Alex competes in a chess tournament against Ivan Rozmirovich, a high-ranking player from the Soviet Union.
Examples:
- Artistic License – Chess: The use of the chess clock is accurate, but the presence of live commentary in the same room is more for comedy. Alex's whole moral dilemma for the episode is created by ignoring the sealed-move rule for adjournments, and of course, for some reason, the Russian who suddenly decides he wants to lose can't simply do so by resigning.
- Dirty Commies: The attitude held by the two college students who speak to Alex in-between matches, and until he meets Ivan Rozmirovich, Alex holds this attitude as well:Alex: You know, last night in the snack bar, there were a couple of guys, real jerks, cheering me on to "beat the commie." And it shook me up, mom, 'cause I could hear myself saying that. In fact, I was saying that just a couple of nights ago.
- Enmity with an Object: While practising for the chess match, Alex yells at the computer who is serving as his opponent while bragging about his skills.Alex: You really thought you could beat me, didn't you? Well, let me tell you something, pal. I am not the Leland college chess champion for nothing. I am the best. Do you hear me? The best!Elyse: Alex, I thought I told you not to yell at the appliances.
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Fake Russian: Ivan and his coach are both played by American actors (Albert Macklin and Alex Henteloff respectively). - International Showdown by Proxy: Ivan describes to Alex how he realised that chess has become this to the Soviet Union. At the end of the episode, the two men decide to play a simple game of chess for pure enjoyment, without cameras or international rivalry hovering over them.
- Smart People Play Chess: Alex is chosen to represent his college as he is their chess champion.
- Very Special Episode: There is a heavy focus on the tension between the US and Soviet Union, and how that hatred for the 'enemy' can filter down to an individual.Alex: It's a lot easier to hate a country than it is to hate a person.
