you nothing.' Gamirand smiled sardonically. 'Quite absurd, but how typical! I accept the terms. What shall the game be — your chess perhaps? I am well acquainted with it.' 'Too well, I think for my money,' said Edmond dryly. 'I prefer more of a gambler's game. Poker?'" In August 1952, Elwyn White wrote "The Hour of Letdown," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In August 1952, Harry Neal wrote "Page and Player," published in Startling Stories (vol 27 #1). There is one reference to chess. "The more significant dangers of pioneering in space were his meat. Or measuring that of another man in some intelligent pastime — that was different. Empire, for instance, whose ancestor was the ancient game of chess. He'd played Lew Levin this last trip to Three Major and won an unusual victory." In September 1952, Stanley Mullen wrote "Shock Treatment," published in If magazine (vol 1 #4). There is one reference to chess. "Ducking behind the bar, he shed his apron and buzzed for the stand-in bartender. Ed Careld forsook his interminable game of Martian chess and appeared to take over." In September 1952, Ray Bradbury wrote "A Sound of Thunder," published in Planet Stories, New Zealand edition (#11). It was re-published in the January 1954 issue of Planet Stories (vil 6 #4). There is one reference to chess. "What sort of world it was now, there was no telling. He could feel them moving there, beyond the walls, almost, like so many chess pieces blown in a dry wind..." In September 1953, Roger Flint Young wrote "Janushek," published in Universe Science Fiction magazine (#2). There was one reference to chess. "Wndell was humming softly, then looking at Janushek. 'Cards, dice, backgammon or talk? I'll even go for chess. Three-way, if Christen wants it.'" In October 1952, Geoff St. Reynard wrote "Armageddon, 1970," published in Imagination magazine (vol 3 #6). There is one reference to chess. "They just unfolded my mind like a road map," said Rob, "so they know about all that we know. What stupendous capacities for absorption their brains must have! I get the feeling that they just glance through a kind of card index that's in the back room of my skull, and then they know how I feel about them, and about chess and women, and what I had for supper last night." In October 1952, S. J. Byrne wrote "The Naked Goddess," published in Other Worlds (vol 4 # 7). There is one chess reference. "They would all be cheap smugglers and confidence men — mere pawns in this interplanetary game of chess." In October 1952, Bruce Elliott wrote "Asylum Earth," published in Startling Stories (vol 27 #3). There is one reference to chess. "The other haphazard happenings, Harry realized, were part of the complicated series of chess moves that the children and the mother were making against each other." In November 1952, A. T. Kedzie wrote "Chess in Three Dimensions," published in Fantastic Adventures. It was an article on three-dimensional chess. "It appears that, no matter how far we can project into the future, there will be no changes in that ancient and noble game of chess. Recently, however, a modified chess designed for three dimensions was created and is enjoying considerable success." In November 1952, a Letter to the Editor by A. J. Budrys appeared in Planet Stories (vol 5 #9). He was complaining about the lack of publicity for science fiction conventions. "Newspaper publicity for worldcons is ludicrous. They generally draw half a column in one edition, and that on page twenty. If the mat for the liver pill ad comes in, out goes the stfcon publicity. Don't kid yourself, Calkins. Maybe if a Sirian delegation arrived, then. (Sirius, that is, and in a multicolored flying saucer with suitable pyrotechnics and cacophony.) Even then, we'd probably be squeezed out by the International Chess Tournament results." In November 1952, Walt Sheldon wrote "Verisimilitude," published in Space Science Fiction (vol 1 #3). There is one reference to chess. Fred Brown finds a chess set and an opponent in a far corner of a house. In November 1952, Roger Dee wrote "The Star Dice," published in Startling Stories (vol 28 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Now there was left only an appalling emptiness and the prospect of being maneuvered about like a chess piece in an endless game played by an intangible but monstrously confident enemy." In December 1952, Jim Brown wrote "The Emissary," published in Astounding Science Fiction, British edition (vol 8 #12). There is one reference to chess. "One of the navigation officers on the Dorian, whose brother was a pilot of a Landing Aircraft-Personnel on patrol duty over Sirius-A, said that his brother, with whom he played chess by spacephone every evening, said that they were rigging infrared-controlled nets to catch gray fish in gray soup." In December 1952, Fletcher Pratt wrote "The Long View," published in Startling Stories (vol 28 #2). There is one reference to chess. "[Greta] had become utterly absorbed in the great game, as miniature space-ship after space-ship left the two planets and maneuvered toward each other in a maze more intricate than three-dimensional chess." In January 1953, E. C. Tubb wrote "Alien Dust," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 7, # 19). "Lew glanced up from where he and Sam were playing chess." In January 1953, James White wrote "Assisted Passage," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 7, # 19). "But he was very shy and hesitant, and when he did say something, especially if it was on a technical subject, you got the impression that he'd given it all the consideration one usually gives only to a move in chess." In January 1953, John Frederick Burke (1922-2011) wrote "Chessboard," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 7, # 19). There is also an illustration of human chess pieces on a chessboard. The theme is living chess. "Most of the pieces in the game were only Pawns, but when one of them became a Knight and killed the King the Players of the Game had to think hard before it was checkmate." In January 1953, Julian Chain wrote "The Captives," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 50, # 5). "So, too, the Artificial Man has developed from dim beginnings in myth and magic through the clockwork figures of the 18th century and the engines of the 19th to a crude, but not trivial, solution with the learning chess player of Wiener and Shannon." In January 1953, Poul Anderson wrote "Un-Man," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 50, # 5) and Astounding Science Fiction, British edition (vol 9 #6). "And Donner had been a mech-volley fan, and had played good chess..." In January 1953, Walter Miller wrote "Check and Checkmate," published in If magazine (vol 1 #6). "The President looked at the robot and a great, weariness swept over him. Suddenly it all seemed futile — a senseless game, played by madmen, dancing over countless graves — playing tag among the tombstones. Check and checkmate. But always there was a way out. Never a final move. Life eternal and with life, the eternal plotting and scheming. And never a final victor." In January 1953, Poul Anderson wrote "Sentiment, Inc.," published in Science Fiction Stories (#1). There is one reference to chess. "He dropped over to Sworsky's apartment for an evening of chess and bull-shooting." In February 1953, Poul Anderson wrote "Security," published in Space Science Fiction (vol 1 #4). There is one reference to chess. "But the crew he worked with didn't seem to mind. They had their own large collections of books and music wires, which they borrowed from each other. They played chess and poker with savage skill." In February 1953, Isaac Asimov wrote "The Monkey's Fingers," published in Startling Stories (vol 29 #1). There are several references to chess. "Then you must know that chess-playing computers have been constructed on cybernetic principles. The rules of chess moves and the object of the game are built into its circuits. Given any position on the chess board, the machine can then computer all possible moves together