Queens Park Chess Club – and the game of chess – is the focus of episode 12 of Hobbysitive, a Spotify podcast series that delves into the culture and appeal of different types of hobbies.
Club Members Ash Angappan (above, centre) and Ryan McGill (right), along with Club Secretary Derek Rankine (left), were interviewed by freelance Hungarian journalist Flora Csizmadia.
The interview, which went out live via the Hospital Broadcasting Service on the evening of 27 February, is available on Spotify. It covers Ash’s, Ryan’s and Derek’s journey towards Queens Park Chess Club, the activities we provide and competitions we take part in, and the welcoming ethos of the Club. It also explores the different styles and formats of chess, discusses whether the game’s gender imbalance may be changing, and highlights the wider social and health benefits that can be accrued by regularly playing chess.
Chess joins other Hobbysitive episode topics include bodybuilding, Scottish Gaelic, pottery, birdwatching and songwriting. Our gratitude to Flora for an enjoyable interview. You can follow Hobbysitive on Instagram.
Every so often, the Chess Club receives a communication, with the following general thrust:
Why do you ABSOLUTE MORONS spell your own name wrong???!!! EVERYONE knows it’s Queen’s Park, not Queens Park!! What are they even teaching in Scottish schools these days?? *
It’s true, we purposefully leave an apostrophe out of our name, even though many deem it “incorrect” and “just plain wrong”.
You may be curious: why do we go by Queens Park Chess Club – rather than Queen’s Park Chess Club?
Buckle in. Here is the full story.
It begins on 3 August 2022, when the Covid pandemic was receding, lockdowns and restrictions were heading into the rear view mirror, and normality was returning to Scottish life.
In its Annual General Meeting in Brodies Bar, by the north corner of Queens Park – and home to our Thursday Group partners at the time – the Chess Club Committee were excitedly planning for a busy new season, one which would see the return of league chess.
A landmark decision was taken at this meeting, as shown in the following extract of the AGM minutes:
Agenda Item 5: Name of Club
There was a discussion over the potential value of changing the name from Govanhill Chess Club to Queens Park Chess Club, to develop a historical connection with a previous Club of that name, active from 1873 to the 1930s, and to help attract new members from a wider set of neighbourhoods including Shawlands, Langside and Mount Florida.
Harvey reported that he voted in 2021 to retain the existing name, but having since learned about the 1873 Club, would now like to change the name to continue a historic local tradition. Julien and Graeme highlighted the reality that most members already come from the wider Queens Park area outside Govanhill. Derek said the change of name would be helpful in avoiding a situation in which small, precarious clubs are set up in the different neighbourhoods around Queens Park. He noted some online discussions about setting up a Shawlands Chess Club, and felt it would be better for a single, active and sustainable Club to serve the area.
Alex Lane asked if there would be any bureaucratic challenges associated with the change of name, and it was noted the Club would need to notify a number of parties, and change its website domain name, official email addresses, and Facebook page name.
There was a discussion about the merits and drawbacks, and Julien called the matter to a vote. With five votes in favour of the change and two abstentions, it was agreed the Club would henceforth be known as Queens Park Chess Club.
Graeme said he strongly felt the change was for the best, as a local person who has lived in, and is passionate about, several of the local neighbourhoods. Harvey said the Club’s debt to Govanhill, and its period as Govanhill Chess Club, should be fully acknowledged. Derek said he was working on a historical webpage that would include a timeline and a prominent reference to its Govanhill roots.
What the minutes don’t record, is why the apostrophe was left out when the new Club name was adopted.
Immediately following the above vote, the question was asked: “before we do the league registrations and everything, are we spelling Queens Park with or without an apostrophe?”
Blank looks followed. “You know, I’m actually not sure.” “Is it owned by the Queen?” “Is it a reference to multiple Queens?”
Then someone said “Look!” and pointed out the bar window to Queens Park. Heads turned to follow the outstretched arm. Almost as one, the Committee said: “No apostrophe!”.
Sure enough, the official Glasgow City Council park signs, look like this:
The answer was settled (history doesn’t record why no-one simply took their phone out and Googled). We registered our apostrophe-less new name with Chess Scotland, the Glasgow Chess League, and other parties. We developed a new logo, changed our banking name, website domain, sorted out our social media channels, email signatures etc. All using Queens Park.
So when we realised the mistake, why didn’t we make the change? Well, by now we had become used to it – among other reasons to stick with it. It made us distinctive. It had become part of the modern Club’s lore. There are two Queens on a chessboard – not one. We feel the park is owned by the good people of Glasgow, not a monarch. And maybe, just maybe, over drinks in a private conversation with a trusted friend, we may reluctantly concede, if we were absolutely sure no-one else was listening, that retrofitting the apostrophe would have involved some hard (OK, mild) work.
So there you go – if you are the latest person to ask the above question – you will have received a link to this page. Still not happy? Take it up with whoever commissioned the Queens Park (sic) signs for Glasgow City Council.
Finally, if you are curious about who the mysterious Queen of Queens Park is, it’s named after Mary Queen of Scots, whose forces were defeated in the nearby Battle of Langside; and not after Queen Victoria, as commonly assumed. It was created from land donated to the City of Glasgow in 1857, designed by the influential architect and botanist Sir Joseph Paxton, and initially known as the South Side Park.
We leave the reader with a closing thought. Mary died in 1587, and could never be said to have ‘owned’ the Park. Perhaps the apostrophe has been wrongly used all along. Perhaps Queens Park Chess Club, and whoever made the Park signs, proudly stand on the grammatically correct side of history. Perhaps, if there are any ‘absolute morons’ in this story with a poor grasp of the rules and traditions of the English language, it isnae us pal – awright?
* in reality, these questions are invariably put to us very politely. Main image created by artificial intelligence using Dall-E.
Update
The above post has generated some unexpected debate! Thank you to those who commented.
We are delighted to give the final word to Bob McCalden, Chair of the UK Apostrophe Protection Society (yes, it’s real!), who kindly took the time to review our situation and comment. Bob provided the following notes and clarifications:
The usage, or not, of an apostrophe in “Queen’s Park” is somewhat inconsistent, even by Glasgow City Council – although the “general view and established usage” for the area favours inclusion of the apostrophe.
