Times were tough for Dmitri Shostakovich in 1936. His musical colleagues were denouncing him left and right, and Shostakovich turned to some vices for help with coping. Card games, alcohol and cigarettes were some of the more harmful things Shostakovich abused during this period, but he also engaged in some more intellectual (and sportier) activities. The composer played games of chess with his friends, and enjoyed watching FOOTBALL! His compositions during this time were primarily film scores, mostly involving the mandatory lauding of Stalin. Despite not enjoying the process, these film scores brought Shostakovich some much needed money!