with their consequence and choose that one which offers the highest probability of winning the game. It can even be made to take the temperament of its opponent into account. ...Of course, such a computer would have to be much, much more complex than any chess-player." In March 1953, Poul Anderson wrote "Three Wishes," published in Fantastic Science Fiction. Chess is referenced in the story. In March 1953, Charles Harness wrote "The Rose," published in Authentic Science Fiction Monthly magazine (# 31). There are several references to chess and a chess parlor in this story. "For Men Only. Daring blindfold exhibitions and variety entertainments continuously. Inside, a loudspeaker was blaring: 'Thus we have seen how to compose the ideal end-game problem in chess. And now, gentlemen, for the small consideration of an additional quarter ..." In March 1953, Robert Sheckley wrote "Fool's Mate," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 51, # 1). Chess is the theme of the story with military tactics and war patterns relying on a chess player and a Configuration-Probability-Calculator. "To the unskilled eye, a chess game is a meaningless array of pieces and positions. But to the players — the game may be already won or lost." In March 1953, E. C. Tubb wrote "Rockets Aren't Human," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 7 #20). There is one reference to chess. "For weeks they hung in free fall, without even a book to read. Books had mass, and mass took fuel to lift. A pack of cards, a set of chess, three men to talk to, each as isolated as the other. That was a spaceman's life." In April 1953, Peter Phillips wrote "University," published in Galaxy. There is one reference to chess. "First blowup came between Aventos and Brodcuzynski. Chessmen were scattered over the messroom floor." In April 1953, there was a review of "The Rolling Stones" book by Robert Heinlein in Galaxy. One of the characters in the book is a telepathic brother who always beats his grandma at chess because he can read her mind. In April 1953, Hubert Bernhard wrote "Welcome Voyager," published in Rocket Stories (vol 1 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Like a chess master who understands his opponent's strategy, Klord smiled slowly." In April 1953, Clifford Simak wrote "Retrograde Evolution," published in Science-Fiction Plus (vol 1 #2). There are several references to chess. "As they watched, a heavy box was brought out of the god-house by a gang of Kzyzz, who puffed and panted as they lugged it to the cube. They opened the box and took out several objects, carved of different materials, some wood, some stone, others of unfamiliar stuff. These they set in what appeared to be prescribed positions upon the various planes. 'Chess,' said Greasy. 'What?' 'Chess,' said Greasy. 'It looks like they're setting up a game of chess.' 'Could be,' said Sheldon, thinking, it it is a chess game, it is the wildest, most fantastic, toughest game I have ever seen." In April 1953, Frank Belknap Long wrote "Throwback in Time," published in Science-Fiction Plus (vol 1 #2). There is one reference to chess. "Strab Mang, the eldest, had the brooding gaze of a master chess player, a man sunk in a lethargy of thought, as one planning a decision from which there could be no appeal." In April 1953, William Morrison wrote "The Gears of Time," published in Space Stories (vol 2 #1). There are several references to chess. "Arwon said heavily, 'Do you play chess, Correll?' 'Chess? I've never had time to learn the game.' 'We do not usually play games,' the other admitted. 'But chess has come down through history as an important means for the development of a feeling for strategy. And as we have been forced to fight continually against great odds, it has acquired a certain popularity among us.' ...'Arwon has beaten me shamefully at chess, using tricks I never knew existed. And you've taught me not to be stuffy. I'm not a completely stupid pupil.'" In April 1953, Ross Rocklynne wrote "Fulfillment," published in Startling Stories (vol 29 #3). There is one reference to chess. "What if one of these 'I's got soe big and powerful it shoved all the others back into the subconscious. San an 'I' that likes to play chess. Then you'd have an obsessive compulsive psychosis." In April 1953, Leslie Bigelow wrote "Clockwork," published in Startling Stories (vol 29 #3). It was republished in 1968 in Science Fiction Yearbook #2. There are several references to chess. "Griffenhoek smiled at me over the chess table in his office, where we sneak games between classes at the university. 'At last! Griffenhoek shoved the board from beneath the chessmen. He demanded, 'You will be at home this afternoon, I trust?'" There was also a reference to chess players like Moxon's master. In April 1953, Katherine MacLean wrote "The Diploids," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 42 #4). There is one reference to chess. "Breden found himself hating the graying blond man, hating his normal Caucasian face, his narrow five-digited hands and his evident intelligence, just as he had hated Mirella Sorrell. He hated them as a chess pawn would hate the players who moved the pawns." In May 1953, Daniel F. Galouye wrote "The Fist of Shiva," published in Imagination magazine (vol 4 # 4). There is one reference to chess. "It wasn't the threat that restrained Brad. 'You're still willing to let others suffer, I see, in an attempt to settle our differences. To you all humanity is still nothing but an inexhaustible supply of pawns for a chess game.'" In May 1953, Robert Donald Locke wrote "Milk Run," published in Imagination magazine (vol 4 # 4). There is one reference to chess. "Normal Einstein space is curved. Hyperspace isn't. Very simple." "Simple like wombat chess, huh?" In May 1953, A. Bertram Chandler wrote "Doom Satellite," published in Imagination Science Fiction magazine (vol 4 #4). There are several references to chess. "However, Benson thought, the psychologists could be excused, perhaps. Both men were chess addicts." Benson and Hughes played chess. In May 1953, Gavin Hyde wrote "The Contest," published in If worlds of science fiction magazine. There are several references to chess. "A few weeks before, in a state of exasperation at the thought of facing a chess champion, he had taken his chess pieces out to try to figure some way to foil his opponent." Later, Cyl dropped all his chess pieces into the kitchen disposal unit. In May 1953, S. J. Byrne wrote "Power Metal," published in Other Worlds magazine (vol 5 # 5). There is one reference to chess. "Buchanan and Cardwell were playing the space game called Empire, and Governor Pomeroy was third man in the "crew." It was a spaceman's game because it required about three times as long to play as the average game of chess, and time was a distinctly surplus commodity." In May 1953, Fletcher Pratt wrote "The Conditional Captain," published in Startling Stories (vol 30 #1). There is one chess reference. "When we play chess, it is often that we make a waiting move, not advancing the game, but giving the opponent a chance to make a mistake." In June 1953, Boyd Ellanby wrote "The Star Lord," published in Imagination magazine (Vol 4 # 5). There is one reference to chess. "I'll just watch," said the Captain. "You know I'm not much of a gambler. Chess is my game." In June 1953, Charles Foster wrote "Red Alert," published in Space Stories (vol 2 #6). There are several references to chess. The subtitle is "It was a universal game of chess — but who were the pawns?" Alec the robot butler "played pretty fair chess." "Alec showed up for chess just at the right moment, when the work on the early part of the shift was done. The perfect butler. ...Alec, once past the opening and into the middle game, used his full three minutes before making any move, but his best was not good enough to beat even the slap-dash sort of chess that Frank Pease was indulging in. It was not much more than half an hour when Frank was able to threaten a rook fork with his remaining knight. Alec did not see the deeper trap