Possessive apostrophes can also denote an association, not solely ownership.
As Queens Park Chess Club’s name is derived from the area, it may be strictly correct to use an apostrophe.
Queens Park Chess Club is, however, a brand name, and brand names can justifiably drop apostrophes – see the Waterstones example.
Consistency is key: “If you want to omit the apostrophe, make sure you do so everywhere.”
While we will remain Queens Park Chess Club, we support good apostrophe hygiene, and are happy to promote the Apostrophe Society’s simple rules on usage.
International Master Andrew Greet, pictured above (left) with Club Secretary Derek Rankine, will visit Queens Park at the end of February for a special simultaneous exhibition match, or simul.
The simul event provides a valuable opportunity for Members to play a 2400+ FIDE rated player – one of the best in Scotland – at the same time. Further information on follows.
This event is taking place on Tuesday 28 February, following postponement from the original intended date in January.
What is a Simul?
In a simultaneous match, a highly rated player plays multiple opponents at the same time. The expert plays one move against one opponent, then moves on to the next board, and so on, until all games are played to completion. Viewers of The Queen’s Gambit may remember the protagonist’s simul event in a key early scene.
For this event, IM Greet has challenged himself by kindly agreeing to play as many as 22 Queens Park Members at once. This presents a unique chance to face a Master level player over the board in a distinctive format that gives Club Members a serious advantage in time available to analyse the position. With so many games to deal with, it is not uncommon for the expert player to make mistakes in simuls that intermediate level opponents can potentially capitalise on, despite the massive gulf in ability.
Queens Park played simuls last season with GM Jacob Aagaard and AGM Nicolas Skettos, under our previous name of Govanhill Chess Club. Members reported both events as being highly enjoyable and rewarding, and one win and some draws were achieved by our Members.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen giving a simul in Tatev Monastery, Armenia, in 2014
About IM Greet
IM Greet was born in Cornwall in 1979. In the 1990s, he was one of the most talented junior players in the UK. He twice won the British Under-18 Championship, in 1996 as a 16-year old, and again in 1998.
Andrew became a FIDE Master in 2004 and an International Master in 2005. Also in 2005, he scored a record breaking 11/11 in the Four Nations Chess League. In 2008, he moved to Glasgow and changed his FIDE registration from England to Scotland. In 2010, he became Scottish Champion.
In 2014, Andrew achieved his peak FIDE Classical rating to date, of 2456. He has won many tournaments across the UK, and also competes in international events. Notably, in 2016 in Azerbaijan, in 2018 in Georgia, and in 2022 in India, IM Greet was Scotland’s Board One player at the Chess Olympiad – the equivalent of an Olympic Games for chess. He was also Board Two for Scotland in the Norway Olympiad in 2014.
Since 2009, IM Greet has worked for Quality Chess, the internationally esteemed Glasgow-based publisher of chess books, as editor and head of marketing. Outside of chess, he has a Degree in Psychology from the University of Kent, and has a Purple Belt in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu martial art.
IM Greet has already helped the Club this season by donating five chess boards, to help us deal with rapid growth at the start of the season, when we suffered shortages. He is currently attached to Bearsden Chess Club, which is a regular collaborator with Queens Park, and supporter of our early development. We look forward to his visit later this month.
A massive simul in Odessa, Ukraine, in 2009
Participants
Following a call for players on 8 January, the confirmed Queens Park participants and reserves are as follows (a-z by surname):
Alistair Ahmed
Ash Angappan
Philip Blaber
Giuseppe Bosco
Rhys Brown
Gary Collins
Paul Cumming
Gemma Dickson
Greg Forrest
Tommy Lally
Jonny Linney
Michael Mathieson
Rhys McCrosson
Caitlin McCulloch
Ryan McGill
Riccardo Olivier
Iain Shields
Ethan Small
Andrew Speirs
Wull Swales
Connor Thompson
Douglas Veitch
1st Reserve: Moray Lennox
2nd Reserve: Jordan McNaught
Starting from the top, those on the reserve list will be provided with a place in the event of any advance cancellations, or no-shows/latecomers on the night (those more than 10 minutes late, risk losing their place).
GM Susan Polgar giving a simul in Central Park, New York, in 2018
Simul Process & Tips
The simul will start at 6:45pm on Tuesday 28 February in our new venue, The Bungo.
Those with a confirmed place, should sit down at an available board on the night. At the IM’s request, we will not be ordering players by rating. All Queens Park Members will play with the Black pieces.
The simul will be played without clocks. Queens Park players are to make their move immediately once IM Greet arrives at their board. IM Greet will then play his move before moving to the next board. From there, the simul games will proceed in the same way as a regular chess game. Players can offer or accept draws, or resign, at any point.
IM Greet has agreed to give Queens Park Members three pass requests. Say “pass” to IM Greet when he reaches your board if you wish to have more time to think. IM Greet will then make another circuit of all remaining players before a move is to be played.
Players may wish to write down their moves to keep a record of the game for future analysis, but notation is entirely optional. For those who wish to notate and share their games, we will be happy to publish a selection on our website.
The nature of simuls is, some games are likely to end quickly, while others may go on to 9pm. When games conclude, players are welcome to play casual games in another section of the Bungo-Lo. We ask that noise is kept to a minimum to let the IM and remaining participants concentrate.
Some general tips for simuls are: players should take full advantage of all available time to consider multiple candidate moves and ideas; it can be helpful to avoid exchanges and keep pieces on the board to push for a middlegame advantage, as an IM should have little problem winning an equal endgame against an intermediate player; it may also be worth playing more aggressively than normal, continually attacking, making threats and considering sacrificing material, while the IM lacks time to plan defences and counter-attacks.
That said, players should be aware that IMs can spot advanced tactical ideas instantly, and have vastly superior knowledge of all aspects of the game, from openings to endgames. The reality of the ability difference is, it is likely that the IM will comfortably win a significant majority of the games, despite the high number of opponents.
Regardless of the outcome, we hope all Members who take part, enjoy the experience. Please contact Derek via secretary@queensparkchessclub.com or on WhatsApp if you have any queries about the event.
Stairs, to Nowhere Climb: Queens Park in the Spens Cup
Official Selection: Un Certain Regard, Festival de Cannes, 2023
1. EXT. BUSY STREET – DAY.
Stirring violin music plays. In black and white times, a group of well-dressed men confidently push their way through crowds of supporters to enter a grand municipal building.
