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- Tell me, how are you now?

- Just fine, fine, really.

And I'll be in shape when the match starts.

- Spoken like a true hero, my dear Akiva Israelovitch.

The readout is excellent, nothing to worry about.

You're strong as a cosmonaut, you'll live to see 120.

I prepared your case history.

You're to keep it by you.

Call these.

Just so they're always within reach.

I don't think you'll need them, a precaution.

- Anton, you promised me you'd come.

- Well, they refused to grant the exit visa.

(airplane engine roars)

- Now what the devil could be the matter?

Moscow cabled to confirm they'd be on this flight.

- What's going on? (shushes)

- But that's the game that you won against him

in Ediba back in '67.

That's being lazy, isn't it?

And with so much talent.

- Then try beating me.

- The queen to G7.

Then the rook captures B3.

C4, the bishop will take it.

The knight will capture the bishop, naturally.

Then the blacks push the rook to G8-1.

It's finished, the whites have had it.

To beat your adversary, you need to learn his mistakes.

There'll be a clue.

- Tac-Tac. - Please excuse me.

- Anastase Inanovitch, what are you doing here?

- You're in Geneva, it's been half an hour.

- Oh, what are we waiting for, let's go.

Let's get out.

(applauding)

- They're here.

- Heller, his cardiologist?

- No.

- Well, I was right.

Liebskind's illness is propaganda.

The heart attack story is a joke.

You could have more reliable sources.

- My sources are impeccable.

The proof, Tac-Tac.

Was he flown to Geneva

because he's good at chess, do you think?

- How many threatening letters this morning?

- 13, two death threats, all anonymous, as one might guess.

- Pavius.

That contract.

- I already said no twice.

- Only three days of work.

You pay your debts and you've earned a life's income.

- It's not for me.

- Know it, you owe me a present.

And if it's to go on, I need something in return.

- Listen to me, Foldes.

Fromm is Fromm.

And chess it what he does as a professional, all right?

If you want to challenge 100 men,

he will play standing blindfolded on Mars.

But I will do it, understand?

My way.

There'll be no machine that has my name in it, clear?

I'm going to town.

(whimsical music)

(horn honks)

(chatting)

(speaks foreign language)

Are you being followed?

- Not a chance.

- Who do you have in our group?

- Ah, now look here.

- Sorry, I don't buy it.

- Good, gives me hope.

- Rotten opportunist.

- Not all men are able to make it as a dissident superstar.

- How's the great hero?

Travels without his cardiologist, so we're told.

- The man's in perfectly good health.

Unfortunately for you, superstar.

- Stop, you know very well I'm going to beat him.

Fromm, the proud renegade.

The traitor, the bourgeois idealist.

Don't fear.

When I win the world championship,

what do you think you'll read in "Pravda"?

That this is just another victorious day in Soviet chess.

- You didn't bring me to this rendezvous

just to listen to all that crap now.

- Is there news of Marina?

- [Tac-Tac] Yes.

- How's it been for her?

- [Tac-Tac] All right, I think.

- Didn't she say anything?

Tell me, why hasn't she been replying to any of my letters?

It's as if she were afraid.

- Pavius, Marina wants a divorce.

- Not till the end of the match.

Ask her to wait.

- Get rid of your cigarette, Genady Ivanovitch.

- But I don't intend to smoke it, Akiva Israelovitch.

- Well it poses a threat for me.

And in chess, a threat can be a lot more serious

than any act.

- You must still enjoy beating me.

- I savor the sweetness, as you savor the bitterness.

Why did you come?

- I just obey orders, that's all.

- Check.

(stomps)

- I want something soundproof put down.

- I'll attend to it.

- The pieces are just too light.

And it'll have to be a lot brighter.

- We can change them.

Jean?

- And the light? - We can turn it up.

- Go ahead.

We'll let Grandmaster Fromm decide now.

- There, that's better.

- [Stagehand] Keep that for the game, what are you on?

- [Technician] I'm at 80.

- Ah, thank you.

- Well, that's fine.

- What's the matter, Anastase Inanovitch?

- We were due at the theater

at 10 o'clock, Akiva Israelovitch.