as he worked out his defense and five moves later Frank's queen's bishop moved into sew up the checkmate." It turns out that Alec the robot is a being from another star and is trying to prevent humans from space travel. A scary story. In July 1953, Richard Matheson wrote "Slaughter House," published in Weird Tales (vol 45 #3). There is one reference to chess. "I heard nothing. And the day passed with slow, lonely hours. Saul and I had a morose supper together during which he rejected all extended conversation and multiple offers of card games and chess during the later evening." In August 1953, Chandler Davis wrote "Share Our World," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 51, # 6). There are several references to chess in the story. Balch and Sumer play chess on a space ship. They find that an animal called the nibble can learn chess. In August 1953, James Blish and Michael Sherman wrote "The Duplicated Man, published in Dynamic Science Fiction (vol 1 #4). There are several references to chess. "'You know, I might have been a master chess-player, and I might have been a master criminal. But my gifts always ran to trickery, and the only canvas large enough for me to paint upon was been history.' ...'We're pieces in a chess game,' Danton-Nels said, 'We're not just pawns, perhaps, but we're many squares away from being a king.'" In August 1953, H. Nearing wrote "The Cerebrative Psittacold," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. There is a reference to chessmen. In August 1953, Clifford Simak wrote "Spacebred Generations," published in Science-Fiction Plus (vol 1 #5). There are several references to chess. "But the most of them, thought Jon, loitering his way along, had done no more than grow expert in the art of killing time. Like he and Joe, with their endless chess games and the careful records that they kept of every move they made, of every move and game. And the hours they spent in analyzing their play from the records that they made, carefully annotating each decisive move. And why not, he asked himself — why not record and annotate the games? What else was there to do? What else?" In September 1953, Robert Bloch wrote "The Dream Makers," published in Beyond Fantasy magazine (vol 1 #2). There are a few chess references. "Omar Khayyam must have known when he wrote those lines about a chess game. In Omar's time it might have been chess. Shakespeare put it down when he said, 'All the world's a stage.' And perhaps it was a stage when he lived." In September 1953, Richard Sternbach wrote "Jabberwock, Beware," published in Imagination magazine (vol 4 #8). There is one reference to chess. Joe Waters is supposed to be a chess champion. "'Chess champion of the world,' Moslov added respectfully." In September 1953, J. T. McIntosh wrote "War's Great Organ," published in Nebula Science Fiction magazine (vol 2 #1). There is one reference to chess. "This is a funny war. I've seen a lot of wars. Wars where everyone knew what they were fighting for. Wars where nobody knew. Wars were nobody cared. And this is the queerest war of all. I think this war is a chess game. Maybe America and Europe mean to pull all the pieces back on the board when it's over." Nebula was the first Scottish science fiction magazine. It was published from 1952 to June 1959. In September 1953, Richard English wrote "The Heart of the Game," published in Orbit Science Fiction magazine (vol 1 #1). There are several references to chess. "His mind fumbled with the game until he saw the analogy. It was like chess, and he was the new king! A king was a piece unable to attack or defend except feebly, yet whose freedom and inviolability was the point, the heart of the game. ...As his trance state diminished into consciousness again, he found himself wondering: 'In chess, players alone do not die. The pieces are all killed, the King as well as the Queen ...but no! The King is never killed, only imprisoned, deprived of movement.' ....'Must the whole planet be devastated, everything else killed, just to checkmate me? And does checkmate mean death?'" Orbit Science Fiction ran its first issue in September 1953 and its final issue in November 1954. In September 1953, Poul Anderson wrote "The Escape," published in Space Science Fiction (vol 2 #2). There are several references to chess. Felix Mandelbaum was the chess opponent of Nathan Lewis and Corinth. "Corinth was playing better than he had ever done before. Usually he and Mandelbaum were pretty evenly matched, the physicist's slow careful strategy offsetting the unionist's nerve=wracking bravura. But tonight the younger man was too distracted. He made schemes that would have delighted Capablanca, but Mandelbaum saw through them and slashed barbarically past his defenses." In October 1953, Charles Harness wrote "The Chessplayers," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Chess is a theme of the story. In November 1953, Kendell Foster Crossen wrote "Mission to Mizar," published in Thrilling Wonder Stories (vol 43 #1). There is one reference to chess. "Dzanku said 'I presume you are aware of the rather peculiar talent which Mizarians possess?' Manning nodded. 'Actually,' Dzanky continued, 'it's always been a rather useless talent. Oh, very handy in such things as chess, checkers, Castorian Rummy, and possible Tzitsa if they were only clever enough to play it.'" In November 1953, Carl Jacobi wrote "The Gentleman is an Epwa," published in Cosmos Science Fiction and Fantasy magazine (vol 1 #2). There is one reference to chess. "Personal reminiscences were rare with him; he much preferred a game of chess or simply his pipe and a chair on the veranda..." In the November 1953 issue of If magazine (vol 2 #5), there is a quote from Ray Bradbury that appeared in The Nation. "Before us today we see the aluminum and steel and uranium chess pieces which the interested science-fiction writer can hope to move about, trying to guess how man will play out the game." In December 1953, Mack Reynolds wrote "Potential Enemy," published in Orbit magazine (vol 1 #2). It had one reference to chess. "[Markham Gray] was seasoned enough as a space traveler to steel himself against the monotony with cards and books, with chess problems and wire tapes, and even with an attempt to do an article on the distant earthbase from which he was returning for the Spacetraveler Digest. ...Now if there had only been one good chess player-." In December 1953, H. B. Fyfe wrote "Luna Escapade," published in Orbit magazine (vol 1 #2). There is one reference to chess. "Except for the tenseness of blasting off and landing, the round trip to Mars was as boring as he expected. Campiglia won too many chess games at one mover per watch, and the deck of cards wore out." In December 1953, Charles Eric Maine wrote "Spaceways to Venus," published in Spaceway magazine (vol 1 #1). There is one chess reference. "Occasionally he passed the time by playing chess with himself, frowning and peering at the little wooden men in earnest concentration." In December 1953, Gene L. Henderson wrote "Not in the Books," published in Universe magazine (#3). The theme of the story is around a game of chess. "At the sound of the buzzer, there was a momentary lull in conversation and high brass allowed a look of irritation to show on their faces that battle reports were still allowed to interrupt checkers, chess, and other games of amusement. 'What about a game of chess played directly with your supposedly infallible machine?' suggested Chet. 