NARRATOR (Ewan McGregor): The year: 1936. The city: Perth. 14 of the country’s strongest chess masters, with thick beards and steely glares, have gathered to fight for ultimate glory, in the final of the Spens Cup.
2. INT. PLAYING HALL – DAY.
The men are locked in battle over chess boards. One man tips his King over, the heavy wooden ‘clack’ resounding with an echo. He offers his hand to his opponent. The opponent removes his pipe and nods deeply. The game is over. They firmly shake hands.
NARRATOR: Queens Park Chess Club fight valiantly but are ultimately overwhelmed. Dundee lift the trophy amid wild celebrations.
Cut to: A close-up of a Scotsman newspaper clipping, dated 24 March 1936. The main headline reads: Glorious, Glorious Dundee. Further down the page: Misery, Failure – The Queens Park Curse Continues. A small article at the bottom is headed: Unrest, Instability in Europe.
NARRATOR: It is Queens Park’s third consecutive loss in the final. The pain, the toll, the heartbreak. It is all too much.
The newspaper fades out, ghost-like, and vanishes altogether with an understated ‘pop’.
NARRATOR: The Club disappears, and is never heard from again.
3. EXT. QUEENS PARK BOATING POND – DAY.
A pre-war black and white scene in Queens Park. Slowly, a subtle hint of green creeps in to the grass at the edge of the frame. Blue flecks in the boating pond follow.
NARRATOR: Decades pass.
The scene gradually transforms into full technicolour.
NARRATOR: 87 long years.
Through the winter mist, we can just make out, the grey silhouettes of several men.
NARRATOR: In the 21st century, five brave warriors have emerged. The rumours are true. Queens Park Chess Club is back. And once again, they will compete in the Spens Cup.
The men strut closer into the frame, their features snapping into sharp focus. One man, younger and shorter than the others, oozes confidence. He parts his hair and looks intensely into the camera through his John Lennon glasses.
NARRATOR: One question forms on the nation’s lips: are these the men to restore their ancestors’ pride?
4. EXT. QUIET STREET – DAY.
We hear the violin music from scene one, which segues into a royalty-free song with more than a passing resemblance to ‘Little Green Bag’ by George Baker. In slow motion, close-ups-on-faces, five men walk towards a Georgian Townhouse, Reservoir Dogs style. Several take their glasses out of cases and put them on. Ready for business.
NARRATOR: The year: 2023. The city: Edinburgh. Bank of Scotland Chess Club host Queens Park in the Preliminary Round of the Spens Cup. It is the first edition of the tournament since the global pandemic.
The music fades out. We cut to a wide street view. There are no crowds, no attention, apart from that of a lone seagull staring down from a lamppost. The seagull watches the men enter the building. It squawks once, and flies off over the New Town cityscape.
“Are these the men??” l-r: Craig, Paul, Graeme, Rhys, Derek
5. INT. EDINBURGH UKRAINIAN CLUB – DAY.
The chess match is underway. The men lack the impressive beards of their forebears, but match them in focus and intensity. The camera lingers on our protagonists in turn.
NARRATOR: On board five for Queens Park, is Team Captain Derek Rankine. Demonstrating the leadership skills of a wailing toddler lost in a supermarket, he walks his Queen straight into a trap. Game over.
We move up to the next Queens Park player, frowning in contemplation.
NARRATOR: On board four, Club President Graeme McKinnon has made a strong start. But the game has taken a sour turn, and the only thing he is presiding over today, is his own defeat. Check. Mate.
The camera pans on, the next player removing his cap to scratch his head, looking puzzled.
NARRATOR: On board three, poker expert Paul Cumming goes all in with a reckless gamble. The house wins.
We pass by as Paul offers his resignation.
NARRATOR: On board two, young Rhys McCrosson is bucking the trend. Sporting his trademark cheshire cat grin, his creative fires have burned brightly today. He is rewarded with a fine draw against an opponent ranked almost 500 points higher.
Moving up to the final player.
NARRATOR: And on the top board, grizzled veteran Craig Thomson. After a horrible start, Craig has been in wounded bear mode, swinging his claws around furiously, lunging desperately, and inflicting some damage. He has put up a magnificent fight. But it’s simply not enough.
With stoic reluctance, Craig turns his King sideways. The camera moves for a final time, coming to rest on a thick, wooden table with an official Chess Scotland scoreslip. Bank of Scotland’s captain scribbles down the final result and briskly walks out of frame.
NARRATOR. As you may have guessed by now, this isn’t the story of a plucky underdog overcoming wild odds. No. This is the real, gritty world of Scottish chess. The strongest teams don’t take a moment’s hesitation to brutally crush the hopes and dreams of the small, the weak, and the low rated.
We zoom in closer and closer to the score slip, and rotate until the entire screen is filled with two scrawled numbers.
NARRATOR: Bank of Scotland have won with four and a half points, to Queens Park’s half a point. The Spens Cup has barely started, and Queens Park have already been sent packing.
The scene closes with the Queens Park team in the foreground, heads in their hands, while at the far wall the Bank of Scotland players engage in a group hug.
NARRATOR: Bank of Scotland progress into the quarter finals. Cumming and co. are going home.
A single tear rolls down Paul’s cheek.
We zoom into the score slip… Bank of Scot 4.5 – 0.5 Queens Park
6. INT. CRAIG THOMSON’S CAR – NIGHT.
Our dejected heroes sit in silence on the journey back to Glasgow. The passengers gaze miserably out of the windows either side of the M8. Darkness has fallen. Rain pounds on the car.
NARRATOR: On the way home, the atmosphere was equal parts despondency, exhaustion and shame. The call of history had rung out, but they had failed to answer.
A horn sounds in the distance. The rain continues to lash down.
NARRATOR: And yet, unbeknownst to the others, each man was looking deep inside his heavy heart, and was astonished to find there, a quietly burning ember of hope.
A close-up of each player’s face in turn.
NARRATOR: All were independently dwelling upon the very same, very powerful idea.
If we pay very close attention, we can just about see their eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly, their brows furrowing faintly.
