Improving chess in this country

I HAVE been in the thick of the chess movement in this country since the early 1970s and yet when it comes to understanding the mind of chess players in this country, I am still perplexed.

For instance, I have been hearing and reading comments from various people asking how we can improve the level of chess in this country. 

Yes, how can we possibly improve the level of chess? To me, the answer is rather simple: there must be a multi-pronged approach. At its most basic, take the game down to the grassroots level. Organize more one-day events. Involve the community. Do away with cash prizes. Instead, offer prizes in kind. 

I know many people will disagree with me, especially the part on doing away with cash prizes. But why should we offer cash prizes when the participants are mere starters in the game? We should be instilling the right expectation in players by not offering cash as prizes to them.

Second, at a higher level, involve the schools, colleges and universities. Help them organize events and allow outsiders to take part. Have them run their events but seasoned organizers should be in the background to help them in case of problems.

To achieve these two suggestions, it is imperative that defunct state chess associations must be revived. From what I know, there are a number of deregistered or dormant chess associations in the country. 

The chess-playing residents in those states must take in upon themselves to regroup because unless they do it themselves, I do not see anyone else who will do it for them. Help must come from within

Third, organize state-level chess events and offer incentives to the winners, such as selection to national-level tournaments. There are several national-level events that are held regularly, such as the national age-group tournaments and the national closed championships. I believe many players will be quite proud of the fact that they are selected to represent their states in national events. Take advantage of this.

When organizing state-level tournaments, where possible, do encourage players from other states to play. The interaction between players from other states can only lift the performance of the home players.

Fourth, the state chess associations must be prepared to organize national-level tournaments. 

For example, the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) need not run the national closed championship every year. The MCF has been organizing this event year in and year out simply because none of the associations have stepped forth to volunteer running this event. It will be a good learning experience for the state chess associations to take up this challenge.

Fifth, organize international-level chess tournaments. By international-level events, I mean Fide-rated events and even title events. Running international events is not the prerogative of only the MCF. Even the more experienced state associations can run them too.

Last, the players themselves must rise up to meet the challenges. The MCF and the state chess associations can only do so much in chess promotion. Can you imagine if organizers run events and nobody wants to play in them?

So players have a role to play in improving the level of chess in the country too. Chess organizers are mainly volunteers who have given their time to the game they love. Pay them back by supporting the events they hold.

Finally, I would just like to ask one question to set you thinking: do you think there are enough opportunities presently for our chess players to progress in the game at the international level?

I would like to invite readers to think about this and share your thoughts with me at ssquah@gmail.com. We shall return to this topic sometime in the future.

UP NEXT

RSC blitz

Here is something different for a change. The Royal Selangor Club will hold a blitz tournament tomorrow at the Bukit Kiara Sports Annex. Time control for each game is five minutes per player. There will be a total of 22 rounds in this one-day event.

Entry fees are RM15 per player. For details, contact Jax Tham (tel: 013.3232280) or Ajeet (tel: 012.2121372) or email: dawk@streamyx.com

Terengganu closed

The Terengganu Chess Association will organise their two-day Terengganu closed tournament at the Dewan Jabatan Laut in Kuala Terengganu on Sep 22-23. This event is open to only chess players who reside in Terengganu.

For inquiries, contact Muhammad Arshad (tel: 012.9210841, email: terengganu_chess@hotmail.com).

Stonemaster open

There will be a second Stonemaster allegro open tournament, organised by Stonemaster Event Management Enterprise, in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Also included in this event is a one-hour chess seminar.

Entry fee is RM20 per player. To register for both the tournament and the seminar, send your email to seme_event@yahoo.com or contact Fadli (017.2880123). Closing date is Sep 12.