Von Goom's Gambit by Victor Contoski:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

"This very funny story was enthusiastically recommended to us by Laurence M. Janifer and, once read, just as enthusiastically acquired for publication in F&SF, It first appeared in Chess Review {but you need not be a chess-player to enjoy it). Its author writes that he is '*30 years old, a graduate student in English at the University of Wisconsin, married, fat, and happy. I have published poetry, translations of modern Polish poetry, and book reviews in a variety of little magazines . . .""—And adds, "By the way, Ym a lousy chess-player."" But a first-rate writer."

You can read it here.

Select an invention:

Van Goom's Gambit
A chessboard pattern that unhinges the mind of any player who sees it.

 

Technovelgy.com is devoted to the creative inventions of science fiction authors and movie makers. Look for the Science Fiction Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary of Science Fiction Inventions, the Timeline of Science Fiction Inventions, or see what's New.
Find
new authors and technologies - Shop for yourself, your library and your lab.

 

 

 

 

Science Fiction
in the News

The New Habitable Zones Include Asimov's Ribbon Worlds
re: Harl VIncent
(1/23/2026)

Can One Robot Do Many Tasks?
re: Robert Sheckley
(1/5/2026)

Atlas Robot Makes Uncomfortable Movements
re: James Cameron
(1/3/2026)

Boring Company Drills Asimov's Single Vehicle Tunnels
re: Isaac Asimov
(1/1/2026)

Humanoid Robots Tickle The Ivories
re: Herbert Goldstone
(12/29/2025)

A Remarkable Coincidence
re: Arthur C. Clarke
(12/27/2025)

Cortex 1 - Today A Warehouse, Tomorrow A Calculator Planet
re: Clifford Simak
(12/25/2025)

Perching Ambush Drones
re: Philip K. Dick
(12/23/2025)

Leader-Follower Autonomous Vehicle Technology
re: Gordon R. Dickson
(12/21/2025)

Golf Ball Test Robot Wears Them Out
re: Frederik Pohl
(12/19/2025)

Boring Company Vegas Loop Like Asimov Said
re: Isaac Asimov
(12/17/2025)

Rigid Metallic Clothing From Science Fiction To You
re: Edmond Hamilton
(12/15/2025)

Is The Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 A Heinlein Vibroblade?
re: Robert Heinlein
(12/13/2025)

Roborock Saros Z70 Is A Robot Vacuum With An Arm
re: Robert Heinlein
(12/11/2025)

More SF in the News

Home | Glossary | Invention Timeline | Category | New | Contact Us | FAQ | Advertise |
Technovelgy.com - where science meets fiction™

Copyright© Technovelgy LLC; all rights reserved.