NARRATOR: What, they asked of themselves, if this wasn’t the end of Queens Park’s Spens Cup journey?
We settle on Craig, peering thoughtfully at the road ahead from behind the wheel. He reaches into the glovebox and puts a cassette into the car stereo, returning his attention to the road. The camera turns to follow his gaze through the windscreen wipers. We fade to black looking out upon the bleak, wet, dark motorway.
The noise of the rain grows louder and louder, as the screen goes completely black. Then – abrupt silence. And a long pause.
NARRATOR: What if it was only just the beginning?
Huge, sharp white text cuts aggressively through the blackness: “Fin”.
We hear the satisfying click of the car stereo’s play button, followed by deafening Finnish death metal.
The credits roll.
Based Upon Real Events (a little). Exclusive distribution rights are available for sale: the Club will accept two budget chess clocks, or nearest offer. Good luck to our opponents in the quarter finals. Top image created with artificial intelligence using DALL-E.
In 2022/23, Queens Park Members have the opportunity to compete in our five round Club Championship, supported by our season sponsor Beltrami & Co.
Each round has a ‘designated date’. This is a Tuesday evening club night at which we encourage Members to play their Beltrami Club Championship games in our usual venue.
Games are played over-the-board at the 60+0 time control, under Chess Scotland rules, involving use of a clock and notating moves. One point is awarded for a win, and half a point for a draw. Using the Swiss pairings format, the number of points Members are on will determine who they are drawn against in the next round – i.e. “winners play winners”.
The designated date for round 3 is Tuesday 21 February, with a 6:45pm start time in The Bungo.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you are participating in the Club Championship, and cannot make this date, please contact Tournament Controller Alex Lane, or another Member of the Committee, by WhatsApp or email, and we will work with you and your opponent to reschedule.
There were a number of defaults in round 2. Those who do not turn up for their game, or notify us in advance, risk inconveniencing their opponent and forfeiting the game. Repeat offenders may be removed from the tournament, as those affected have to wait around for an opponent to show up, and also miss out on the opportunity for a graded game. We appreciate all cooperation in making the tournament an enjoyable experience for everyone taking part.
The round 2 standings and the round 3 pairings follow below.
Paul Cumming (left, facing) is one of seven in the leading pack
Queens Park Chess Club and our local Thursday Chess Group partner are the focus of a special feature in today’s (Sat 4 Feb) Saturday Magazine of the Herald Newspaper.
The article focuses on the history and formation of the Chess Club, and the recent growth of interest in casual and competitive chess around Queens Park. It provides insight into how the Chess Club and Thursday Group work together, and the valuable social connections that can develop over regular chess meetups, as bonds develop and friendships form.
The feature was trailed at the top of the front page
Our thanks to Cat and Colin for taking the time to get to know us – and to the Herald for highlighting the feature on the front page, and allocating so much space in the magazine.
The Herald feature comes on the back of items in the Evening Times and ITV News at Ten, and a Chess Scotland overview on the local scene. The Queens Park area is fast developing a strong national profile as a hotbed of chess. With the Chess Club now operating with 46 Members, six competitive teams, and a casual chess group, plus record attendances on Thursdays, all indications are that local popularity of the game will rise even further in 2023.
Main image created with artificial intelligence using DALL-E
What is it like to be part of Glasgow’s Queens Park Chess Club?
Each month, Derek Rankine (Club Secretary) interviews Queens Park members and asks them to share their experiences and perspectives.
The latest interviewee is Wull Swales, 35, a Support Worker who helps people to improve their confidence and independence, and work towards their goals. Wull, who is also an accomplished rock musician and performer, grew up in Twynholm in Dumfries & Galloway. He attended Music College in Greenock, and now lives in Auldhouse, Glasgow.
Derek: Did you learn the rules of chess in childhood?
Wull: I have memories of learning how the pieces moved when I was in Primary School. A child-minder and friend of the family taught me. In my adult life, up until last year, I remember playing a handful of games on my phone sitting in the back of a tour bus, doing pass and play.
What triggered your immersion in chess in 2022?
I don’t want to say Beth Harmon… but I think the show piqued my interest, and I liked the idea of learning. Then at the start of summer 2022, I saw a post on a community page from Marianne Burns about local casual chess. I joined the group chat and found out about the chess meetups in Queens Park. But before I even went to one of the Thursday or Sunday gatherings, Rhys McCrosson posted in the chat, does anyone want to meet up in Queens Park and play one on one?
So I packed up my Poundland board, and we spent a few hours playing and talking in the sunshine. We worked on some fundamentals and as I could feel myself being drawn further and further in, Rhys started telling me about the Chess Club, and that I should visit on a Tuesday evening when the new season started at the end of August.
What is it about chess that appeals to you?
There’s a few different things. Firstly I think it’s important to use different parts of your brain. The part of my brain that craves learning and challenging myself loves chess, in the same way the creative side of my brain loves music, songwriting and fantasy novels. I definitely have a bit of a competitive streak in me. I really enjoy just trying my best over the board against someone who’s there to do the same, both of us truly enjoying doing it.
I also play Magic The Gathering competitively. There are big debates online on what is the hardest game ever to play, and chess and Magic are often featured. Both involve a mixture of tactics, assessing board states, strategizing within the game, making choices that make your opponent’s life harder, capitalising on their mistakes, and recovering from losing positions.
I really love the social aspect of chess and Magic too. I’ve had a great time getting to know people and hearing about their passion for the games. I love the spirit of healthy competition. I travelled across UK, Europe and the US playing Magic and making great friends along the way. I’ve already met so many great people through Queens Park Chess Club. I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing more chess tournaments and league games too in Glasgow and Scotland.
Wull faced Jass in the Beltrami Club Championship second round
How did you get into playing chess online?
A lot of people on the WhatsApp chat were talking about chess.com and Lichess, reporting that they are both good platforms to play on and improve. So that’s where I went. I still do a lot of my playing on both. I really enjoy playing different time constraints as well as doing lessons and puzzles.
I’m trying to pay more attention to game analysis, looking at where my games have gone wrong and how to try not to repeat mistakes. Analysis is also about looking at the good moves you didn’t see and committing certain patterns to memory.
You took Rhys’ recommendation, and joined Queens Park Chess Club in Autumn 2022. Did you feel that was the natural next step in your improving journey?
