columbo most dangerous match be about chess . an unlikely subject or motive for murder in my opinion . the star be manchurian candidate lawrence harvey who play a deaf chess champion . he be terrify of losing and will do anything to maintain his status a world chess champion . his competitor be a russian chess champion who unlike lawrence harvey character be well regarded and love instead . he lure him into an unusual trap to prevent him from defeat . columbo always know how to work a prime suspect and do it by be fascinate in their work particularly chess . one of columbo trademark be that he get interested in the character passion and in this one and it chess . he find it a hell of game with a lot to lose on each side . you have to know that it kind of hard watch columbo catch this one . you almost feel sorry for him and in that and lawrence harvey give a memorable performance since his role in the manchurian candidate .