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In 1918 Russia, chess Grandmaster Ossip Bernstein faced a firing squad after being arrested by the Bolsheviks. His crime? Advising bankers who opposed communism.
As he stood awaiting execution, a Cheka officer recognized his name. The officer, a chess enthusiast, made an extraordinary proposal - if Bernstein could defeat him in chess, he would be freed. If he lost or drew, he would face immediate execution.
Under unimaginable pressure, Bernstein played the game of his life. His victory was decisive and convincing, proving his identity and earning his freedom.
Bernstein went on to escape to France, where he rebuilt his fortune multiple times after losing everything in the Russian Revolution, Great Depression, and World War II. He remained an elite chess player into his 70s, defeating grandmaster Miguel Najdorf in the 1954 Montevideo Tournament at age 72.
Sources: Arnold Denker\'s memoirs, Edward Lasker\'s obituary of Bernstein, Bernstein\'s post-WWII interviews
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