Chess in the Park was such a lovely, wholesome thing. People in the sunshine having a nice time, curious passers by stepping in off the path, joining for a game before going about their day. I looked forward to it every week.
The Queens Park sessions had given me so much passion for the game, and the Chess Club was the clear progression. I knew the Club was an opportunity to play more and push my skills with fantastic developing and experienced players alike. I knew I would be learning not only about playing the game itself, but about tournament play, rules and etiquette.
Has the Chess Club been helpful to your development so far?
The Chess Club has been incredibly helpful. I remember being at my first Club night, when Rhys and yourself ran a Beginner’s Session. During the intro, you said, “this may be your first time recording moves”, and I was already feeling challenged and out of my comfort zone – in a good way. I was already a little unsettled, as it was only the second time I’ve played inside a building!
I’m a strong believer in the idea of, you can’t always win, but you can always learn. I try my best to ask questions and analyse positions and games with whoever I’m playing. Often, I do this even with games I’m watching. Everyone at Queens Park has been fantastic, sharing their skills, knowledge and learning resources, to aid my development so far. I have improved a lot.
“I’m a strong believer in the idea of, you can’t always win, but you can always learn.”
Wull Swales
You have been playing in the Beltrami Club Championship, our five round internal classical tournament. Before it began, you told me you were certain to get five losses, and would look to use these losses as a learning experience. Having played two rounds so far, both against experienced, nationally rated players, your prediction is already way off. Can you tell us a little about both games?
I would be delighted to.
I thought so!
Yeah, five losses, that’s exactly what I thought would happen. My friend Luke, a fantastic chess player who represents Hamilton Chess Club, recommended the book “Chess for Tigers” by Simon Webb. The author writes a lot about the mental preparation for the game – which I think is important. I tried to take this into account. Tigers don’t lose. Tigers asses each situation and carefully consider their actions. Tigers always take their opponents into consideration. Tigers play to their own strengths.
So in Round 1, I had the pleasure of playing Iain Shields. I had played him before a few times, both online and in person. He is a fantastic player, with good opening theory that leads into interesting, unusual middlegame positions. I set myself up and mentally prepared to play to my strengths: no-thrills, solid fundamentals, make positive trades, play to the centre, develop pieces efficiently, and castle quickly to protect my King.
Iain played the Scotch Opening, which I wasn’t very clued up on. My fundamental approach was going well, but I ended up a pawn down early. I was keeping pace with the clock and making decent moves, but gradually I fell behind. Overall, I played well despite losing. I went over the game with Iain and Rhys and was proud of my efforts. I had played to my strengths, as best I could.
Wull benefited from a Queens Park introductory group lesson
The second game had a different outcome, right?
I was chatting to Graeme McKinnon, and he said, with the Swiss pairings system, as the rounds go on, I will have more evenly matched games with players on similar scores, who are closer to my level in experience and ability. But when the pairings went up, I realised I had another strong opponent, who was hundreds of points higher rated – Jass McNeill. Like Iain, I had played Jass before. He had been a massive help in my development during games at Queens Park and in the Club.
This game, I had the White pieces. Up until a few weeks before, I would play 1.e4 only and focus on fundamental opening principles from there. But I started looking at alternatives, and began playing a bit of the English opening. 1.c4 can be quite an explosive start, and I was really enjoying it. I watched some YouTube videos by Grandmasters, and instead of memorising moves, I learned about ideas relating to seeking control of the centre from the side. I was really enjoying learning it, and I thought, if nothing else, at least I’m going to have fun playing an opening I enjoy, with a player I like and admire.
The game itself was incredible. I started with a standard English set up. Jass found strong diagonals for his Bishops. I utilised my Queen and a strong central pawn set up a lot of central tension. Then I castled kingside and Jass queenside. Next, a bloodbath on the b and c files! I ended up slightly ahead, and when the dust settled, I was advancing dangerous pawns, using my Rooks and an active Queen to support them. I managed to promote a pawn, Jass sacrificed a Rook, I set up a check, and my attacking momentum was flowing in waves.
Then a question appeared: do I actually have mate here? I looked at the board for a long time, knowing it must be mate. Surely? My heart was pounding with excitement, but my head was racing with doubt. Have I missed something, could this really be a forced win? Finally, I went for it. I played the move, touched the clock, and Jass lifted his hand for the shake. It was an incredible moment. Relief, joy, and a sense that all of my hard work over the last seven months had come to fruition.
An illustration and a record of Wull’s Beltrami Championship victory was highlighted in the Club newsletter – click to read in full
Congratulations. Your victory was fêted in our new weekly newsletter with a special ‘Wull S the Giant Killer’ illustration by Graeme and a full record of the game. Next up, you have registered to play an International Master in a simultaneous exhibition, and to represent Queens Park in the Scottish National Chess League. Are you looking forward to those experiences?
I’m really thankful to the club to have these kind of opportunities. They’ll be valuable learning experiences. I love to learn and to try new things in this beautiful game we play, and I look forward to representing a Club I’m proud to be a part of in team events.
“My heart was pounding, my head racing… finally, I played the move, and Jass lifted his hand for the shake. It was an incredible moment of relief and joy.”
Wull Swales
Can you tell us about some of your highlights in music?
There’s been a few incredible moments. I spent a week recording in Chicago with the legendary Steve Albini, with a brand new bass waiting for me as I stepped in the studio. There’s certain bucket list things you don’t expect to achieve – it was an incredible experience. As a performer, it would maybe be playing the Wickerman festival. I went to my first Wickerman when I was maybe 16, 17. The local bands were a big inspiration for me. They made me think, “I could do that too”, and helped shape my goals. Going back and playing the Wickerman Souls Tent ten years later was incredible.
I also had the incredible privilege of playing at my own wedding – my wonderful wife Lynsey encouraged me to play a few songs. The band were mutual friends who I’ve deputised for many times in the past. It was just a beautiful day. Getting to share my skill with the people I love the most was incredible. And the chant of “Mammy Mammy Mammy F-ing Swales” for my Mum in between songs was amazing!
