The Luzhin Defence Page #2

One square at a time.

He's weighed down

by his own pomp and circumstance.

The queen, she's more agile.

She's brave and she's cunning...

and she can move

as far as she likes.

Your opponent

will fear her enormously.

- Aleksandr, go to your room.

- I'm playing chess.

Go to your room!

Aleksandr,

why aren't you at school?

That's good.

Check again.

Mate.

Very good.

There really is no easy way

of saying this, I'm afraid.

It is one of the most difficult tasks

that I have as a teacher.

I can see very few prospects in your son

continuing his education with us.

Perhaps another school

might be the answer...

a less demanding environment.

We've given him every encouragement...

literature, art, music.

My wife's father was a composer

recognized by the academy.

- Surely Aleksandr's background...

- Three weeks, you say.

He's been playing truant

for three weeks?

We assumed illness.

I'm sorry.

Our son cheats...

Just as you cheat.

I'm surrounded by cheats.

Aleksandr, please!

Well, what a day.

What a day.

I shan't want to eat.

I've already dined with your Aunt Anna.

No, Aleksandr, you'll stay.

Brooding alone in your room,

it's not healthy.

I'm sure we could find something else

to amuse you down here.

How about some magic?

You used to be so good at it.

I know.

I could teach you chess.

As Pushkin's doomed duellist said...

"Let's start...

if you're willing. "

Check.

If you do that, that's mate.

And if you do that,

you lose your queen.

Well, that one doesn't count.

Let's start again.

Checkmate.

You can't still be playing.

It's past midnight.

Good night, Papa.

Good serve!

Hello!

Oh. Hello.

I want you to be my wife.

I implore you to agree.

Now everything will be different

and wonderful. Everything will change.

You see, the first time...

when you spoke...

your voice...

All my life...

I've been waiting to hear...

All my life...

Please.

Please compose yourself.

Excuse me.

Do you not think, before proposing

marriage, you should ask me my name?

What is it?

Natalia Katkov.

I'm...

Aleksandr Ivanovich Luzhin.

Come on, Natalia!

- I have to finish my game.

- Ah. Yes.

I can only promise you...

that, in keeping with

the speed of events...

I'll try to give you

an answer soon.

Right.

Fetch the luggage.

Seven pieces, huh?

Yes?

- I've got questions.

- Yes.

- Lots of questions.

- Yes.

- Do you have any brothers or sisters?

- No.

- Any cousins?

- No.

Is there anyone

who had a significant influence?

I had an aunt.

Yes?

Apart from chess,

do you have any other abilities?

No... Yes.

I dance a little.

You dance?

Yes.

So...

there was a short life

before chess.

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