'You're familiar with the game no doubt.' ...During long space flights early in his patrol career, Chet had played numerous games of chess and was considered somewhat an expert by those who knew him. The first few moves by both and he and the machine were with pawns only. Then, with lightening speed, the machine moved to the attack and Chet found himself without one of his knights. Borj beamed with satisfaction and the Earthman realized, with dismay, that the machine had initiative as well as the ability to counter his moves." In 1954, Clyde Woodruff wrote "The Heat's On," published in Dynamic Science Fiction, British edition #3. There is one reference to chess. "Latham had meanwhile dispatched Bev Williams to the tower, and he hustled back with a message that we were awaited. Only Latham and I went. The others returned to the library, where an unfinished chess game waited on the large desk." In January 1954, Poul Anderson wrote "The Sensitive Man," published in Fantastic Universe magazine. It has a chess reference. In January 1954, Farfal Delano wrote "Black Health," published in Weird Tales (vol 45 #6). There is one reference to chess. "This room with such a scenic vista had formerly been the hotel lounge and bar, but now by the fortuitous circumstances of war was our canteen. Except for a pair of chess enthusiasts, the PX attendant, and myself the place was unjustifiably neglected." In January 1954, Damon Knight wrote "Anachron," published in If magazine. A crate was labelled "Chessmen, ivory with gold inlay, Florentine, 14th century. Superb." In January 1954, a feature appeared in If magazine (vol 2 #6) called Personalities in Science. The article featured the founder of cybernetics, Dr. Norbert Weiner (1894-1964). It mentions that he plays only mediocre chess. In February 1954, Poul Anderson wrote "The Immortal Game," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. The theme is the famous immortal game between Anderssen and Kieseritsky. In February 1954, Bob Silverberg wrote "Gorgon Planet," published in Nebula magazine (vol 2 #3). It was re-published in the October 1958 issue of Super-Science Fiction magazine (vol 2 #6) as "The Fight with the Gorgon." There are several references to chess. A dead man had been found. "Phil Janus, our chronicler, looked up from the chess game he'd been playing with pilot Gar Holden and laughed. 'Maybe he had an overdose of his own, joy-juice and it hardened all his arteries.' ...I saw great Morro standing at me feet, and old Steeger looking even older after his remote-control chess-game with the gorgon." In March 1954, Roger Dee wrote "Man Friday," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. It references chess and a character named Sczhau that plays chess. In March 1954, Cliffort Simak wrote "Immigrant," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 53, # 1). George says, "I understand you have a game called chess. We can't play games, of course. You know why we can't. But I'd be very interested in discussing with you the technique and philosophy of chess." In March 1954, Wilson O. Clough wrote "The Man with the Broken Nose," published in Universe (#4). There are several references to chess. "The chemist drew forth his handkerchief. He did not answer at once. Then he said with apparent irrelevancy, 'Do you play chess?' The Captain rose, his manner relieved. 'I play chess, though rather badly. Come, we shall have a try at a game in my quarters.' '...In the meantime — may I hope that you will continue your interest - in chess — as a not too distant date?' Before the chemist could answer, a discreet knock was heard at the door. The Captain opened a desk drawer and took from it a chessboard, pawns and counters in position." In April 1954, Philip Dick wrote "The Golden Man," published in If magazine (vol 3 #2). "All objects were fixed. Pieces on a vast chess board through which he move, arms folded, face calm." In May 1954, Alan Barclay wrote "Walk Into My Parlour," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 8 #23). There are several references to chess. "On the wide level dusty expanse of Quintaio Space Port, scout ships stood on their tails like slender chess-men on a chess-board. 'I see,' the General replied slowly. 'I see it all now. A very effective set of moves — a chess-game played by a master. I congratulate you.'" In May 1954, Philip Dick wrote "James P. Crow," published in Planet Stories (vol 6 #6). There is one reference to chess. "Donnie didn't reply. He gathered up his set of fourth dimensional chess, stuffed it in his pocket, and walked off between the rows of ecarda trees, toward the human quarter." In June 1954, Atlantis Hallam wrote "Martian Pete," published in Spaceway magazine (vol 2 #1). There are several references to chess. Martians have animals called rooks. "They stand straight up like a bantam rooster, sort of like a rook in a chess game, where I guess they got the name." In the summer of 1954, Charles Stearns wrote "The Guarden," published in Startling Stories (vol 32 #1). There are several chess references. "All day Elsworth had sat upon a round, red boulder, in plain sight, gazing with fixed reproachfulness at the viewpoint, where he sat playing chess. ...Afterwards he found the chess board, went forward to the table in front of the viewpoint, and played eight games, was trounced eight times by his ingenious electronic opponent, and finally flung the board across the compartment in a sudden, inexplicable fit of anger." In July 1954, James Causey wrote, "Felony," published in Galaxy magazine. "He did not go to the chess club that night, but went to the library instead. He read about Flying Saucers, about space travel, about the possibility of life on other planets." In July 1954, Robert Sheckley wrote "A Thief in Time," published by Galaxy. Eldridge I couldn't remember his chess games or who he played with. In July 1954, James White wrote "Starvation Orbit," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 9 #26). There is one reference to chess. Winthrop and the Station Chief came often to the dining hall. McBride to play chess with the doctor and to ask after the wounded, and the Radioman to ask after the wounded and talk to Robinson." In July 1954, Betsy Curtis wrote "Of the Fittest," published in Universe magazine (#6). There are several references to chess. "A well-meaning friend took him to see a chess tournament which he thought would appeal to an intellectual like John ... and they brought him here from Schenectady in an ambulance full of agony and the screaming mimi's after one chess player wiped up the board with some poor hopeful of an opponent after having needled the opponent to distraction with all kinds of purposefully annoying mannerisms." In September 1954, Jonathan Burke wrote "The Perfect Secretary," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 9 #27). There is one reference to chess. "The robot did not reply at once. It began to hum like someone monotonously trying out a tune while brooding over a chess problem." In the fall of 1954, Winston Marks wrote "The Geisha Memory," published in Planet Stories (vol 6 #8). It has several references to chess. "Chief occupations in off-hours were games of chess, reading, writing and activities that use a minimum of conversation. ...Duncan could never remember such complete fatigue at the end of a working day. He ate, worked, played chess and slept 10 hours a day." In the fall of 1954, Charles A. Stearns wrote "The Pluto Lamp," published in Planet Stories (vol 6 #8). It has a chess reference. ""Play chess?" Salvor-Jones asked. "I never played chess," Knucklebone Smith said." In November 1954, Jean M. Janis wrote "Queen's Mate," published in Beyond Fantasy Fiction (vol 2 #3). It was re-published in Galaxy magazine in April 1960. Chess is the main theme of the story involving a murder after a chess game. Capablanca is mentioned. An illustration shows two men playing chess and a woman looking on. "'Peterson, knowing about the world of the chess people, would represent a threat, would he not? For, if he believed, he might persuade others to believe. Think of all the gentle chess players! How would they feel, knowing they were slaughtering living people every time they removed a Pawn or a Knight or a Queen?' She pursed her lips, examining her work critically. 'Don't you suppose laws might be passed? Banning chess?" Another Pawn fell, and that was that. 'Well,' Burnham sighed, 'that's mate all right. I do like to go down fighting, but you've got me.' 'Yes,' said Mr. Czerny, taking the thin-bladed dagger from the sheath in his belt. 'I have indeed.' 