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bigduke6
♡ 12 ( +1 | -1 )
Luzhin Defense Yes I'm well aware of the fact that its a movie but would someone please clarify me as to whether or not it's an actual defense?
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philaretus
♡ 20 ( +1 | -1 )
In Nabokov's novel.... ....."The Defence", in which Luzhin is the central character, the Defence itself is described in very vague terms. Nabokov was a good player himself, but knew better than to try to invent a new defence.
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zdrak
♡ 42 ( +1 | -1 )
In the beginning of the movie, Luzhin (John Torturo) can be seem scribbling something in his notebook. At the top of the page, 1.d4 f5 is written. So maybe Luzhin's defense is actually the Dutch Defense?
However, in another scene in the movie, Luzhin is playing black against his arch-enemy, and well into the game, a position is shown with the black f-pawn still on its original square ... so maybe it's not the Dutch Defense after all ?
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vietnamese_girl_18
♡ 46 ( +1 | -1 )
I read the Nabokov book (published as The Defence in the US) a few years ago before I became very serious about chess. From my hazy recollection, it seems like the defense was "hyper-modern", that is I remember talk of letting the opponent extend himself in the center and then attacking it. But as I wasn't much into chess, I may be wrong about the characterization -- but I'm sure there weren't any actual moves mentioned in the novel.
Sarah Tran
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vietnamese_girl_18
♡ 16 ( +1 | -1 )
I just realized that I basically said the same thing as philaretus. [Note to Sarah: read all posts in a thread before joining in!]
Sarah
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bigduke6
♡ 31 ( +1 | -1 )
I love the movie... I haven't as yet had the opportunity to read the book so I wouldn't know. I've been bombarded with Nabokov's literature in English class lately and among the Enchanter and Mary I've also had to watch the movie the Luzhin Defence. I don't even know if this guy is real or not and thus I was curious as to the scruples of such a thing.
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clemens
♡ 27 ( +1 | -1 )
I, too, have recently read the excellent novel by Vladimir Nabokov, and if I recall correctly, it was not Luzhin who was the hypermodern player, but his archenemy Turreti (not sure about the name... but it was at least something like that). Actually, Luzhin was annoyed by this "new" style of playing.
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vietnamese_girl_18
♡ 35 ( +1 | -1 )
Clemens: Ah, yes -- it does sound right that it was his nemesis.
Bigduke: not only bombarded with Nabokov, but not even bombarded with his best novels. Lolita, Pale Fire, The Real Life of Sebastian Knight, Pnin and the Gift are all better novels than the ones your teacher is making you read!
Sarah Tran
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tonlesu
♡ 47 ( +1 | -1 )
Luzhin Defense When the pressure and anxiety of high level chess or the trials and tribulations of everyday life become too great to bear then of course you have the Luzhin defense. You rent a 4th floor apartment, walk over to the window and jump, a la Bardeleben, Berlin 1924. Or, you open a gas valve and go to sleep (Yates, 1932). There are many variations of the theme but the end result is the same. One can shuffle off this mortal coil and end a sea of troubles, with a bare bodkin.
drgandalf
♡ 13 ( +1 | -1 )
Thank you Tonlesu for explaining the "hidden" meaning of the novel's title. Sometimes, chess players are so absorbed by chess as to miss the sublime in life.
brobishkin
♡ 22 ( +1 | -1 )
The book by Nabakov... Loose talk in the classroom
To hurt they try and try
Strong words in the staffroom
The accusations fly
It's no use, he sees her
He starts to shake and cough
Just like the old man in
That book by Nabakov
Don't stand, don't stand so
Don't stand so close to me
clemens
mettlesome
bigduke6