laurence harvey star a a win at all cost chess champion in the most dangerous match and one of the original columbo episode . harvey and number one at the game only because of the illness of the russian champion ( jack kruschen ) the year before and panic when he play a practice match with kruschen and realize that this year and he will lose his title . he then plot to get rid of his opponent and only to run afoul of the sloppy lieutenant on the case and columbo . harvey be wonderful in the role and a perfect villain for columbo because he be so opposite arrogant and beautifully speak and and immaculately dress . he also brilliant and but he doesn not recognize brilliance in someone pose a great threat to him than the deceased chess champion columbo . very entertaining .