Playing the BBC Big Weekend was a really fun experience too. We were on the Introduction Stage with Royal Blood, and Katy Perry was headlining the main stage, she was unbelievable. Me and the drummer sneaked away to get a quiet beer at some point. We got stopped by security trying to get back, as there were “a lot of fake passes”. We had to prove our ID by showing them the BBC live stream – that was pretty cool.
In addition to those, hearing my own voice on the radio for the first time was also brilliant, getting to share stages with bands I admire like Jeniferever, My Vitriol, Withered Hand, Last Days Of April. I was involved in a TV advert with Bruce from Big Country, and I played live shows in New York. Finally, getting to sing in a choir recording with one of my musical icons, the late Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit, was very important to me musically. That was very special.
Chess and music are closely linked. World Champion Vasily Smyslov was an accomplished opera singer, Soviet Champion Mark Taimonov a famous concert pianist, and Queens Park’s 2022 simul opponent GM Jacob Aagaard is a keen guitarist. While Bob Dylan, Madonna, Sting, Kurt Cobain, and the Wu Tang Clan are just some of those in the popular music world with a serious passion for chess. Why do you think there is a strong crossover between music and chess?
It’s interesting, I’ve thought about this too. I think both music and chess have a basis in maths or science. You take basic principles, expand your knowledge, and test things out with a specific goal in mind. Then the beauty of creative art kicks in. You try different approaches and see what happens. That’s where the magic is born, in music and in chess.
Wull vs Jass, after 22.cxb5 and the “bloodbath on the b and c files” – click image to view full game on Lichess
Do you think there are strong parallels between learning a musical instrument and learning to play chess, such as deliberate solo practice, testing your skills as part of a group, and performing in front of others? Or are they fundamentally separate disciplines requiring different approaches?
There are definite links between the two. Building up basics, understanding what notes are, and how to build chords, could be considered similar to learning about how chess pieces move and interact with the board. Similarly, learning different scales has parallels with learning specific openings, and new techniques like bending guitar strings, are like learning about when to fianchetto your Bishop, and transposing chess board positions is similar to inversions of chords. With both, as your skill improves, you learn about how to build up in different ways to reach a specific goal.
There are genre characteristics too. The Sicilian opening is the jazz of chess, whereas the Ruy Lopez could be punk rock. I’m sure someone else could put it a lot more elegantly, but at its base level, there are definitely similarities. It’s the end result where they differ. You look to win in chess, while in music, the goal is to share your music, thoughts, feelings, emotions, grooves and energy.
Have you tried to expose your band members to the game?
I’ve been trying to encourage anyone I can to try it out.
We are both fans of the Californian band Weezer. What is your take on singer Rivers Cuomo’s song Chess?
Yeah I 100% love Weezer! “The Blue Album” is one of my favourite albums of all time, and three decades on, they are still producing some absolute bangers. Chess is an incredible song. It gives a 1960s Beatles/Quarrymen vibe. I guess it’s a metaphor for life, and how all the decisions you make affect how you develop as a person.
Even though there are things that make it harder sometimes, you need to roll with the punches, and try to anticipate your next move. You choose what parts of yourself you need to develop and that helps you grow – in chess as in life.
Weezer’s frontman wrote a memorable song about chess and life
Through the local ‘chess in the park’ WhatsApp group, you have been sharing your journey of improving from a novice rating of 317 rapid on chess.com in July 2022 to over 750 in January 2023. Other group members have been impressed with your progress, especially in finding some elegant tactical ideas and mating nets. Are you pleased with your steady improvement?
I am delighted with my improvement so far. I remember in the early days of playing, people would be making comments like “and then the natural thing to do would be to transpose in to the Benoni…” or something like that. I would nod politely as if I knew what they were on about, while thinking, “OK Wull, just remember the horsey can move in an L shape!”
So I really like having a better understanding of the game, so I can start to handle situations better, read the board well, and make good moves. I think it was Todd Anderson (Magic The Gathering player) who said, “you don’t need to know how you’re going to win from turn one, but you should always have a plan”. Which is what I’m trying to focus on now.
“Music and chess have different genres: The Sicilian is the jazz of chess, whereas the Ruy Lopez is like punk rock.”
Wull Swales
What tips would you share with a complete chess beginner, who has just learned how the pieces move?
Find fun in fundamentals, develop your pieces, castle early, try to control the centre of the board and take free pieces. Rhys put me on to ChessBrahs on YouTube – GMs Eric Hansen and Aman Hambleton. They have an excellent “Building Habits” series of videos. I watched and rewatched a bunch, following simple rules to help build up standard habits for good gameplay, while avoiding traps.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I think it’s important to ask questions. If you don’t know why your opponent did something, ask them after the game. Analyse your games when you can, in person and online, and see where mistakes and triumphs are happening, so you have less of the former and more of the latter.
Is the English your favourite chess opening?
Currently, yes it is. I’m really enjoying playing it, and learning more and more about it as time goes on. In another comparison to the music, it’s the drop D guitar tuning of openings. It starts you from a new place and helps you develop fresh understanding from different viewpoints. I also love playing the Modern Defence as Black (1.d4 g6), using an early Bishop fianchetto to pressure the centre.
Do you have any chess goals – online or over the board?
Online over the next six months I will fight to exceed 1000 rapid rating on chess.com. In person, I will play in more tournaments, soak up the magic that chess has to offer, and work towards a Chess Scotland rating. I’d like to play one of the weekend Congress classical tournaments this year, with five long games in three days.
But mostly I just want to improve as a player and enjoy the ride. And of course, I still need to learn when it is natural to transpose into the Benoni.
Thanks for your time Wull!
This series will continue with a special double interview next month. For those who missed it, last month’s interviewee was Ash Angappan.
Image credits: Martin McKeown (main image of Wull performing); Club President Graeme McKinnon (illustration of Wull & Jass in weekly newsletter – created with the help of artificial intelligence).
As of January 2023, Queens Park Chess Club will meet on Tuesday evenings in a new venue – The Bungo Bar and Kitchen.
For the past 15 months, since resuming weekly meetings following the Covid lockdowns, the Club has been based in Wellcroft Bowling Club. With the chess leagues restarting in the current 2022/23 season, we have faced a challenge with regard to venue access times.
The Bowling Club closes at 9pm, and we are obliged by league rules to start our fixtures at 7:15pm at the earliest. With a 75+0 time control – one hour and 15 minutes for each player – league matches can go on for two and a half hours. This season we have been regularly finishing later than 9:30pm, to the inconvenience of the Bowling Club volunteers.