- Well, then go, I trust you.

Make sure everything conforms with the protocol

as it was negotiated.

- But he demanded--

- Let him put the lights up to 80.

If it's too light for me, I'll say they must be lowered.

- But he wants some lighter pieces.

- It won't help him play a better game.

- But the cameras, the whole installation--

- It's unimportant, Anastase Inanovitch.

I won't hear a thing.

- Well, really.

Really, Akiva Israelovitch,

you're simply unbelievable, unbelievable!

I'm unable to comprehend, there!

Your behavior's not normal, not normal!

- What do you live on?

- [Fromm] The generosity of my friends.

- Rumor has it that you're now an American agent.

- What does an American agent make?

(audience laughs)

- Would you consider yourself to be a dissident?

- [Fromm] Absolutely not, I'm an exile.

- Did you ever take part in politics?

- Of course, from my cradle days.

(audience chuckles)

When I was a pioneer, I was reprimanded

for glorifying Stalin.

In those days we had Khrushchev, so I turned farceur.

(audience laughs)

- What is a farceur?

- A free man.

In Lithuania, some jokes are labeled two by eight.

Two years in prison because you listen,

eight years because you tell it.

(audience laughs)

- Seriously now.

You were a member of the party,

Liebskind managed to keep out.

- The party alone may make a decision

as to who is and who is not admitted to the party.

In Lithuania, you are forced to join the party,

and there isn't one damn thing you can do.

- But Liebskind?

- Well ask him the question, no?

But he's deaf, so shout.

- Why is it you've refused to shake Liebskind's hand?

- Are you very sure someone hasn't ordered him

to refuse his hand?

(crowd murmurs)

- And what of your wife, has there been news?

- I'm not really prepared to discuss her.

I don't know anything.

There is no news of her.

And it's disturbing.

(chattering)

- Hello, Andre.

- Hello.

- How are you?

- Your games are all planned out?

- They're fine.

- Short of cash? - Well, yes.

- I could help you find an exhibition game or two.

- I'd much rather you would be able to use me.

- There'd be no point.

- Running scared has turned you really mean, Pavius.

- Ah, you will understand.

You're an expert.

Champion of the world at running scared.

- You're afraid of me, huh?

- It's best you forget me as a tool to get your revenge.

- See you. - See you.

- Oh, good luck.

- [Fromm] Shut up, that brings bad luck.

- But you're beyond help when it comes to luck.

- We should've taken him on, he's a genius.

- He's an alcoholic.

- He would have beaten Liebskind

if he'd managed not to crack up.

- He did crack, he's no good.

- Would you explain, please?

- I can manage without anyone's help to beat Liebskind.

(dramatic music)

I can manage without anyone's help to beat Liebskind.

- [Henia] Akiva.

(crowd chatters)

- So you refuse to consider postponing the game?

- I'm sorry, but either Fromm will return here today

or we'll never see him at all.

He'll disappear.

- Well, then I shall start the game

precisely at three o'clock.

And Grandmaster Liebskind will make his first move.

Grandmaster Fromm must arrive within one hour

or Liebskind will retain the world championship.

The rules won't permit anything else.

- That's perfectly plain.

- Right.

- We should have called the authorities.

I always said he had an odd streak.

With a detective on it, we'd have found him.

(audience chatters)

(audience applauds)

(camera shutters click)

- Hello.

He needs something to eat, he's hungry.

- Black cat, are you crazy?

- Is the guarantee all settled?

- [Foldes] They did it, he won't shake your hand.

- Will you please hurry up?

(cat mews)

- He's crazy to have a black cat here.

- I'd look out, Miller.

The only mice he eats are Bolshevik.

- Wouldn't apply to me.

(crowd murmurs)

- Gentlemen.

That will be all, thank you.

- Pavius.

(speaks foreign language)

- Listen, you will have to address the judge, not me.

- Grandmaster Fromm, please.

Please sit down.

This game's a draw then?

- Right.

(audience murmurs)

(audience applauds)

- Upon concent by both parties,

I now declare that this initial game is a draw.

(chattering)

- His position had some strength.

Why did he accept the draw?

- I'd say you almost forced him.

