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KUALA LUMPUR – It is undeniable that ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, which has garnered significant attention around the world as the number one streamed Netflix series in 63 countries, is raising unprecedented awareness for the sport of chess and of late, it has also been the topic of conversation among fashionistas.
Not too long ago, The Vibes reached out to Najib Wahab, General Secretary of the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), on his thoughts regarding the popular show in the article ‘Malaysian Kings treated like pawns.’
This time, we brought the conversation to Mr Yeoh Chin Seng, 1993 National champion, 1994 World Chess Olympiad representative, Vice President II of MCF, member of the MCF selection committee and father to 2019 SEA Games champion Yeoh Li Tian.
While Chin Seng expressed his awe at the way The Queen’s Gambit successfully portrays chess culture during the 1960s, the seven-episode series failed to highlight the psychological changes experienced by a chess prodigy in becoming a world champion.
As a former chess player, Chin Seng believes that the greatest feat displayed by the show’s protagonist, Beth Harmon, was her ability to overcome a dependence on drugs and alcohol.
He also pointed out that as the player advances, the game will be played differently with respect to the player’s growth and maturity.
Elaborating on his father’s words by drawing from his own experiences, Li Tian added that, “you play to improve your strength, instead of focusing on the results; and as you get better, you just want to enjoy the game.”
As a child, Li Tian was focused purely on winning. His sole objective was to defeat his opponent. However, he notes that the further he advanced, the more he understood that losing was just part of the game.
This is the complete opposite of what was depicted in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’; Beth’s sole goal throughout the series is to win.
Chin Seng also pointed out another inaccuracy that added drama and tension to the series: professional players never offer a draw in a losing position in championship games as an act of sportsmanship, which was what Borgov did when he openly offered Beth a draw at the World Championships.
However, offering and accepting a draw among players of high levels are still frequent, considering the position is leading to a draw, or both players wish to ceasefire.
On the subject of growth, Chin Seng recommends watching the Japanese anime, ‘Hikaru no Go’, which touches on every aspect of life as a chess player.
He has advised many parents to do the same if they wish to understand the psychological development of their child in relation to the game.
Maybe if Mrs Wheatley, Beth’s adoptive mother, had the chance to watch the anime, she would have been able to understand Beth’s chess journey a little better. – The Vibes, December 2, 2020
