Singapore Chess: A History, 1945-1990

2017 | History & Politics

This book is the definitive volume on the history of chess in Singapore. Covering the period 1945-1990, it covers the post-war emergence of a truly 'local' chess scene out of the colonial period, then taking the story up to the modern era. Contained within these pages are tributes to the modern founding fathers of Singapore chess. In addition, also chronicled within are the careers of Singapore's top players, and their achievements. This includes fine team performances (belying Singapore's seeming status in the chess world as a tiny red dot) and spectacular individual successes on the international stage.In documenting chess development in Singapore between the late 1940s and late 1980s, this book also provides glimpses of a wider social history. Personal stories (based on fresh interviews) are provided that give a sense of the chessplaying milieu of the time. Stalwarts in the chess scene, featured in this book, went on to be notable figures in the wider social and political landscape.A wide range of rare primary materials, including the National Archives of Singapore and National Library records, newspapers, specialised journals, club and federation archives and extensive private collections, have been utilised to put together this book.

Also included is an unprecedented collection of 150 annotated games, representative of games played between Singapore masters and leading players between 1949 and 1990 in master-class events. The volume is a wonderful resource for chess aficionados, interested amateurs, and historians.

Olimpiu G. Urcan (Author)