And he may have wanted to say,

you old lion, I'll beat you, only I'll decide the time.

- That's idiotic.

- You afraid of me?

- No, why?

In one way or another, people destroy themselves.

The essential is their pleasure in the process.

How will he open the second game?

I'm not asking an opinion, I'm proposing a bet.

- $1,000?

- All right.

- Your adversary's clever but he has some limits.

He did do well with your favorite start.

He'd very much like to beat you on the defense you prefer,

so he'll start with the English,

counting on you to transpose, right?

But you won't transpose.

You'll surprise him with a highly original variation

that will prove extremely effective. (chuckles)

- [Fromm] I'm going to open with the English tomorrow.

He's never beaten me when I've used it.

- Liebskind no longer plays the standard English.

He's going to transpose, right?

And you're going to find yourself faced with a variation,

the Tartakower with the Queen's Gambit.

It's his favorite defense, huh?

- Exactly.

Then I'll castle.

That's what I'll do.

And play like this, like that.

And boom!

(audience chatters)

(whistles)

(phone rings)

- [Miller] Look, he's using the English.

Liebskind hasn't faced that opening in years.

- Listen, he's going to move to B6.

He'll transpose, he'll use the Tartakower.

- To transpose or not to transpose.

To Tartakower or not.

- Knight E4.

He doesn't transpose.

- Check.

(audience murmurs)

- [Judge] Grandmaster Liebskind wins the second game.

Liebskind one, Fromm zero.

- How vicious you were today, Akiva Israelovitch.

- I'm going to go next with the English.

- That's vanity.

Fromm knows all the variations too.

- Akiva Israelovitch is right.

With that start, given that he wins the game,

Fromm's going to be somewhat demoralized.

- What if we lose?

The English is risky, I feel.

- I have a really perverse variation in mind.

Tac-tac, tac-tac, tac-tac.

Now if the knight captures F6, for instance,

then here's what I've devised.

- Limousines are oppressive for me.

Get a boat, wire Moscow.

- But Moscow-- - I know.

Say I'm determined, that's all.

- Why a boat? - To cross the lake,

what else?

(dramatic violin music)

(audience chatters)

- Sit down.

(audience murmurs)

The third game is at an end.

Liebskind one, Fromm one.

- I want some sleep now, don't wake me up.

I'm not hungry.

- Akiva.

You must rest, that's enough now.

- The old heart's all right, Henia, it's holding up.

- Are you still watching Miller?

- Every minute, I'm keeping watch.

Don't worry, the boy's fine.

- But then who?

- Nobody, you know it.

It's ridiculous, you're your own worst enemy.

Pavius, now please.

- If it isn't Miller, it could be you.

Mr. Felton, nay, Piebzhinski, in Grodno, Poland!

- Look, we can smash his French defense.

The bishop to B5.

He will capture the pawn D4.

Queen to F6, your advantage is lost.

But now, the queen C3, check.

He captures the rook.

Now the knight's mortal thrust to E4 does the trick.

Simple, no?

- Simple, well, for me,

it all depends on the D pawn, as I see it.

But it is elegant.

- It's dangerous.

- But it is elegant.

- It's a nice play, I don't mind the risk.

(audience murmurs)

- [Judge] By mutual consent, the fourth game

is declared a draw at the 39th move.

- There are microphones.

We're bugged, there can't be any other answer.

- Where?

Tell me now.

- He played without thinking for a second, right?

The rook to G6.

They've bugged us, or else someone talked.

- You're wrong, Pavius.

- Get hold of yourself, it's stupid!

- Is that so, well then you don't know them at all!

- Pavius!

Please, no one's a traitor.

And because-- - I'll search over there!

- Just a second.

Listen, our team is on your side.

You're overwrought. - No!

It's not true.

No.

See, I'm the one who can get to be champion.

I'm the one, but never you.

Never you.

Now pack.

Get your bags. - Where we going?

- That's your problem, not mine.

- I would like you to meet Commissioner Dalcroze,

the main who maintains our security here in Geneva.

He will personally be in complete charge

of your security and your protection.

He has already begun with your assignment.

- We'll do our best, you can be sure.

