It's probably been a year since I updated this chess blog. Due to the current global pandemic, over the board (OTB) chess has been so badly affected. This time round, I will only share the chess sites I am aware of which are still functioning well during this COVID period. If any reader is aware of any other chess sites in Singapore where it is possible to play OTB chess, please let me know, so that I can update the page from time to time.
Thank you.
CC-Based Chess Clubs
(Largely open to public, but Registration still required)
(Largely open to public, but Registration still required)
Tuesdays
Kudos to the Club running effectively Business-As-Usual since Pre-Covid times!
Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Lecture Room 2 (Level 3)
Lecture Room 2 (Level 3)
How to Join
You can first join the Bishan Chess Club Public Facebook Group to see periodic news and updates. Prior to each weekly session, there will be a "shoutout" to ask people interested to attend to register.
Based on collated responses for your Meetup preference, the organiser, Mr Tan Boon Tham, will organise something (e.g. a mini tournament played on a single day, or across a few weeks time). For members who registered and attended such OTB sessions, they would also be added to a What's App group facilitating further chit chats and exchange of information among fellow members.
What I really like about this Chess Club, is the huge number of online events and activities arranged -- even for those who are unable or disinterested to play OTB chess (though for those who are disinterested in OTB chess, you don't know what you are missing out!), you can participate in the various online team matches on chess.com. In fact, I was surprised to see even a titled local player, who did not want to be identified, playing as a team member in some of these online events =)
And I quite like the location of the chess club (Star Bucks just downstairs at Bishan CC, Junction 8 within walking distance), and it happens to be near my workplace.
Thursdays
A new chess club greatly welcomed with the growing demand for OTB chess!
How to join
Other than the details already on the poster (1-time registration), I'd just add that the venue is at ground floor, just beside the basketball court.
I managed to attend its maiden session, and I love the spacious room with its internal artwork and design (presumably used for tea appreciation). The chess club is also fully supplied with boards and clocks, as well as recording sheets! Very conducive to play.
Saturdays
What I believe, is a sustainable model of running chess clubs in Singapore!
Time: 1:30pm - 3:20pm (session 1) 3:30pm - 5:30pm (session 2)
Room: AVA #03-08
How to join
First, you need to do a 1-time online registration. If you are successfully registered, your mobile number will be added to the What's App group created for the Chess Club. Then, prior to each week's session, members have to fill up their names on a first-come-first-served basis (typically up to 16 members per session, unless otherwise stated). Due to the overwhelming participation, we have to limit participation to 1 of the 2 sessions only.
What I love most about this Chess Club is the huge pool of facilitators, referred to as "Interest Group Leaders", who are effectively volunteers who facilitate each session. We have a steady and growing pool of volunteers (currently 14 of us), including some of the active local titled players. Even for someone like me living in the Eastern part of Singapore, making a trip down approximately once every month is not too much of a demand. As a form of Quality Control in a bid to do even better over time, we even conduct weekly post-session reviews to discuss how we can make subsequent weekly sessions more fun and educational to best serve the diverse profile of participants.
For those who are interested to see what we do, you can refer to our public facebook page. Internally, we even have a discord channel for members to chit chat and discuss about their games, puzzle positions and the likes.
Sundays
Probably the longest-running chess club in Singapore!
Time: 3pm - 7pm (limited to 8 players due to COVID)
I have to admit, it's been years since I visited this chess club (because Sundays are my designated rest days before the work week ahead). Nevertheless, it must be good enough for some of my chess friends to keep re-visiting the club and play in its tournaments! For readers who are interested, you can find out more on Queenstown CC Chess Club Website.
Membership-Based Chess Initiatives
PubXChess
The most novel, interesting local chess initiative in Singapore!
Sundays 3pm - 6pm
Essentially, this is a weekly blitz tournament event held on Sunday afternoons. To offer a conducive, fresh playing atmosphere, the venue is held at different pub locations. Over time, a notable pool of regular players have emerged, and with membership growing as more chess enthusiasts become aware of this initiative.
There are 2 tiers of membership available on Patreon. For me, I have gotten the Kibitzer one as I am not available to play on Sundays.
Even without membership, some of the weekly games have been made published on youtube, which allow even non-players to have a taste of the weekly intense battles taking place. I would strongly encourage players who are interested in OTB blitz to give it a go.
SGChessSocial
A chess membership I'm more than happy to pay for!
Weekdays, 3pm onwards, fully open on weekends / public holidays
How does it sound to have a chess site which you can visit at almost anytime you'd like to play otb chess? Play with wooden chess sets in an air-conditioned environment, read chess books and other materials donated by fellow members, be given priority signing up for guest lectures?
Anytime you'd like to take a break? No problem! With Wifi access, large screen TV, fridge (stocked with drinks, of course!), and even shower facilities, things should not go wrong.
The owner of the club would push down alerts and updates through What's App, so that members can know ahead if there are other members at the chess site before heading down.
And best of all, you can even request for a free trial session before deciding whether to proceed to pay for the membership. Visit the website for more information.
Yours sincerely
Ong Yujing (Eugene)
