An Unforgettable Chess Game

In 1924, Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) hosted a chess game like no other. Chess masters Peter Romanovsky and Ilya Rabinovich faced off, but instead of traditional pieces, people stood in their place. The spectacle unfolded on a giant outdoor chessboard in front of the Winter Palace and lasted five hours. This event was part of an annual series started in Smolensk in 1921 to promote chess across the Soviet Union.

Though the winner of this legendary match remains unknown, the goal was clear: to ignite public interest in chess and highlight its role in fostering strategic thinking. Leningrad, a hub of culture and intellect, was the perfect stage for such an iconic event.