We've searched everywhere, the house hasn't been bugged.

You're under tight security,

I put my best team at your disposal.

- All right.

- I know what's on your mind.

- [Fromm] Marina?

I don't think about her anymore.

It's hopeless.

They'll never let her out, never.

She wants a divorce.

She's right, only it hurts.

- Is it Tac-Tac who said that?

You think it's true?

(audience chuckles)

- Monsieur, I must protest.

My adversary's attitude is unfair and impolite.

- There's no rule that imposes punctuality.

- Of course, he does it to upset my game.

I protest officially.

- I'm afraid the grand jury can't consider a protest

unless the protest is in writing.

- I'm going to write it immediately.

(audience jeers)

(audience boos)

(audience murmurs)

(audience applauds)

- Grandmaster Fromm wins the fifth game.

Liebskind one, Fromm two.

- Your regimen lacks salt, Akiva Israelovitch.

- Tac-Tac, will you stop with your insolence

and provocations?

- Thank you.

- Good evening. - How are you?

- I made an official request to annul today's game.

- What, you mean you had the nerve to

ask them to annul today's game,

and did it without asking my consent?

- But even you made a point of protesting.

- Only in order to get an apology.

The request is ridiculous, withdraw it.

The jury will reject it, the game was entirely in order.

- Read this.

- Recommend strong protest.

Your adversary's insulting and outrageous conduct.

Ask he apologize officially.

Unless satisfactory excuse offered, withdraw.

Have sent Grandmaster Fadinko

and Professor Polotin

with verbal instructions.

Antonin Karapov, the minister himself.

- So as for Grandmaster Fromm,

tell me, what rule has he broken?

- Look, I thought we could talk, I didn't come officially.

The jury hasn't met, you understand.

But the Soviets insist that each time he's late,

Grandmaster Fromm deliberately intends

to destroy the concentration of his adversary.

They are demanding an annulment.

- I find that absurd.

To bother your adversary, you have to be there,

so why object if Fromm should be late?

It's ridiculous.

- In his letter, what exactly does Liebskind say?

- To my knowledge, his letter says that the two adversaries

should be there on time when the game is to begin.

- There doesn't happen to be a word about it

in the protocol.

And legally, Liebskind's request doesn't have any basis.

You're aware of it.

- I'd appreciate, despite all that,

Grandmaster Fromm granting the request.

And as a gesture, possibly apologizing to his opponent.

- Apologize, but it's unintentional.

- Unintentional but systematic.

- On whose side are you?

- The Soviets have been threatening to withdraw.

- Don't worry, I'll write your letter for you,

and right now too.

I'd sooner apologize than have those bastards run out on me.

- Akiva, you must eat, go on.

- No, I can't, I'm not hungry.

- Well, but you took your medicine

and must have something to eat now.

- Henia.

How are you?

- I never asked to come, you can believe it.

- I know.

It's good to see you, really.

And so, Fromm does well.

His ideas are good, he goes too fast.

You have a heavy approach.

Like a champagne in the south.

Too sweet and needs a bit more body.

- They're worried now.

Who's that?

- He's to help us out.

Our secret weapon, as they call him.

- So in their opinion I must need help.

- Akiva, are you thirsty?

Akiva, you want a little tea?

Akiva, are you in pain?

- I'm scared, Henia.

And if Akiva Liebskind cease to be Akiva Liebskind?

(speaks foreign language)

- Don't cry, my sweet.

I'm here, it's all right, don't cry.

You mustn't be scared, I'm here.

(audience chatters)

- [Judge] Gentlemen, please.

(audience applauds)

- [Felton] Do you see what I see?

- Mate in seven moves.

- Doesn't appear to have noticed, incredible.

- Get rid of that man there.

Get rid of him immediately!

(audience murmurs)

He's upsetting me!

- How upsetting, tell me.

- It's the man over there with the mustache.

He wants to control me, to get into my mind.

It's been impossible to concentrate.

I'm being hypnotized.

Yes, that's it.

That's it, I'm being hypnotized.

Either he goes or I'm not going to play.

- But there are some rules to cover the matter,

and they are to be respected.

I'm sorry, but I can't ask a spectator to leave

unless both players ask.

