The plot is loosely based on the rivalry between US-contestant Bobby Fisher and USSR-contestant Boris Spassky at the 1972 chess World Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland
The hit single "One Night in Bangkok" was on the 1984 CHESS album, but the song was not a number in the Swedish version of the stage show. Instead, a clip of the song from the original album plays in a nightclub scene. It is the only material with lyrics by Tim Rice to appear in this version of the show.
The performances filmed at Stockholm's Cirkus Theater were on March 16, 20 and 23, 2003. They have been cut together.
Tommy Körberg, who plays Anatoly here, originated the role on the 1984 concept album and on stage in the 1986 production directed by Trevor Nunn.