This Autumn, we began a search for an alternative local venue with longer opening hours. Following a scoping process, the Bungo was a unanimous choice for the Committee. The Club will have exclusive access to the private Bungo-Lo basement function room. With the new venue having a 10:30pm closing time, we will be able to continue hosting home league matches on Tuesdays, while offering extended hours to all Members and visitors.
The Chess Club has exclusive access to the basement function room
The new venue is within a five minute walk of the Bowling Club on 17-21 Nithsdale Road in Strathbungo, just off Pollokshaws Road. It is a two minute walk from Pollokshaws Road bus stops and five minutes from Queens Park and Pollokshields West train stations. On-street parking is available on Nithsdale Road. Click here for a Google Maps link.
The Committee would like to express gratitude to Ian, John and all at the Bowling Club for kindly hosting the Club from October 2021 to December 2022. We are grateful for their generosity.
We hope Club Members will welcome this change. The Bungo follows Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre, McNeill’s Pub and Wellcroft Bowling Club to become our fourth regular venue since formation in January 2019. The original Queens Park Chess Club also used a number of different venues around Queens Park during its lifetime.
The Bungo is located just north of Queens Park, on Nithsdale Road
We have booked the Bungo until the end of the current season on Tuesday 30 May 2023. We will seek feedback from Members at the end of the season, before making a decision on the potential of continued use of The Bungo in the longer term.
What is it like to be part of Glasgow’s Queens Park Chess Club?
Each month, Derek Rankine (Club Secretary) interviews Queens Park members new and old and asks them to share their experiences and perspectives.
This month, Derek speaks to Ash Angappan, 26, who recently completed a master’s degree in Advanced Physiotherapy Practice at Glasgow Caledonian University. Ash is from a small town near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, south India, and currently lives in Tradeston, Glasgow.
Ash joined the Chess Club during the 2022/23 season. She won her opening fixture in the Beltrami Club Championship and has played for both Queens Park A and B teams in Divisions 1 and 2 of the Dumbarton and District Chess League. As of December 2022, Ash has a Lichess blitz rating of 1670 and is working towards a Chess Scotland rating.
Derek: Do you remember when you were first exposed to chess?
Ash: When I was 11 years old, my mother taught me to play chess. She also taught my sister. My sister was a strong opponent, who always played well and beat me quite easily in classical chess. We did not use a clock, but these were serious, longer games. I used to make moves quickly, but she would think a lot for each move, and win each time without much effort!
How much chess did you play in childhood?
I used to play with my sister and mother quite often, especially during holidays. I played with my cousins on vacation as well. I didn’t know anything about openings, but I knew the rules and how to checkmate.
I started chess at 11 years old and played until I was 17. I stopped playing to concentrate on my studies and get into University.
How did you get into playing chess online?
I started playing chess again in 2019, after finishing my undergraduate degree and getting my first job. I played online, which is easy to get into, but I used a lesser known app for casual play. I got to know about the impressive Lichess website in April 2020 and I started playing competitive games there.
Do you have any memorable achievements in online chess?
I remember I started playing Lichess tournaments at the rapid time control for players rated under 1500. The tournaments were an hour long. I think it was my 5th tournament, when I came 1st place!
I was delighted. I screenshotted my trophy and showed it to all my friends. After that, I started playing, quicker – blitz and bullet. I don’t find it easy to play so fast, but currently I am around 1670 rating in blitz and 1632 in bullet.
You are now moving back in the opposite direction, from mainly playing chess online, to mainly playing over the board. What differences are you observing between online and off, and how are you navigating the challenge?
Yes, I learned playing chess over the board, but during the pandemic, I played online. The biggest thing I noticed is that while playing online, as we don’t know the opponent, its looks and feels like a game with a computer. In over the board, it’s completely different. You can’t miss the reality you are competing against another human.
I am having some difficulty over the board at present, because I am used to viewing the board online. But I find I can remember moves I played over the board, even after a few days have passed. I feel this is important, because I am able to go over what I played to analyse and address my mistakes. Even though I have still not learned many openings, I am able to predict some moves before the opponent plays. As I love chess, whatever happens on the board, even if I lose a game, I feel good.
You are one of several University students in Queens Park. How are you finding the balance of playing chess and developing your skills, alongside studies and other commitments?
I would say that playing chess has really improved my confidence. I find that after an over the board game, I feel enthusiastic. Sometimes after coming home after Chess Club, I would be motivated to complete assignments. I feel that my brain is more active after playing chess – I literally feel the same way as I do after a plank exercise workout.
As I love chess, whatever happens on the board, even if I lose a game, I feel good.
Ash Angappan
Did you play in any Chess Clubs or tournaments in India?
Unfortunately, I haven’t played any tournaments in India, and I wasn’t a member of any Chess Club there. I regret that I was not active in organised chess when I was India.
You moved from India to Scotland in the last two years. What differences, if any, have you noticed between the general popularity and culture of chess in the two countries?
There is a major culture change, but I am pleased chess is widely played in both countries. The biggest difference is the weather. I came to Glasgow alone, without having any friends, but people in the city helped make me feel comfortable quickly.
I really love being in Glasgow. People are so friendly, and the city is a good place to live and study. I did find it difficult last year because of the winter, but now I am starting to get used to the weather!
Chess can help fill our long winter nights! Staying with India, Vishy Anand was World Champion before Magnus Carlsen. As of December 2022, Vishy is still in the top ten, at the age of 52. What influence has he had on the general development of chess in India?
He will always be the hero of chess in India. My Mum used to talk about Vishy a lot when I was young. I am a big fan of Vishy’s, I have followed his progress off and on. Things changed a lot after Vishy won the 2007 World Championship. Now, there are a lot of Chess Clubs, super-strong players, top coaches, and a lot of general encouragement for people to play chess.
This all led to India hosting the Chess Olympiad this year, which is really a proud moment for India. As Vishy is from Chennai, which is in Tamil Nadu, that makes me a little prouder of my home state.
A scene from the opening ceremony of the 44th ‘Olympics of Chess’ in July 2022. India hosted the event for the first time this year.