Is that man annoying you?

- Not a bit.

- I'm the one.

See, I'm the one he's hypnotizing.

They're after me, that's why.

(audience gasps)

They wanna kill me.

- This is ridiculous.

Fantasies imagined by a disturbed man.

(speaks foreign language)

- Let us stay calm, please.

Is that man part of your delegation?

- Professor Polotin is a very eminent man.

His presence does honor to our federation.

He has joined us here as a scientist.

(crowd jeers) Comes an observer

to do research necessary to his work.

Our committee has issued the professor a pass officially.

- I will not play so long as he is in the auditorium.

- If you don't mind.

- You'll have to pull him out. - Now if you please!

(audience groans)

By rule, we have the game played,

but in the smaller house to avoid any more of this.

The audience can follow the match on the wallboard.

- No, I'm afraid it's improper.

It's contrary to the rules.

Only the jury can make such a decision.

It's up to the jury, not up to you.

- As judge, it's my responsibility

to see that this tournament is carried out.

It's my duty.

I take note of your protest.

But nothing can prevent me from having this game played

behind the curtain if I decide it's necessary!

- That's right.

You must draw the iron curtain.

Play fair.

To set things clear.

(audience whistles)

- No, I'm sure I could persuade Professor Polotin

to sit a little further back.

- All right, stop.

- No, draw the curtain, that's fair.

- I propose that we try to continue the game,

orienting the table in such fashion

as to ensure that only Grandmaster Liebskind

is the one to face Professor Emeritus Polotin,

honored guest of their distinguished federation.

Apparently, this man who is their guest

does not disturb him.

- Grandmaster Felton's proposal's all right

if you accept, of course.

- I'm here to play a chess game.

(audience laughs)

- I think you agree?

- [Fromm] Yes.

- This is inadmissible, I protest, I really must.

(audience jeers)

- [Judge] Please, gentlemen, quiet.

The game will now continue.

(audience murmurs)

Grandmaster Liebskind wins the sixth game.

Liebskind two, Fromm two. (audience applauds)

- All right, look at the board now, what do you see?

- Mate in seven. - That's right.

And you did this.

- Bastards!

To bring that parapsychologist in!

- [Felton] Calm down, I asked for the game to be annulled.

- That's ridiculous!

They're preparing other tricks, you'll see.

- No, no, no, impossible at the moment.

Puhl held up, no?

And to be rid of him is now very simple.

His departure means ours, you see.

They know we'd leave.

Please, will you kindly not toy with that thing anymore?

- You serious? - Yes.

- This thing's a scepter, I tell you.

This thing is Liebskind's.

He forgot his extraordinary pen.

- You'll have to give it back, of course.

- No I don't, let me explain.

He really remembered it.

He gave it to me, I know that.

It's true, I assure you.

See, I was just 10,

and he'd won the Kovno Championship match.

And then later, Liebskind agreed

to play a simultaneous match

against all the superior players in the club.

I was the only one who beat him.

He was wonderful.

He asked me for a return game, as if I were a real pro,

not just a kid.

He won, of course, and then he said,

"Do you want one last game?"

I said no, I want your secrets.

He laughed.

- No, you play to kill now or else.

- For two hours he gave me a lesson in chess.

Me, I was so proud.

I'm the one he chose.

I can recall each minute.

Who could forget?

Tomorrow you're to get him the same pen,

but in gold.

One that's elegant and simple.

So our score can be settled.

- That damn pen, it just has to be someplace.

The car, of course.

It's either in the car or in the boat.

Let's go and see.

My pen is lost.

- We must talk, Akiva Israelovitch.

Your attitude when they expelled Professor Polotin.

I found your passivity, your silence somewhat questionable.

- My silence is silent, interpret it any way you please.

- But Moscow-- - What Moscow, what Moscow?

Just what do they propose?

Can they replace world champions?

Tell Moscow I don't give a damn and find the pen I lost!

You're a beauty.

But can you bring me any luck?

(audience murmurs)

- [Judge] Liebskind two, Fromm three.

(waves splash) (seagulls caw)

- Give me one.

- You start smoking now, there's no quitting anymore.

