# stalin (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 1 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover stalin. Page: Feed: --- ## [Maizelis’s Set](https://sovietchesssets.com/2025/03/09/maizeliss-set/) _2025-03-09 · Chuck Grau · Soviet and Late Tsarist Chess Sets_ Soviet Master Ilyan Maizelis included a photo of the pictured set in his famous primer “Chess Beginnings” (1937). There he described it as “Modern Chess Figures (Staunton form).” At 9. So the set dates no later than 1937. For sake of convenience, I’ll refer to it as “Maizelis’s Set,” though I have no other evidence … Continue reading "Maizelis’s Set" ## [Gulag Knights? A Tale of Two Valdais](https://sovietchesssets.com/2025/02/14/gulag-knights-a-tale-of-two-valdais/) _2025-02-14 · Chuck Grau · Soviet and Late Tsarist Chess Sets_ Despite their popularity and longevity, I have hesitated to write about the ubiquitous Valdai Nobles chessmen. It’s not that I don’t like them–I have four specimens in my collection, each with unique attributes. I am fascinated by their design and evolution, particularly the faceted knights characteristic of the mature versions. Nothing has stopped my friends … Continue reading "Gulag Knights? A… ## [Soviet Checkers: Junior Partner in a Cultural Revolution](https://sovietchesssets.com/2024/10/19/soviet-checkers-junior-partner-in-a-cultural-revolution/) _2024-10-19 · Chuck Grau · Soviet and Late Tsarist Chess Sets_ The history of checkers paralleled that of chess in the Soviet Union. Both games had been played for centuries, despite suffering the disapprobation of the Orthodox Church. Both were incorporated into the Soviet state’s political program to elevate and enrich the cultural level of the masses. According to the Russian Checkers Federation, “games similar to … Continue reading "Soviet Checkers:… ## [Hardin’s Set](https://sovietchesssets.com/2024/10/14/hardins-set/) _2024-10-14 · Chuck Grau · Soviet and Late Tsarist Chess Sets_ Andrei Nikolaevich Hardin (1842-1910) was a Russian lawyer and chess player. He was born and lived in Samara. According to Alexandr Yanushvesky: Andrei Nikolaevich Hardin was passionately fond of chess. He subscribed to a great deal of foreign chess literature and could sit alone at the board for hours. According to him, he learned to … Continue reading "Hardin’s Set"