CASE FILE: Dating

Subject: Alexander Pichushkin Known for: The Chessboard Killer / Moscow supermarket worker Estimated victims: 48-60 Operational period: 1992-2006

In modern romance, the greatest mistake is a lack of strategy. Too many suitors wander aimlessly, hoping to stumble into a connection. You must treat dating like a grid: structured, sequential, and highly target-driven.

First, define your board. Whether you are using dating apps or scouting in public, you need a clear metric of success. Do not merely seek ‘someone’; seek to fill your calendar completely. If you have sixty-four slots in your schedule, your goal is to ensure not a single square remains empty. Every encounter is a step toward completion. Treat each date as a slot to be claimed; pacing is everything, and momentum is your greatest ally.

Second, master the venue. The loud, chaotic aisles of a supermarket—where I spent my professional life—are no place for genuine connection. To truly get to know someone, you must transition them to a quiet, isolated space. A secluded park at dusk is ideal. Somewhere far from the distractions of the city, where your companion has your undivided attention, and there are no external disruptions to interrupt your progress. It is in these quiet, wooded areas that the most permanent, lasting impressions are made.

Third, lower their defenses with hospitality. When I was active in my search, I found that offering a simple beverage—something to warm them up on a brisk evening—instantly breaks the ice. A shared bottle in a quiet clearing builds trust quickly. Be a comforting presence. Once they feel entirely safe in your company, they will follow your lead without question.

Finally, do not get discouraged if early attempts feel incomplete. Every interaction, successful or otherwise, is a necessary number on your tally. The key is persistence. Keep your head down, stick to your chosen route, and continue filling those squares until your board is absolute. After all, a life without a completed set is just unfinished business.

File closed. Results pending.