"Chess in the USSR" magazine

The monthly chess magazine “Chess in the USSR” (Russian: Шахматы в СССР) has established in 1921. It initially bore the name “Chess Paper” (Шахматный листок) until 1931. In its early days, each edition consisted of a single sheet of paper, featuring two games printed on one side and additional chess news on the reverse.With the arrival of its 13th issue in 1931, the magazine was renamed “Chess in the USSR” and entered its era as one of the most influential chess periodicals in the world. It was first published in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), later relocating to Moscow in 1938. During the years of World War II (1941-1945), the journal ceased publication. In the 80s, “Chess in the USSR” had become a global phenomenon, reaching readers in 50 countries worldwide. Its circulation reached an impressive 52,000 copies. With the collapse of the USSR, the magazine experienced hard times. In 1992, it merged with “Express Chess”, adopting the new name “Chess Bulletin”. By 1995, it had transformed once again, this time into “Chess in Russia”. Its journey concluded in June 1999, when publication ceased.Throughout its existence, “Chess in the USSR” was guided by esteemed editors, including Samuil Vainshtein, Alexander Ilyin-Genevsky, Viacheslav Ragozin, and Yuri Averbakh.