SCC Chess Interest Group

Written by Brian Woon & Tristan Tan

When Netflix released its mini-series “The Queen’s Gambit” in October last year, it garnered sterling viewership numbers and was widely lauded for its screenplay, art direction, character development and riveting plot. On a social level, it led to an explosion of interest in chess, evident in the rapid rise in the sales of chess sets and books, as well as millions of new users registering on Chess.com, in the weeks and months to follow.

For many who were uninitiated, the series suddenly made a centuries-old board game cool and popular (again). For others who had first encountered or fallen in love with the game in their youth, including the authors of this piece, it rekindled a fire to be a student of the game once more - not only to play more frequently, but to play better, smarter and faster, to learn or relearn the numerous moves and openings in the game, such as the eponymous title of the series (yes, there is also a King’s Gambit).

Such is the beauty of chess. Everyone can play and excel at it, regardless of gender, race, social status, physique and most importantly, age. Few other games or sports can boast of a child being on an equal footing, and even trouncing an adult opponent, on such a regular basis. Nor do the powers diminish into the golden years; much evidence exists about the medical benefits of playing chess in keeping the mind alert and agile to combat dementia.

For us, it started with casual games in The Oval & Verandah where we would have dinner after tennis sessions. A classic oak chess set and pieces positioned in the middle of the table alongside our dishes and utensils, as we plotted and schemed, protected and created diversions, whilst guzzling down the best food and drinks.

We often heard from onlookers:

“What’s that you’re playing?”

“I love chess but haven’t played it in ages!” “I watched the Queen’s Gambit and loved it! I would love to learn how to play!”

We imagined how wonderful it would be if the Club had a Chess Section. We could meet and play regularly with other likeminded members, challenging and helping one another improve, studying and reviewing genius moves and subtle mistakes. Alas that dream is slightly closer to reality, with the start of the Chess Interest Group in September, meeting in the Gilmour Room every Wednesday evening for two-hour sessions.

From the first session with less than 6 people, we’re now receiving 10 or more attendees each session. The group has a good mix of beginners and intermediate players, plus a couple of more advanced players including a wunderkind aged 10.

It has been equally heartening to see the progress of our first timers who have been diligently coming back each week, eager to learn the basics and put them into practice through live games. Little did we know how much we enjoyed teaching the game and imparting our limited knowledge to them. We can’t wait for the time when they’ll be ready to learn how to castle or the meaning of en passant.

We are openly hopeful and optimistic that interest continues to grow and the word spreads further afield, such that come 2022, the Club might welcome the game of chess as a new sports and games section.

In the meantime, please feel free to join us - whether you just want to play a quick game, or if you’re completely new and wish to learn how to play, even if it’s just to gain better context when watching reruns of The Queen’s Gambit in the coming holiday season.

Chess Club will meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in January, 6pm to 8pm, at Gilmour Room.

Please contact us on WhatsApp for any enquiries or information about our sessions: Cassie - 9477 7228 / Bryan - 8739 2652 / Tristan - 9661 4992