- If you please.

Would you propose that my opponent consider it a draw?

- Grandmaster Fromm?

- Continue.

(audience murmurs)

- [Akiva] Check.

Check.

Check.

(audience murmurs)

(audience applauds)

- [Judge] Grandmaster Liebskind wins the eighth game.

Liebskind three, Fromm three.

- Well that's twice, huh?

Once he sacrificed the rook,

but it's the queen sacrificed today.

A gambit he loves.

It's poetic, eternal.

The trap of desire caught by the trap of his desire.

You're humiliated, huh?

And a bit scared.

You understand me now?

There's some resemblance.

- Go sleep it off, you're very drunk.

- You can't make excuses, you were going too fast.

Pride destroys, so you can't make any excuses.

Now he'll murder you.

Likes blood.

Ha!

There's no pity!

- It's no use, I quit.

- Over my dead body.

Pavius!

Pavius!

(grunts)

You feel better, huh?

- [Fromm] Yes.

(audience murmurs)

- [Judge] Grandmaster Fromm wins the ninth game.

Liebskind three, Fromm four.

(coughs)

- Did you come to see me beaten, to watch me drop dead?

Get out of here, will you?

Disappear.

(coughs)

(coughs)

- Throw that out now, please.

- It's poison, Henia, and so good.

(coughs)

Henia? - Hm?

- Why do you play checkers but not chess with me?

- Well I'm not jealous.

And you couldn't possibly consider letting me win at chess.

- When the match ends, let's go to Italy.

You always wanted to see Italy.

As a husband I've been negligent.

- There's no one else I'd want.

- At the university you loved a young mathematician.

A future professor, an intellectual.

But look at me today.

- Akiva, you're the world chess champion.

- What's in a game?

What good is chess, Henia?

(coughs)

(groans)

No, the other one.

It's all right, it's all right.

It's happened to me before.

I'll get some sleep now.

Don't leave me.

Check.

(audience murmurs)

- The 10th game is adjourned at the 41st move.

It will be continued tomorrow at four o'clock.

(audience applauds)

All right.

- Pavius. - The man is ill.

Maddening, miserable damn luck.

I'm sure they'd rather he drop dead

sooner than let me beat him.

- The thing you want is to be world champion.

- The reason I play is to spite the damn bastards.

- How is he?

- [Henia] He's sleeping.

- I can't come back before tomorrow night.

- Well, let's go in.

Excuse me, Akiva Israelovitch.

This is Dr. Randelier.

We thought it time you were examined.

- What for, I'm well.

- Sorry to insist,

Moscow wants to deny the rumors officially.

And we've chosen a cardiologist of repute.

- Sir, I have my own doctor, Anton Heller.

I asked, but my country did not permit him to come with me.

There's no offense meant, but I want nobody examining me

unless Heller is present.

- That move he sealed in did it.

It stops him winning.

- A draw is still possible.

See?

- There is some hope, maybe.

Try proposing a draw today.

- And you actually think Fromm's so stupid he'll accept?

- He refuses our doctor, he wants Heller.

- It doesn't look good for us.

They'll keep Heller under lock and key.

His son's in Israel.

- Pray that Fromm breaks his neck.

- Yes, but why pray?

I have an idea.

Break his heart, we can guarantee it.

Cause we have what's needed, it's ideal.

His wife.

- Could be very dangerous.

It could hurt our prestige.

We're not home, imagine the scandal.

They won't permit it.

- Dear comrade, I'm going to Moscow.

I will go to the minister.

And much higher, if I have to.

- There won't be time.

- Tomorrow this game is to continue.

Next game is Thursday at three o'clock.

- Thursday, I can do it.

What other choice is there?

They'll agree, I'm sure.

It's a beautiful move.

- Thank you.

(murmuring)

- [Judge] Grandmaster Fromm wins the 10th game.

Liebskind three, Fromm five. (audience applauds)

- [Anastase] We'd like to talk to you, Akiva Israelovitch.

- Leave me in peace.

Anton.

- Akiva, you've wrought a miracle.

- Took them time to get the point.

- Well now.

It's been a long trip, try and get some sleep.