'One moment darling, murmured Mrs. Czerny, unbuttoning the top of her jacket. The last thing Joseph Burnham saw clearly was the green necklace on her throat, and he did not go down fighting after all." In November 1954, H. A. Stucke wrote "Caravan," published in Universe (#8). There is one reference to chess. "'Goldophin's a rather stupid chap,' Revere said reminiscently. 'I beat him at chess once.'" In December 1954, Philip Dick wrote "Strange Eden," published in Imagination, Stories of Science and Fantasy (vol 5, # 12). "Do you play chess?" "Chess? It's our national game. We introduced it to some of your Brahmin ancestors." In February 1955, C. M. Kornbluth wrote "Gomez," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 11 #32). There is one reference to chess. "That boy up there is using his brain. A great chess player can put on a blindfold and play a hundred opponents in a hundred games simultaneously, remembering all the positions of his pieces and theirs and keeping a hundred strategies clear in his mind. Well, that stunt simply isn't in the same league with what Julio's doing up there." In the spring of 1955, Alan E. Nourse wrote "The Brain Sinner," published in Planet Stories (vol 6 #10). There is one reference to chess. "Just like a chess game. You play along and suddenly you opponent makes a move that reveals a whole gambit which you hadn't been able to see before. But one Alien friend spots the gambit on the basis of the first move instead of the tenth. We make a move and he has it pinned." In the spring of 1955, Bryce Walton wrote "Too Late for Eternity," published in Startling Stories (vol 33 #1). There is one reference to chess. "So they did get old and die. Naturally. Of course. But by this time, Jeanette should be showing her age. Just a little. Maybe life-expectancy for women was increasing that fast. That kind of ratio accumulation could fool you. Like that one about moving a penny from one square of a chess board to the next, doubling it each time. After a few squares it became a fantastic figure." In April 1955, Poul Anderson wrote "The Long Way Home," published by Astounding Science Fiction (vol 55, # 2) and Astounding Science Fiction British edition (vol 11 #9). "Saris Hronna and Robert Matsumoto were the Explorer's chess fiends, they had spent many hours hunched over the board, and it was a strange thing to watch them: a human whose ancestors had left Japan for American and a creature from a planet a thousand light-years distant, caught in the trap of some ages-dead Persian. In April 1955, James Gunn wrote "Shill," published by If magazine. Chess betting is brought up in a court room. "The man in front of the desk had, the stickman declared, made a bet that he could beat another man at a game of chess. The bet had been made publically; the game had been played publically. The accused man had won." In April 1955, Mack Reynolds wrote "Albatross," published in Imagination magazine (vol 6, # 4). "One day we sat in the officer's mess across a chess table, with two or three of the others watching. Jack Casey had made his inevitable gambit, and. Also inevitably, I'd accepted. Now he had his king's pawn in his hand." In April 1955, K. Houston Brunner wrote "Visitors' Book," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 12 #34). It was re-published in the March, 1953 issued of Saturn, the magazine of science fiction (vol 1 #1). There is one reference to chess. "It was like a game of chess, thought Arnold. Unfortunately, there was no time limit on the moves. It was more than three days since the new piece — this time, the symbol was a black cross — had moved out of nowhere and begun its leisurely drift towards the red query." In May 1955, George O. Smith wrote "Highways in Hiding," published in Imagination magazine (vol 6, # 5). Telepaths play chess. "This was a rough maneuver, sort of like two telepaths playing chess." "I finished my breakfast and went out to watch a couple of telepaths playing chess. I've never understood how they made a contest out of telepathic chess, even though I've been told. It had something to do with skill; that it takes a skillful player to tell a man exactly what you have in mind against him and then go ahead and do it despite all he can do against you." In May 1955, James White wrote "Outrider," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 12 #35). There is one reference to chess as some of the characters qualify for the Googol Club. "On the way out he re-started the tape player. The soothing strains of that wonderful string orchestra oozed from the matched wall speakers, and was quickly drowned out by a rising hubbub of conversation. 'Chess, anyone?'" In June 1955, J. W. Chance wrote "A Game of chess," published by The London Mystery Magazine #25. It references chess. In the summer of 1955, Poul Anderson wrote "Out of the Iron Womb" published in Planet Stories (vol 6 #11). There is one reference to chess. "Lundgard yawned elaborately after dinner. 'Excuse,' he said. 'Unless somebody's for chess?' His hopeful glance met the grimness of Bo and the odd sadness of Valeria, and he shrugged. 'All right, then. Pleasant dreams.'" In July 1955, E. R. James wrote "World Destroyer," published by New Worlds Science Fiction magazine (vol 13, # 37). "Chess, he knew, was a mystery to her. She was only interested in the game to see whether Devlin Storm could this time beat her brother, champion of the school chess club. ...People reacted so incomprehensibly; why couldn't they conform to rules, like the pieces in a game of chess or the ciphers in a mathematical exercise?" In August 1955, Roger Vernon wrote "The Chess Civilization," published in The Space Frontiers magazine. The theme of the article is chess. In September 1955, Alan Barclay wrote "The Single Ship," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 13 #39). There is one reference to chess. "Nevertheless, playing ware is not playing chess. Unknown factors invariably crop up — plans begin to go wrong and get out of hand." In November 1955, E. C. Tubb wrote "Quis Custodiet...," published in Nebula magazine (issue #14). There are several references to chess. "Paterson looked up from the chess board as Thorne entered the room and his eyes narrowed with unconscious speculation. 'Sleep well?' ...'Coffee?' He smiled as Thorne handed him a cup. 'Thank you.' He stared at the chess board. 'Who's move?' 'Mine.' Gregory squinted at the pieces. 'What do you advise, Doc?' 'Resign.' 'What?' 'Give Pat the game, you'll be beaten in three moves.'" In November 1955, Francis Rayer wrote "The Voices Beyond," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 14 #41). There is one reference to chess. " A silence grew in the room. Frank felt every eye upon him. These men were ill adapted to deal with such situations, he thought. Efficient, disciplined, their minds nevertheless moved in set patterns. Their expressions were those of men who played chess and abruptly found three new pieces of unknown purpose among their opponent's set." In December 1955, Ivar Jorgensen wrote "Madam, I Have Here," published in Fantastic Science Fiction. Chess is a reference. In December 1955, Francis Rayer wrote "The Jakandi Moduli," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 14 #42). There are several references to cube chess. "Cube chess is child's play compared with the orbits of 100 ships, in every possible combination..." In the winter of 1955, Poul Anderson wrote "The Snows of Ganymede," published in Startling Stories (vol 32 #3). There are several references to chess. "He read widely, enjoyed music and chess, liked to think of himself as a bit of a universalist. ...'Let's have another beer,' he said hastily. 