A Game of Kings: The History of Chess in Singapore

"To die without having learned chess is like dying without having heard music!" - Opening lines of "Chess made easy", written by C.J.S. Purdy and G. Koshnitsky in 1973

Introduction

Chess has long been considered more than just a game. It's a battle of wits, a test of patience and a window into the minds of its players. While today's chess enthusiasts might sharpen their skills on apps or watch grandmasters compete online, the game's journey in Singapore goes way back to the early days of the island's history.

A Game for the Pioneers

When European settlers arrived in Singapore in the early 19th century, they brought more than just trade and traditions. Chess, along with other pastimes like backgammon and billiards, was part of their cultural baggage - an essential way to pass the long tropical nights. In fact, it was said that in Burma, people from all walks of life would spend half the night playing chess, and it's likely Singapore was no different.

By 1845, the same year The Straits Times was first published, local shops were already selling ivory chess sets for those who hadn’t brought one on their travels. At the time, Howard Staunton - considered the world’s best player - was shaping modern chess, though the official title of World Champion didn’t exist yet. Across the British Empire, chess was viewed as a game of intellect and character rather than just a pastime, making it a respected form of entertainment.

The Chess Boom of the 1890s

The 1890s saw a major chess revival, fuelled by two key developments: growing newspaper coverage and the use of the telegraph to transmit news across continents. Chess matches played in Europe and America were being reported in Singapore, and the excitement surrounding world championships soon caught on.

In 1891, the Mutual Improvement Society in Singapore hosted a unique chess tournament where players would start at a disadvantage – giving up a pawn, a knight, or even skipping their first move. The mastermind behind this was P.A. Reutens, a prominent chess figure in Singapore at the time.

The following year, a historic long-distance match took place between Singapore and Hong Kong. Since travel was slow, the game was played via correspondence – moves were exchanged through letters between P.A. Reutens in Singapore and J.I. Hazeland in Hong Kong.

Newspapers such as the Singapore Free Press began publishing weekly chess columns, featuring analyses and notations of high-profile matches. The excitement around chess only grew as legendary players like Wilhelm Steinitz and Emanuel Lasker battled for the World Championship title. By 1895, the annual Hastings Tournament in England had become one of the most prestigious events in the chess world, drawing elite players like Harry Pillsbury and Mikhail Tchigorin.

The Rise of Chess Clubs in Singapore

As the As the game gained momentum, Singapore’s social clubs became hubs for chess enthusiasts. The Singapore Recreation Club emerged as the epicentre of competitive play, with P.A. Reutens leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Singapore Cricket Club became its main rival, and friendly yet competitive matches were common.

This early chess scene set the stage for what would eventually become a thriving chess community in Singapore. From casual games in coffee shops to grand tournaments featuring international players, chess remains a deeply respected and widely enjoyed game on the island.

So, the next time you sit down for a game of chess, remember – you’re taking part in a tradition that has spanned centuries, continents, and cultures. Whether you're a beginner or a grandmaster in the making, every move you make is part of a story that’s still being written!