# Doc Pyeskov — Short Fiction character guide

> Doc Pyeskov in Short Fiction by Fritz Leiber.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Doc

**First appearance:** 0010-iii

## Snapshot

A veteran chess player in last place, squired about by Sandra, who beats the Machine only because it breaks down and calls the win one big lie.

## Who they are

Doc Pyeskov loses three games in a row and faces the Machine with a 1–6 score and undisputed last place, growing depressed and macabre in Sandra's company. When the Machine malfunctions and he announces mate in four, he shrugs it off as ironic glory — a child could have won with that time advantage — and frets that the win would have looked like sabotage against a Russian. His sour honesty about his own luck makes him the story's rueful counterweight to the Machine's cold precision.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/i)

A small, sprightly elderly man who befriends Sandra, explains the Machine's workings, and is called 'Doc' by her.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/iii)

Loses to the Machine, draws with Jandorf, and explains the strategic nuances of playing against the Machine to Sandra.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/iv)

Doc is in last place with a 1-6 score, depressed but still escorting Sandra; he comments on the Machine's psychological tactics.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/v)

Wins against the Machine after its breakdown, then discusses the state of chess and the Machine's superiority.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/vi)

Jubilant over drawing his game and securing ninth place; engages in discussion about computer theory and human psychology.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/ii)

In costume with a white beard; comments on the futility of convincing the audience.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/iii)

Doc is a company member who explains Kraepelin's classification of psychoses to Greta and is known for his drinking.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/iv)

Doubles as Duncan and the Porter, using his natural drunken accent for the latter role.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/chapters/vi)

Plays Seyton, appears less drunk than usual, and assists the narrator with his chain-mail shirt.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/characters/doc_pyeskov
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_19_se/characters