Thank you, monsieur.

I'll try and get over here tomorrow.

Here is the number where you can reach Pavius.

Call him whenever you want to.

- Get out.

(heart monitor beeps)

- [Akiva] Anton, will you listen to me?

- Be quiet, Akiva.

He won't be able to play tomorrow,

it would be too much for him.

I'm going to need some drugs, but

to get the prescription, you'll need a Swiss doctor.

- Listen to me, Anton.

- Akiva, it's serious.

- Yes it is.

I can sense it.

Don't prolong my life,

being a vegetable for 10 years has no point.

I would only 10 days, but with my head clear.

I want my head to be clear.

- I don't know if it's possible to save you.

- Don't be a fool!

I'm not interested in whether I drop dead or get well.

I want to beat him, that's all.

I figured him out, I know how.

- Akiva, please, it's my orders that count.

- It's not your right!

Zionist bastard!

Think I refused treatment because I wanted to be nice?

Got you out so you'd be able to preach to me?

You'll do as I say.

You're the only hope there is.

That's why I brought you up.

- What a terrible thing to ask of me.

- I want 10 days, I want to beat that kid.

It's my life and it's my carcass!

- And suppose it's too late?

- Oh, it can't be too late.

I can beat him, I know I can.

- Now quiet.

- (groans) Anton.

- Akiva, I'm not able to perform miracles.

I've a few more drugs I may want.

- And when can he play?

- Should the treatment work

he may well resume in three days' time.

He'll be able to go on 10 days, no more.

- Have to put the game off.

(clicks tongue)

- Better not.

Liebskind's illness must remain completely secret.

It's Fromm who will have to request the postponement.

The perfection of the plan lies in just that detail,

and breaking his heart does it.

Tac-tac.

Pavius is waiting for you.

- You're lying.

You made me come so that he would lose the match.

You need the element of surprise.

- No.

The surprise doesn't seem necessary.

Though it might be preferable.

- Get out.

- You'll go to him.

You need him, you can't deny it.

You don't have much choice.

Neither escape nor suicide

is a solution.

- I hate you.

- Yes, I know.

(somber violin music)

(door buzzes)

(sighs)

(car door shuts)

I appreciate your coming, Colonel.

She's locked herself in her room.

- You've succeeded in complicating an operation

that should be simple.

- She'll go on her own, I know it.

She can't possibly hold out.

- Leaving things up to chance is an error.

We are now going to step in.

At 12 o'clock we proceed.

(door opens)

- Thank you.

Madame Fromm, Federal Police.

You have nothing to fear.

We're here, Madame, in order to help out.

We have very reliable sources that just told us

that your life is in serious danger.

Therefore we are putting you under our protection.

- Where are you taking me?

- We have brought papers to have political asylum granted.

It's a legal formality that is indispensable.

- Where are you taking me?

- To your husband, he's under our protection right now.

You'll be quite all right.

- Oh no.

Why can't you protect me here?

In this room.

- No, Madame, it's impossible.

Look over here.

Come here, Madame Fromm.

Will you look around?

I may have to put two men at least on each rooftop,

armed, 24 hours round the clock.

I don't have men enough to cover it.

- They don't have to kill me, you know.

You're all the same.

Promise me I won't have to meet him before the game is over.

- Madame Fromm, think it over, if it were they

who warned us about you, then there's nothing to stop them

warning the press and your husband,

and they may have done so already.

- You've got to trust us.

- Well, they've won.

- You'll see, Madame.

- They've won again.

- Let's go, tonight I'll win, I'll be world champion.

(dramatic violin music)

- Well, for me it's inadmissible.

I mean, we were about to leave.

No.

That's best, when will it be?

Of course I am, thanks so much.

They asked to postpone the match.

- Ha!

- Do you feel you can trust me?

You love me?

Tell me.

- You're close to me.

And I'm much, much stronger for it.

As soon as I'm world champion,

let's try and have a child.

Try not to be sad now.

- Sad?

Depressive and asocial they called it at the hospital.

- Tell me, how long did you stay in that place?

- One year and 28 days,

and five hours.

They wanted me to divorce you, Pavius, but I didn't want to.

