<영어로 읽는 공상과학 소설 _ 프리츠 라이버의 체스기계>
"64제곱짜리 미친 집"은 프리츠 라이버(Fritz Leiber)가 쓴 SF 단편 소설로 1962년에 처음 출판되었습니다. 체스가 사회의 중심적 집착이 된 미래를 배경으로 체스와 그 문화적 중요성에 대한 풍자적이고 상상력 넘치는 탐구입니다.
이야기에서 체스는 단순한 게임을 넘어 삶의 모든 측면을 지배하는 복잡하고 포괄적인 시스템으로 진화했습니다. 사회는 체스 규칙과 용어에 따라 구성되며 개인의 역할과 지위는 체스 기술과 성취에 따라 결정됩니다. 이야기는 주인공이 체스에 집착하는 세계를 탐색하면서 게임을 둘러싼 광신주의를 패러디하는 괴상한 캐릭터와 기괴한 상황을 만나는 과정을 따릅니다.
"64-Square Madhouse"는 Fritz Leiber의 재치와 창의성뿐만 아니라 추측성 소설을 사용하여 사회적 추세와 강박관념을 비판하는 능력도 보여줍니다. 이 이야기는 경쟁, 집착, 게임과 규칙을 지나치게 중요시하는 부조리 등의 주제를 유머러스하게 탐구합니다.
풍자와 상상력이 풍부한 스토리텔링이 결합된 SF를 좋아한다면 프리츠 라이버의 『64제곱형 미친 집』을 추천한다. 이 책은 게임과 경쟁이 인간 행동과 사회에 미치는 영향에 대해 유머러스하고 생각을 자극하는 논평을 제공합니다.


"The Sixty-Four Square Madhouse" is a science fiction short story written by Fritz Leiber and first published in 1962. A satirical and imaginative exploration of chess and its cultural significance, set in a future where chess has become society's central obsession.
In the story, chess has evolved beyond a simple game into a complex and comprehensive system that governs all aspects of life. Society is organized around chess rules and terminology, and individual roles and status are determined by chess skills and achievements. The story follows the protagonist as he navigates a world obsessed with chess, encountering eccentric characters and bizarre situations that parody the fanaticism surrounding the game.
“64-Square Madhouse” showcases Fritz Leiber’s wit and creativity, as well as his ability to use speculative fiction to critique social trends and obsessions. The story humorously explores themes of competition, obsession, and the absurdity of placing too much importance on games and rules.
If you like science fiction that combines satire and imaginative storytelling, I recommend Fritz Leiber's 『64 Square Madhouse』. This book provides a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on the impact of games and competition on human behavior and society.

Summary
The machine was not perfect. It could be tricked. It could make mistakes. And?it could learn!

Fritz Leiber's short story "The 64-Square Madhouse" depicts the participation of electronic computers in the first international chess tournament. The main character, Sandra Lee Grayling, is a reporter who came to cover this competition.
The competition featured some of the world's best chess players, with Russian players in particular taking part. The computer 'machine' was programmed by Simon Great and competes as equals against human players.
Sandra meets an old man she calls 'Doc' and gets information about chess and competitions. It is later revealed that Doc is actually Dr. Krakatower, an athlete participating in the competition.
As the competition progresses, human athletes experience various psychological pressures as they compete against machines. In particular, Bela Grabo experiences extreme stress while playing against machines.

Contents
CHAPTER I. Silently, so as not to shock anyone with illusions
CHAPTER II. Meanwhile the happy little man had edged them
CHAPTER III. Tell your readers, Miss Grayling
CHAPTER IV. After Sandra had watched the games
CHAPTER V. Adjournment time neared
CHAPTER VI. Round Four saw the Machine spring
CHAPTER VII. Krakatower had lost two pawns
CHAPTER VIII. Next morning Sandra heard Dave's guess confirmed