'We can borrow from tomorrow's ration. How about some chess?'" In January 1956, Richard De Mille wrote "The Last Chance," published in The Original Science Fiction Stories (vol 6, #4). "The masters of world unfreedom shook their heads and clenched their fists and knew they had lost their chance to win the world chess game by trading pawns." In January 1956, James Blish wrote "Giants in the Earth," published in The Original Science Fiction Stories (vol 6, #4). There were several references to chess. "He was glad that Sam had chosen to be stubborn; it banished the last traces of that momentary regret. Sam was thoroughly likable, but in this chess-game no piece was indispensible." In one of the courtroom scenes, the dialog was: "Did you and Mr. Ettinger play much chess?" "No. I don't know how, and I've never heard him mention playing himself." "But I presume you knew what the accused meant by Check." In January 1956, R. E. Banks wrote "The Instigators," published in The Original Science Fiction Stories (vol 6, #4). There is a character called Chess Player Gonzales who plays chess with a robit. In March 1956, Francis Rayer wrote "Hyperant," published in New Worlds Science Fiction magazine (vol 15, # 45). "It was like a retreat move in a giant game of chess. Geoff started forward to catch his first glimpse of the Greeblatt. A retreat move. ...During that time an opponent can develop and consolidate." "Spacemen needed something to occupy them in leisure hours, Geoffrey thought. Bell had his chess." In April 1956, Robert Moore Williams wrote "Sudden Lake," published in Other Worlds (#37). There are several references to chess. "We may not know that, sir, until he gets here. And in this game of chess, we may be facing the problem of the prime mover who is himself unmoved." ..."As a chess player, he was one move from the end of the game and he knew it." In June 1956, Ian Wright wrote "Who Speaks of Conquest," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 16 #48). There is one reference to chess. "With the Centauran system of worlds as advance bases and their inhabitants as allies the Terran High Command begins to move its battle fleet into positions for the first large-scale engagement with the Rihnans — as move and counter-move takes place, with Captain Brady a most important pawn in the game, the Galaxy begins to assume the pattern of a gigantic chess-board." In July 1956, George O. Smith wrote "Trouble," published in Astounding Science Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In July 1956, E. C. Tubb wrote "Into the Empty Dark," published in Nebula (issue #17). There are several references to chess. A distress signal came over the radio. "'Sparks thinks that maybe it's another ship.' He stepped back as John left the bunk. 'We were playing chess and he stepped into the control room for his lucky piece, you know the thing he carries. He didn't come back, so I went after him. He was sitting in front of the radio adjusting the knobs. He said that the attention light was on and he was trying to find out why.' ...John and Holton were sipping coffee, smoking, and making an attempt to play chess when Sparks called them." In July 1956, Leslie Perri wrote "The Untouchables," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 17 #49). There is one reference to chess. "We did not want to think they were planning to do anything more serious than dump us. And Charley and I were determined that Vechi wasn't going to reduce us to a trio of dumb pawns. But I guess we couldn't help what happened, at that. There was another mighty powerful piece in this chess game we hadn't even thought about." In August 1956, Clifford Simak wrote "Honorable Opponent," published by Galaxy. "The general grinned. Just like the sergeant and the captain and their eternal chess, he thought." In August 1956, W. I. Eisen wrote "Checkmate in Two Moves," published in The Saint Detective Magazine. In September 1956, Roger Arcot wrote "The Timeless Man," published in Other Worlds (#39). There is one reference to chess. "Canfield whistled. "Talk about fourth-dimensional chess --- this is it." In October 1956, Randall Garrett wrote "Sound Decision," published in Astounding Science Fiction. Chess is referenced in the story. In November 1956, John Kippax wrote "We're Only Human," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 18 #53). There is one reference to chess. "One night, when it was raining, they were in Billy's room, playing old-fashioned chess — the kind tat has only one plane of movement. 'S'matter with you?' asked Jimmy, when he won another game: 'You're supposed to be concentrating.'" In December 1956, Isaac Asimov wrote "The Naked Sun," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 58, # 12). Chess is mentioned several times. "As for Dr. Quemot, he played chess with Dr. Delmarre regularly. Perhaps he grew annoyed as losing too many games." In December 1956, there was an ad for a 3-D game board with an introduction to Space Chess. The 3-D board was from Tedco Inc in Houston for $5. In January 1957, Russ Winterbotham wrote "The Return from Troy," published in Science Fiction Stories, British edition (#1). There are several references to chess. "'Perhaps I'm all she ever wanted,' said Vince; 'she picked my card out of thousands at the Bureau of Genes and Chromosomes, and invited me over to play chess.' ...'We need a third at chess. Would you care to stop in for a moment?' 'A third for chess?' 'Grandpop and I always play our best chess when someone is watching,' said Janna. Alek thought privately that chess was tedious, especially for a third party. But it would not be tedious watching such a beautiful young woman. 'I should love to be your kibitzer,' he said. 'In fact, such a pastime could become a hobby.'" In February 1957, Adam Chase and I. Jorgenseon wrote "Quest of the Golden Age," published by Amazing Science Fiction Stories. There is a reference to chess. In February 1957, Jack Vance wrote "Equation of Doom," published by Amazing Stories. Chess is mentioned in the story. In February 1957, J. T. McIntosh wrote "Unit," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 19 #56). There is one reference to chess. "On ocean trips at least you can play tennis and swim and lean on the rail. In a spaceship the most exciting game you can play is chess." In February 1957, Bertram Chandler wrote "Alone," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 19 #56). There are several references to chess. "After all — I had the radio. I had the dozen or so games of chess that I was playing with various people in Lunar Base and the Space Stations. ...Even so, I made do with the radio for another month....And there was, of course, the chess. ...I'm still just a little lonely, and I'd like an occasional game of chess." In February 1957, Frederik Pohl wrote "Small Worlds," published in Science Fiction Quarterly (vol 4 #6). There is one reference to chess. "Morris had played many a game of chess with Cliteman on the way out, the lieutenant had been a skilled opponent, generous in victory, good-natured in defeat." In March 1957, Alan Reeve-Jones wrote "Checkmate," published in The London Mystery Magazine #32. Chess is referenced. In April 1957, Brian Aldiss wrote "Oh, Ishrael," published in New Worlds magazine (vol 20 #58). There are several references to chess. "And the planets warred on one another. But the war was not as David understood the term. It was as stylized as chess, as formal as a handshake, as chivalrous as an ambulance, as unrelenting as a guillotine. ...The war that was being waged was also amazingly complicated, like enlarged 3-D chess with obscure motivations and strict rules of chivalry." In May 1957, Nelson Bond wrote "Pawns of Tomorrow," published in Fantastic Universe magazine (vol 7, # 5). It is a chess-themed story where the characters play chess. "I came here to play chess. ...Weissmann, taking from its plush-lined inlaid chess the exquisitely carven set of chessmen which as the proudest possession, smiled gently." In May 1957, Damon Knight wrote "The Night Express," published in Saturn magazine (vol 1 #2). There is one reference to chess. "He was like a nervous chess player, working out some intricate mental calculation." In July 1957, Poul Anderson wrote "Life Cycle," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In August 1957, William Tenn wrote "Time Waits for Winthrop," published in Galaxy. There are several references to chess in the story. "Since his college days, Dave Pollock had fancied himself as a chess player. He was just getting good enough to be able to tell himself that if ever he had time to really concentrate on the game, he'd be good enough to play in tournaments." In August 1957, John Christopher wrote "Year of the Comet," published in Satellite Science Fiction magazine (vol 1 #6). There was one reference to chess. "'Who vouched for Cohn?' Caston asked. 