The Condemned Jacket

The "condemned" jacket is the old, worn jacket that Luzhin wore during his chess-playing days. It represents his dormant chess obsession.

School

At his the private school, young Luzhin is tormented by his peers and first sees chess played.

Magazines

Throughout the novel, Luzhin learns about chess from various magazines. Later, his games are immortalized in the same publications.

Berlin

Much of the story's events take place in and around Berlin, where many Russians have emigrated in the wake of the Russian Revolution.

The Boxed Chess Set

Young Luzhin steals the boxed chess set from his father's office.

Soviet Russia

Soviet Russia is the post-revolution Russia, now ruled by communists.

Woodpile

The woodpile is where young Luzhin sits during recess, apart from the other boys.

The Office of Luzhin Senior

In Luzhin senior's office, young Luzhin eavesdrops on a violinist and first hears talk of...