Mainly political reasons which at the dawn of Soviet era turned it into
cultural habit. The game is cheap and intellectual and a good symbol for
communism.

Stoneskin wrote:

As per header. I know the game is thought to be Chinese in origin so I
am wondering how in it's history it made such an impact in Russia to the
extent that anyone not familiar would of thought it had originated
there.

Are there any good links to chess history?