'I would had I been asked. I used to play chess with him.'" In August 1957, Thomas E. Purdorm wrote "A Matter of Privacy," published in Science Fiction Quarterly (vol 5 #2). There are several references to chess. "He got up from his bunk during sleeping period. Watt and another man were playing chess by the dim light in the front of the darkened passenger compartment. ...he came out of the little cubicle and drifted up to where Watt was floating over the chess board." In August 1957, George Whitely wrote "I'll Take Over," published in Super-Science Fiction magazine (vol 1 #5). There are several references to chess. "Both Joe and I had stacks of back reading to catch up with and, furthermore, we had decided to make a really serious attempt at learning 3-D chess. ...Clavering, however, was neither a great reader nor a chess addict. ...Joe was quite happy. He had the 3-D Chess set out and was playing with a problem." In September 1957, Kenneth Bulmer wrote "The Ties of Iron," published in Nebula magazine (issue #24). There is one reference to chess. "Tait ran lightly up the ladder, ignoring the lift, and went through to the control room. Young Samson, the Ensign on his first deep space trip, smiled up from his chess board." In October 1957, Robert Heinlein wrote "Citizen of the Galaxy," published in Astounding Science Fiction. Chess is mentioned in the story. In October 1957, Ian Wright wrote "Mate in One," published in New Worlds (vol 22 #64). "They moved with the slow deliberation of pieces on a chess board, and every move had as its base a succession of previous successful moves." In November 1957, J. G. Ballard wrote "Manhole 69," published in New Worlds (vol 22 #65). There are many references to chess in this story. "You have to take things easier, make allowances. Most of these have been programmed in for you, but start learning to play chess, focus that inner eye. ...Out in the centre of the gym a couple of armchairs and a sofa had been drawn up round a radiogram, and here Lang was playing chess with Morley, doing his section of night duty. He hunched forwards over the chess-board, wiry-haired and aggressive, with a small, sharp nose and mouth, watching the pieces closely. ...Midnight came slowly. Avery read, his long body hunched up in an armchair, Gorrell played chess against himself. ...Gorrell, playing solitaire chess, looked up from his board. ...They went back to their seats. Gorrell dragged the chess stool over to the sofa and set up the pieces." In November 1957, Allen Lang wrote "Ambassador's Return," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Chess is referenced. In January 1958, Poul Anderson wrote "The Apprentice Wobbler," published in Star Science Fiction (vol 1 #1). There is one reference to chess. "'The Wobbly is a fake,' he repeated. 'Sure. Ever hear about Maelzel's chess-playing machine? Turned out that there was a man inside it. Same thing.'" In January 1958, Gavin Hyde wrote "Nor the Moon by Night," published in Star Science Fiction (vol 1 #1). There are several references to chess. "[Paul Andrist] had one useless eye, which must have given him the look of a Cyclops. That was the clock that reminded his opponent that checkmate must be achieved before the half hour passed. Many were the games he had won from visiting chessmasters because they would have had to put in another quarter to think a bit. ...But how could he have known? When he had gone to the Society, without conceit, knowing that he had progressed beyond certain limits of his contemporaries in the game of chess? He remembered that when he had investigated the mind-library process he had been prepared for a cutting away of all except the chess mind and he had been resigned that his death at the end of life would be his real death. ...death is implicit in life. He had said it. Just as checkmate is implicit in any given position on the chessboard. Nothing changes until the players pick up the pieces and start a new game." In February 1958, Kenneth Bulmer wrote "The Great Game," published in Nebula (issue #27). It was subtitled, "With vast financial empires at their command and human beings as their pawns, their relaxation was a cosmic game of chess." There was one reference to chess. "His mind held patterns that were pathways between the stars. Man's portion of the Galaxy was a great chess board, and handling the pieces that were men and machines and ships, became something he could perform without conscious thought." In March 1958, Charles de Vet wrote "Second Game," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 61, # 1). There are several references to chess. One of the characters is chess champion of two Worlds. An Earthman is sent to investigate a hostile planet (Velda) whose inhabitants all play a chess-like game, played on a 13x13 chessboard. Their social advancement depends on their proficiency in the game. The earthling narrator, a chess champion, is equipped with an "annotator" which is an artificial intelligence addition to his brain. He comes to Velda and challenges all comers saying that he can beat anyone in the second game. He probe's the weakness of his opponents in the first game, and then is able to always win the second game. "'I'll beat you the second game,' was the Earthman's challenge to the planet Velda — whose culture was indeed based on a complicated super-chess of skill and concentration." In March 1958, E. C. Tubb wrote "The Touch of Reality," published in Nebula magazine (issue #28). There is one reference to chess. "Mark would make his report to Colonel Westerlain and then head for the spray showers. Then food, hot coffee, a taped show, books or a quiet, friendly game of chess with Latimer or Blanchard. Then rest followed by a spell of camp duty, outside guard duty, excort duty and patrol duty again." In March 1958, Eric Frank Russell wrote "WASP," published in New Worlds (vol 23 #69). There is one reference to chess. "For himself, to surrender the card to Terran authority would be like voluntarily sacrificing his queen while playing a hard-fought and bitter game of chess." In March 1958, Richard Wilson wrote "Robots' Gambit," published in Science Fiction Stories (vol 8 #5). The subtitle was "They were the ultimate chess players, but they knew some human moves, too." The theme is about robots learning chess form humans and playing the game. "Two mature, retired men on their prime of life caring about nothing but chess, chess, chess. ...'Jose Capablanca you know,' explained Hobbs to the robot. 'The Cuban chess genius. A much greater man than that mechanical Paul Morphy, that flash in the pan that Old Mercer named his robot after.'" So Hobbs named his robot Jose. Soon both robots were playing blitz chess against each other. A good story. In April 1958, D. McKeown wrote "Motivation,"published in Nebula magazine (issue #29). There are several references to chess, comparing war to chess. "'You think war's like a game of chess?' 'Of course. You have to play according to the rules.' ...'You have no traditions,' said Mora. 