20 Questions with Paul Truong

These are my in-laws at our wedding reception in Orlando, Florida during the National K-12

Chessville Plays 20 Questions with Mr. Paul Truong
Interviewed by Phil Innes

Following our previous interview with you here at Chessville which covered your life and events to about 2005, bring us up to date on current perspectives.

1) Many journalist colleagues and others in chess, were surprised that Paul Truong and Susan Polgar should have run for the USCF Board when it seemed that they were achieving very much independently of that, or any other organization. What prompted you to seek a Board seat?

The USCF has floundered for a number of years in some key areas. The federation struggled badly to adapt to the rapidly changing chess world and fell way behind in the Internet age. In addition, the USCF has never had anyone with our experience and expertise. We know that we could help turn things around. The USCF needs new leadership with clear a vision for a better and more efficient USCF, and not so preoccupied with petty and destructive politics.

That is why we decided to make this big sacrifice for the sake of the USCF and U.S. chess. The most stunning fact is there are a lot more tournament chess players in the U.S. who are NOT USCF members than ARE USCF members, and the leadership was unable to change this. But very little has been done to change this.

However, we are also realists. We knew before entering the race that some of the long-time chess politicians will do everything they can to stop us. Unfortunately, we did not expect the revolting level some are willing to stoop to.

The full interview can be read here.