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Frasier

Chess Pains

Season 3, Episode 18, Aired Mar 26, 1996

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9.2

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Frasier becomes obsessed with chess after Martin repeatedly beats him.

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Cast & Crew

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Kelsey Grammer

Dr. Frasier Crane
Jane Leeves

Daphne Moon Crane
David Hyde Pierce

Dr. Niles Crane
Peri Gilpin

Roz Doyle
John Mahoney

Martin Crane
Moose

Eddie

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Fan Episode Reviews (2)

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One of the best episodes in the history of the show.

10

"Perfect"

By Iverson82094, Dec 28, 2007

Frasier becomes obsessed with chess after Martin repeatedly beats him. Frasier begins to try whatever he can to try and beat his dad. Even one time Frasier purposly sets off the smoke alarms so he can play his dad in chess. However, it is only until after he bets his dad $5,000 on a game chess that is dad finally plays. In the end Martin lets Frasier win on purpose to end his obsession with chess. This episode was hilarious. It was so funny when Daphne started singing to Frasier with that sock on her hand, and then when Frasier would keep throwing a temper-tantrum everytime he lost only added to the hilarity. To make a long story short if you want to see the shoe "Frasier" at its best this is only one possible episode you should see.moreless
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And yet again here we are with another wonderful episode of Frasier!

9.2

"Superb"

By count-chocula, Aug 05, 2006

Just when you thought that this season couldn't get any better along comes "Chess Pains". After this season's wonderful "Frasier Grinch", "Moon Dance" & "The Show Where Diane Turns Up", "Chess Pains" delivers once again!

Some great laughs in this episode, especially Frasier's many different attempts to get his father to play chess with him! A great quote comes very near the start of this episode when Frasier asks Niles if he would like to play chess. Niles declines by saying something about how Maris used to love chess. Frasier then quips, "Of course she would. The queen has all the power while the man is stationary". Classic!

Another wonderful Frasier episode!moreless
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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (3)
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- When Frasier and Martin prepare to play their final game, Frasier asks who should go first, and Martin replies that the person who lost the last game is supposed to start. However, according to the official rules of chess, the player with the white pieces always goes first.
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- When the smoke detector goes off, Daphne is shown coming out of "her room", into the same hallway as Frasier and Martin. However, in every other episode, Daphne's room is off to the right of the piano, behind the kitchen.
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- In the opening scene, Niles confesses to feeling lonely, to which Daphne replies, "...perhaps all you need is a little company at the apartment." This is one of the few references made during season three to where Niles has been living since his separation from Maris. In "The Last Time I Saw Maris," earlier in the season, Niles states that he has rented "a bachelor pad." There is also a brief reference by Niles to his "new address" in the episode "Come Lie With Me." We learn nothing more about where Niles lives until he rents an apartment at "The Montana" in season four's "To Kill a Talking Bird."
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QUOTES (9)
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- Niles: Maris and I used to play chess every Thursday night. Oh, how she loved the game. Frasier: No wonder. The king is stationary while the queen has all the power.
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- Daphne: How are you getting along, Dr. Crane? Niles: Oh, all right, I guess. Daphne: Feeling a bit lonely, are we? Niles: Only sometimes when I'm by myself, or other times when I'm with other people. Daphne: It may not be the place to say this, but perhaps all you need is a little company at the apartment - something warm and friendly to come home to? Niles: Well, I'm sure Dad would miss you. (Daphne laughs and bats Niles's arm) Daphne: Oh, Dr. Crane. (Niles laughs with her and bats himself in the arm) Niles: Oh, me!
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- Martin: I don't see any reason why I should play you again. Frasier: If you win, I'll give you five thousand dollars. Martin: (jumps out of bed) Get outta my way.
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- Frasier: Oh, did I mention the cemetery called? Apparently they have to dig a sewer by your plot.
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- Frasier: No more Mr. Cordial guy.
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- Roz: Alright, I'll set Naj straight. Frasier: Well, if you manage that then you really would have a story.
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- Roz: I have an appointment this afternoon with Naj. Frasier: Naj? Roz: He's the hottest hairstylist in Seattle. Frasier: Naj? Roz: I think he's getting a little bored with me. When he's cutting my hair, I can't even think of anything to say. Frasier: Well, how's this for an icebreaker: say Naj, where'd you get such a stupid name?
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- Daphne: Feeling a bit lonely, are we? Niles: Only sometimes when I'm by myself. Or other times when I'm with other people.
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- Niles: It's absolutely breathtaking. I'm breathless. (chokes) I need to take a breath. (breathes in)
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NOTES (1)
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- Frasier was similarly embarrassed by Woody at chess in the Cheers episode "Spellbound."
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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- General Norman Schwarzkopf: After hearing Frasier describe himself as a general carefully positioning his troops, Martin beats him while uttering the line "Checkmate Schwarzkopf!" This refers to US General Norman Schwarzkopf who led Operation Desert Storm against Saddam Hussein's Iraq five years prior.
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