'You don't tilt at windmills. War, to you, is an emotionless game of chess which, incidentally, you lost.'" In May 1958, Karen Anderson wrote "In Memoriam: Henry Kuttner," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Chess was mentioned as a reference. In May 1958, Bertram Chandler wrote "In the Box," published in New Worlds (vol 24 #71). There is one reference to chess. "We were all sitting in the cosy little Smoking Room. We had drinks. Bill Taylor, the Mate was playing chess with Sue Perkins, the Catering Officer." In June 1958, John Brody wrote "Ring-Side Seat," published in New Worlds (vol 24 #72). There is one reference to chess. "Mechanically Carne set up a chess board and we started to play. It was a walkover for me, but when Carne didn't cheat by probing my intentions as was the usual rule when I played against a mutant. All the same he couldn't give his mind to the game, and he was even worse in the second one." In June 1958, Sam Moskowitz wrote "The Fabulous Fantast," published in Satellite magazine (vol 2 #5). It references Lucretia P. Hale and her novel Queen of the Red Chessboard, written in 1858 and published in Atlantic Monthly. "The story is a slickly written fantasy of a chess queen who turns into a real woman and is followed into the real world by the White Prince, who has held her prisoner on the chessboard." In July 1958, Poul and Karen Anderson wrote "Innocent at Large," published in Galaxy magazine. Peter Matheny, a professor of sociodynamics, was at ease only with his books and his chess and his mineral collection, a faculty poker party, and a trip to Swindletown. In July 1958, Stephen Barr wrote "The Back of Our Heads," published in Galaxy magazine. It has one reference to chess. "Phil was unaware of the chess game, but wondered uneasily what was coming." In July 1958, Fritz Leiber wrote "Bullet With His Name," published in Galaxy magazine. There was one reference to chess. Ernie considered people as puppets in his private chess games. In July 1958, Kenneth Bulner wrote "Wisdom of the Gods," published in Nebula magazine (issue #32). It has one reference to chess. "Lord Ashley blew his sandy and nicotine stained whiskers out as though just completing the final move of a brilliant chess victory." In July 1958, John Wyndham wrote "The Thin Gnat-Voices," published in New Worlds (vol 25 #73). There are several references to chess. "Their work was going on as usual, organizing, re-organising, and superseding in the light of new discoveries; playing a kind of chess in which one's pieces were lost, not to the opponent, but to obsolescence. ...During the rest of the meal, and after it, we maintained a state of tactful truce, but when this had been disturbed some five times by his leaping to a port in an attempt to catch his Martians unaware, I was driven to suggesting a game of chess to keep our attention occupied. It worked pretty well, too." In August 1958, J. J. Coupling wrote "How to Build a Thinking Machine," published in Astounding Science Fiction. It refers to a chess machine. In August 1958, Clive Jackson wrote "Death on the Wheel," published in New Worlds (vol 25 #74). There are several references to chess. One of the characters is playing chess with Doc Curtiss, the satellite's medical officer. "I knew, too, that he couldn't have killed the crew-chief; a well-advanced game still set up on my pocket chess board proved that." In September 1958, Harry Harrison wrote "Trainee for Mars," published in New Worlds (vol 25 #75). There are several references to chess. "On the way, Tony stopped at the barracks and dug out his chess set and a well-thumbed deck of cards. ...Hal was a good partner and the best chess player Tony had teamed with to date. [Hal] threw himself into the day's work and had enough enthusiasm and energy left over to smash the yawning Tony over the chess-board." In October 1958, E. C. Tubb wrote "The Captain's Dog," published in Nebula magazine (issue #35). There is one reference to chess. "'Of course, I'd forgotten, you read a lot, don't you.' 'Why not? It helps to pass the time.' 'So does card playing, conversation, the making of lace or the playing of chess.'" In October 1958, Brian Aldiss wrote "Equator," published in New Worlds (vol 26 #76). There is one reference to chess. "A game! That was the secret of it all! These men of action could enter a contest involving life and death only because once they had plunged in, the stakes became unreal. This was chess, played with adrenalin instead of intellect. They had got beyond the ordinary rules of conduct." In November 1958, Diane Detzer wrote "The Tomb," published in Science Fiction Stories (vol 9 #4). There are several references to chess. Robby and John play chess. In December 1958, Sam Moskowitz wrote "The Prophetic Edgar Allan Poe," published in Satellite magazine (vol 3 #2). There are several references Poe's essay, Maelzel's Chess-Player, published in the April, 836 issue of The Southern Literary Messenger. Poe exposed the machine as a fraud, manipulated by a concealed man. In February 1959, Peter Baily wrote "Accidental Death," published in Astounding Science Fiction (vol 62, # 6). There are several references to chess. Creatures on another planet called Chang that look like cats, but are people, learned how to play chess in a very short time. They were soon beating the earthling champion. In February 1959, Rog Phillips wrote "The Creeper in the Dream," published by Fantastic Science Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In March 1959, G. E. Fox wrote "Checkmate and ..." published in London Mystery Series #40. It has a reference to chess. In March 1959, James White wrote "Dogfight," published in New Worlds (vol 27 #81). It had several references to chess. "The war had been a murderous chess game then, with the opposing battle computers — cold, logical, and unfeeling machines bent only on winning the game no matter if it meant practically clearing the board to do it — as players and the Human and Semran beings concerned as unimportant and worthless pawns. The General was saying, '...It was like a game of skittles. Or chess. There was no identification between the computers and the men taking part, they were just so many expendable chess pieces, and the carnage was frightful." In April 1959, Poul Anderson wrote "The Martian Crown Jewels," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Chess is mentioned in the story. In April 1959, Tom Purdom wrote "The Duel of the Insecure Man," published in Satellite magazine (vol 3 #5). There is one reference to chess. "So why not leave now. Why not tell him he had won, as a well-mannered chess player would have done, and accepted defeat as inevitable." In April 1959, James Rosenquest wrote "The Huge and Hideous Beasts," published in Super-Science Fiction (vol 3 #3). There are a few references to chess. "The Lieutenant sat now over the customary chess game with Kim Lee while they waited on dinner. With a murmured 'sorry' the little Oriental took Muller's remaining rook with one of his knights. The Lieutenant swept the pieces to the floor with one ham-like fist and stood up suddenly. Kim Lee stooped down and began to gather up the pieces placidly, as if it were a normal, daily occurrence. ...They resumed their seats over the empty board, but Lee sensed the officer's mood, and delicately replaced the pieces in their box. 'Let's just talk. No more chess today.'" In August 1959, Poul Anderson wrote "We Have Fed Our Sea," published by Astounding Science Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In August 1959, Jay Williams wrote "Operations Ladybird," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Chess is mentioned. In September 1959, Edgar Pangborn wrote "The Red Hills of Summer," published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. There is a reference to chess. In November 1959, James White wrote "Grapeliner," published in New Worlds (vol 30 #88). There is one reference to chess. "But Patterson had elected to take over the one-man Jupiter Observatory on Ganymede, and had looked after the equipment there and played chess with anyone within radio distance for a great many years." In November 1959, J. G. Ballard wrote "The Waiting Grounds," published in New Worlds (vol30 #88). There are several references to chess. "Most men left to themselves for an indefinite period develop some occupational interest: chess or an insoluble dream-game or merely a compulsive wood-whittling. ...Mayer, the metallurgist down at the mine, came over to the cabin most evenings to play chess and forget his pitifully low extraction rates." Return to Main Page Please report broken or duplicate links to the Webmaster. 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