Move to Zugzwang

Everything that Rudolf lives for is chess. The game helps him escape into the world of pieces and squares, hiding from the tyranny of his father. Vsevolod controls every step of his son, spending enormous amounts of money on tournaments... and training. Rudolf is dependent on him – both morally and financially. He is unadapted to life and lives in a destructive environment, lacking the strength to break free.
Over time, from an outstanding chess player, Rudolf turns into a hunted neurotic. Enduring defeat after defeat, he begins to hate himself. His main goal is to achieve the title of grandmaster and compete in the Candidates Tournament. But first, Rudolf must rid himself of his inner demons, find support, and learn to forgive…

• A book about the complex relationships between parents and children – and how important it is to learn to understand and forgive each other
• A book about growing up – how a wounded, frightened boy becomes a happy and responsible grandmaster
• A book about traumas passed down from generation to generation, and how to break this cycle
• Victories and defeats, teenage rebellion, adventures and first love
• An atmospheric immersion in the world of chess and competitive excitement