I'm not mad.

- Of course not.

Of course you're not.

Don't be sad anymore.

It's going to be all right.

- How should I open, a Rui Lopez?

- I can't say.

I'm distracted.

- It's a poor opening.

I've got to find something rare and more sophisticated.

Pushkin or Goethe.

- What's best for you, Akiva?

- But your intuition, Henia, your intuition.

- I don't know anymore.

- You're right, I need to find a variant that's effective

and hasn't been seen in years.

Some forgotten pearl. - Oh no, Akiva!

It's too late.

- But you have to pretend, Henia, you have to pretend.

One must always pretend.

- What is that strange opening?

- A museum piece, the Ponziani.

- Ah.

- Those bastards aren't just sitting around.

(audience murmurs)

- [Judge] Grandmaster Liebskind wins the 11th game.

Liebskind four, Fromm five. (audience applauds)

- You think I'm making you lose this match?

Say it.

Shout it!

Do something!

- Nevermind.

- I had so many things to tell you, Pavius.

- Marina.

- But I've forgotten it all.

(sighs) It's something banging in my head.

- Make one last effort, one last try.

- Talk to me.

- There'll be all the time in the world to talk.

Now I must concentrate.

To win this last game, you see?

- You don't have enough hate to win anymore, Pavius.

- Get some rest, huh?

Try and sleep now.

It'll soon be over.

There.

Please.

(somber violin music)

Go on.

It's going to be all right.

It'll soon be over.

(door closes)

- Bastard.

Bastard.

- Let it go, let him withdraw.

If he must die,

then you might let him go in peace.

(heart monitor beeps) - Akiva, postpone the game.

- I'm not obeying orders.

- Will you look here?

(coughs)

- Please give me the shot.

- Check.

Check. (audience murmurs)

- Mate!

Mate! (audience applauds)

- [Judge] Grandmaster Liebskind wins the 12th game.

Liebskind five, Fromm five.

- Anton, I don't feel well at all.

(camera shutters click) (crowd chatters)

- [Henia] Let us through.

Please let him pass.

- Clear the way!

This way? - No, no.

(heart monitor beeps)

- Not bad, Pavius, not bad.

You're getting mean again.

You'll be all right.

- Pavius.

If you have a minute.

- What's the matter, say it.

- Grandmaster Liebskind's in the hospital

and Monsieur Kerossian has just informed us

that he has withdrawn.

- Congratulations.

You are now world champion.

- Is it serious?

No return match requested?

- It's quite remote.

- Unless you should wish to raise some objection,

we have decided to cancel the usual ceremony,

considering the situation.

Here is your check.

$100,000.

Please accept our congratulations.

- I was right.

They've done this so I wouldn't be able to beat Liebskind.

- That's absurd, Pavius.

It's absurd.

(heart monitor beeps)

- Please better go, or you may not be able to.

You've no time to watch me die, run for it.

Run to Jerusalem.

You know you've always been a great bigot.

(speaks foreign language)

You see, I remember.

- He'll be needing you now.

I'm a Soviet citizen, I demand political asylum.

I'm a Soviet citizen, I demand political asylum.

- I want you to come with me.

I must be in a hospital.

I need the drugs badly.

I'm all confused, Pavius.

I'm really sick.

I would only hurt you.

I know I would.

- Now listen, Marina.

There's time now, I'm world champion.

We can concentrate on us.

- They won.

They destroyed me so that I would destroy you.

They won.

(heart monitor beeps)

- I was waiting.

Start.

- G3.

- E6.

- D3.

- D6.

- Knight C3.

- Knight C6.

- E3.

- F6, knight.

- G1 to F3.

- The pawn G6.

- [Fromm] Bishop G2.

- Bishop knight two.

- [Fromm] Castle.

- All right, castle.

- [Fromm] Queen E2.

- E5.

- [Fromm] H3.

- Bishop to king three.

- Rook to D1.

- The queen to C8.

- King to H2 square.

- Bishop three, king one.

- D4.

- King two for bishop three.

- Queen pawn takes king pawn.

- He captures it.

- Knight to G5.

- Knight to G6.

(dramatic violin music)

(Multicom jingle)