Going back to 1988, Anand had just become the first Grandmaster in India. It’s amazing to see the progress: now there are more than 75, and several young prodigies like Vidit Gujrathi, Dommaraju Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi are in the top 30 globally and rising fast. Do you think we will see another World Champion from India in the near future?
I am certain that there will be another World Champion from India. I think you missed out Praggnanandha, who famously defeated the current World Champion, Magnus Carlsen, this year. I could also name some other talented young players from India who I can imagine competing to be World Champion in future.
As soon as I came to Glasgow, I started looking for Chess Clubs, but due to my studies, I didn’t have time for one to start with. As soon as I got settled, I started my search again. I posted a question in the Queens Park Chess Club Facebook group, and got a reply very quickly, which made me very happy to join.
What do you remember of your first visit to the Chess Club? Did the Club make a good first impression?
Yes, I do remember, and it did. The people in the Club were so friendly. Paul, Caitlin and others welcomed me and I was added to the WhatsApp group. I played a couple of good games on the first day, which really made me happy.
What do you like most about the Chess Club?
Friendly people who teach me about openings and endgames. Alistair taught me endgames, which really helped me to improve my game. Alex taught me some new openings. I like how people exchange their knowledge and share their thoughts freely to help others.
What would you like to see the Chess Club do better, or differently?
The club is doing good so far! I would like to see more classes though.
With so many super-strong players and top coaches, I am certain that there will be another World Champion from India.
Ash Angappan
Chess has a notorious gender imbalance. Most Chess Clubs around the world are mainly, or entirely, male. What do you think would support or encourage more women to participate?
Yes, that’s true. When I came to the Chess Club, I saw only very few females and overall, I think females are a small proportion of the membership. How to fix this? One idea is, schools could provide chess classes for girls, once a week.
Have you personally had any negative experiences in chess because of your gender, whether online or in person?
When I was in India, I was speaking to one of my neighbours, who told me that he plays chess. I told him that I too play chess but without playing with me, he assumed: your rating must be 600. I replied to him, in fact, my rating is 1600. Then I played many rapid games with him, in which I won all the games. He prejudged me because I am a female.
The strongest female chess player of all time, GM Judit Polgar (left), pictured at the United Nations in 2017.
I hope he learned his lesson. Do you think cultural developments in recent decades, such as Judit Polgar’s incredible career and Anya Taylor Joy’s performance in The Queen’s Gambit, are helpful in promoting the game to women?
Yes, I really do. When I watched The Queen’s Gambit I was stunned with her acting and the quality of the chess. I started thinking of my moves after sleeping, which is funny! I think there should be more movies to encourage women to play chess.
You are only beginning to learn about chess openings, but do you have a favourite?
I like playing Queen’s Pawn openings, which I feel is a little more secure for the White king and a safer way to play.
Click on the board to learn more about the main ideas behind 1.d4 and typical Black responses.
Do you have a favourite chess player, from past or present?
What tips would you share with chess beginners, who are looking to improve?
I think beginners should do two things in general: play more games, and watch or study Grandmaster games, especially those that provide strong ideas on how to attack and defend.
I like how friendly Queens Park is: members exchange knowledge freely to help each other.
Ash Angappan
Do you have any chess-related ambitions?
Yes, I aim to win one tournament over the board.
Finally – when you next play your sister, who do you think will win?
She is not playing chess at present. I am pretty sure that I would win against her now, even in classical games!
In 2022/23, Queens Park Members have the opportunity to compete in our five round Club Championship, supported by our season sponsor Beltrami & Co.
Each round has a ‘designated date’. This is a Tuesday evening club night at which we encourage Members to play their Beltrami Club Championship games in our usual venue.
If Members are not available on this date, Tournament Controller Alex Lane will work with you and your opponent to find an alternative date – and possibly a different venue – that suits both players.
Games are played at the 60+0 time control, under Chess Scotland rules, involving use of a clock and notating moves. One point is awarded for a win, and half a point for a draw. Using the Swiss pairings format, the number of points Members are on will determine who they are drawn against in the next round – i.e. “winners play winners”.
Round 1
32 players competed in the first round. Unusually, all games were decisive, with no draws. Round one winners included the Club’s highest rated players Tommy Lally (1616) and Craig Thomson (1582), and defending champion Rhys McCrosson (1477).
On the lower boards, unrated newcomers Connor Thompson, Andrew Speirs, Ash Angappan and Paul Stewart also picked up full points.
Seven new members joined the Beltrami Club Championship at round two. Most games were played on the designated date of Tuesday 10 January at 6:45pm.
The results follow:
Board
White
Rating
Score
Black
Rating
1
Tommy Lally
1616
1-0
Derek Rankine
1318
2
Chris Dinwoodie
1025
0-1
Craig Thomson
1582
3
Rhys McCrosson
1477
1-0
Iain Shields
1093
4
Andrew Speirs
0
0-1
Paul Cumming
1432
5
Giuseppe Bosco
1411
1-0
Greg Forrest
0
6
Connor Thompson
0
1-0
Harvey Dellanzo
1373
7
Graeme McKinnon
1339
0-1
Ash Angappan
0
8
Paul Stewart
0
0-1*
Alistair Ahmed
1606
9
Wull Swales
0
1-0
Jass McNeill
1254
10
Caitlin McCulloch
1128
0-1
Ryan McGill
0
11
Ronnie Martin
0
1-0
Aidan Doye
0
12
Moray Lennox
0
0.5-0.5
Douglas Veitch
0
13
Harry Thomson
0
0-1
Sagar Kukreja
0
14
Rhys Brown
0
1-0*
Jackie Logan
0
15
James Carson
0
0-1*
Gemma Dickson
0
16
Sachin Vats
0
0-1*
Jonny Linney
0
17
Jordan McNaught
1422
0-1*
Stewart Gray
1449
18
Thomas Fowley
0
1-0
Michael Mathieson
0
19
Philip Blaber
1260
1-0*
Ethan Small
0
* = Default Win
The designated date for round three is Tuesday 21 February. The draw will be shared with Club Members via email and WhatsApp, and posted on the blog section.
Please contact us if you cannot play your game on this date and we will work with you and your opponent to reschedule. Those in the draw who do not turn up to play their fixture, or notify the Club in advance, risk a loss by default.
