Chess master Kasparov takes on Putin

In 20 years at the top of the chess world, he used his laser-like focus to destroy his rivals. Now Garry Kasparov is turning his fearsome brainpower on a new opponent... Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Four months after retiring from competitive chess, Russian native Kasparov has re-emerged as the leader of his own opposition political movement dedicated to destroying what he calls Putin's "growing dictatorship".

"I don't think intellect harms you in politics," he said in the cramped office of his United Civil Front.

"I'm building a strategy," he added. "Today our goal is not to lose immediately. Not to get mated in one. Our goal is to survive."

Kasparov, 42, is still ranked world chess number one. But he has swapped the hushed auditoriums where he played chess for boisterous meetings with voters in the Russian provinces.

Kasparov has not abandoned chess completely. He is working on two books about the sport and at night he takes on other players in online blitz chess games.

"Of course, not under my real name," he said.