A game of chess for your life!

I've picked up a very interesting piece of info about Ossip Bernstein, A very strong Ukranian born player from the early 1900's.
Have a look. SCARY! Could you have held your nerve.

In 1918 Ossip Bernstein was arrested in Odessa by the Cheka and ordered shot by a firing squad just because he was a legal advisor to bankers. As the firing squad lined up, a superior officer asked to see the list of prisoners' names. Recognizing the name of Ossip Bernstein on it, the officer demanded whether the prisoner was the famous Chess master. Not satisfied with Bernstein's affirmative reply, he challenged Bernstein to a game. If the prisoner lost or drew, he would be shot. Bernstein won in no time and was released. He escaped on a British ship and settled in Paris.

I wonder if I would be ultra-focused or unable to focus in that situation. Hopefully I never find out (and I'm glad he won).

Originally posted by zebano
I wonder if I would be ultra-focused or unable to focus in that situation. Hopefully I never find out (and I'm glad he won).

I'd fall apart like a Ford Truck. X.x

wow, that is quite the story... I'm glad he won too! 😵

Originally posted by shortcircuit
Gives a new definition to blitz chess, doesn't it?