The International

"Chess is a curse upon Man" - H G Wells

"Chess is a sea in which a gnat may drink and an elephant bathe" - Indian Proverb

"Chess is the art which expresses the science of logic" - Mikhail Botvinnik

The International can be found by going down a flight of stairs to the basement level of the New World department store building. The stairs are on the side facing Kerensky Street which the main entrance to the department store is located on Korolev Avenue.

Most people usually go in the Korolev Avenue entrance as they're either customers, workers or rubber neckers. Those who take the Kerensky Street entrance are those who seek to pass the time, to enjoy the soothing environment, to improve their skills or to have a drink or two with friends.

Mezhdunarodnyy has been a fixture of city life in Krasnygorod that some claim it was originally discovered by the first settlers. Certainly there is a picture of the Brave Pioneer smiling beatifically above the bar. Dotted here and there on the walls are various photos, portraits and posters. Unlike many other establishments there is little to no Party propaganda to be seen.

There are over a dozen chess tables located in the main area, then there are six tables devoted to shogi (Japanese chess) and three tables devoted to Go. The rest of the tables and the booths are dedicated to people who want to read, enjoy a drink or meal and/or conversation with friends. Those seeking to talk usually take one of the booths as their conversation doesn't distract from the players.

From eight in the morning they come to Mezhdunarodnyy (International) to play, the dedicated hard core players. There is usually fourteen to sixteen such people, old timers who have nothing else to do. Mikhail, the International's full time manager and bar tender has organised an ongoing competition between these diehards.

Assisting Mikhail usually are Simeon and Esosa. Simeon usually works as a security guard in the New World building while Esosa works the bar at Rick's on the weekends. During the week these two are the cooks for any food ordered by the patrons.

Along with a fully stocked bar there is a small library of books about chess, Go, shogi and other related subjects. Mezhdunarodnyy is a non smoking venue and that is the only 'official' signage that can be found on premises. There is talk of preventing minors from entering the club, so far though nothing has come of that and Mikhail is glad. Two of his diehards are high school age and they are honing their skills by playing more advanced opponents.