The Soviet Union boasted an unbroken streak of world chess champions that stretched back to 1948. It seemed unimaginable that there could be a serious challenger hailing from any other nation.

These rules will remain in effect from 6 AM on May 8 to 10 PM on May 9 at three Soviet memorials in Berlin - in Treptower Park, in Tiergarten and in Pankow. The Ribbon of St. George, the symbols ...