RIVER HILLS, Wis. — The game of chess is one of the world’s most popular board games. Some people play for fun, while others see it as a serious sport where high-level tournaments lead to prestigious titles.
Hersh Singh is a high school senior at the University School of Milwaukee, located in River Hills, Wis.
In August, Singh took second place in the Pan American Youth Chess Festival. This earned him the title of FIDE Master, the third highest title a chess player can achieve.
Singh said the game represents a real-life discipline.
“Chess is important because it helps you. It reinforces the fact that there are consequences for everything you do which helps you make better decisions,” said Singh.
Singh is 17 years old and is the first person in Wisconsin to receive the FIDE Master title since 2013.
He is ranked 140th among all active chess players in the United States. Singh said he plans to be a doctor and believes his chess skills will help him accomplish that dream.
Not only has chess guided Singh through life, it has also strengthened his bonds with his family.
Singh said his grandfather taught him chess. His whole family plays, including his sister Aradh Kaur. Aradh is also a high school student at the University School of Milwaukee.
She said she looks up to her brother and described him as someone who is helpful, good at a lot of things and humble.
Bob Juranitch is Singh's high school advisor. He said he also has noticed the humility Singh shows, both as a student and a chess player.
He said he asked Singh about how he prepares for a tournament and was impressed with his response.
“I said, ‘Do you get all hyped, to get ready for a tournament?’ And he said, ‘No, I just get nervous and then I walk in and I perform the best I can,”’ said Juranitch.
Singh said he’ll continue to do the best he can in life and in chess.
“In life, if you hit a setback, instead of letting your emotions get ahold of you, you should try to take a step back and look at the big picture and move on from the situation,” said Singh.
Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled Hersh Singh's last name. This error has been corrected. (Dec. 1, 2023)