Simultaneous (Simul) — Chess term
Simultaneous (Simul)
Definition
A simultaneous exhibition—often called a “simul”—is an event in which one player, typically a master or grandmaster (the exhibitor), plays multiple games at the same time against many opponents. The exhibitor moves from board to board (in person) or cycles through boards (online), making one move per visit. Variants include the traditional walk-around simul, the more demanding clock simul, and the spectacular blindfold simul, where the exhibitor plays without sight of the boards.
How It’s Used in Chess
Simuls are used for outreach, education, promotion, and fundraising. Clubs and festivals host them to inspire players and give amateurs a rare chance to face a titled opponent. They are not part of formal rating systems, but they’re a staple of chess culture.
- Walk-around simul: The exhibitor physically circulates among boards; opponents usually move only when the exhibitor arrives at their board.
- Clock simul: Each board has a clock; the exhibitor faces a time handicap because they share attention across many running clocks.
- Blindfold simul: Moves are announced verbally or recorded; the exhibitor maintains multiple positions purely in memory. See also Blindfold.
- Odds simul: The exhibitor may give material or time odds to balance the field.
Typical Procedures and Etiquette
- Colors: The exhibitor almost always takes White (to save time on the first move and set the pace).
- Move cadence: Opponents should be ready with a move when the exhibitor arrives. In many simuls, you move only when the exhibitor is at your board; if you’re not ready, the exhibitor may pass your board and return later.
- Touch-move: Standard rules apply unless announced otherwise.
- Draws and resignations: It’s customary to offer a draw only when justified (e.g., dead-drawn endgame). Many simuls encourage fighting chess but with polite behavior.
- Coaching: Outside assistance is generally prohibited; the simul is you versus the exhibitor.
Strategic Considerations
Because time and switching cost are central, simuls have distinct strategy for both sides.
- Exhibitor’s aims:
- Openings: Choose repeatable systems to reduce calculation overhead (e.g., London System, Caro-Kann, Queen’s Gambit). Similar structures across boards save time.
- Positions: Prefer solid setups, space advantages, and early simplification when clearly better. Avoid prolonged time sinks on any one board.
- Tactics: Exploit unforced mistakes quickly; steer games where you’re better into technical endgames.
- Flow control: Make moves that don’t require deep follow-up on the next visit.
- Challenger’s aims:
- Complication: Maintain tension and piece activity; complex positions cost the exhibitor time.
- Asymmetry: Unbalanced pawn structures or unusual openings can break the exhibitor’s rhythm.
- King safety first: Don’t overreach; the exhibitor punishes loose tactics fast.
- Time management: Use the exhibitor’s absence to calculate deeply; be ready to move instantly when they arrive.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Simuls have showcased chess skill since the 19th century and served as a key income source for touring masters. Champions like José Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine popularized them, while blindfold simuls—pioneered by masters such as Harry Pillsbury and later advanced by Miguel Najdorf and George Koltanowski—captured the public imagination.
- Mass-participation records: Large public simuls often set attendance and endurance records. In 2011, GM Ehsan Ghaem-Maghami staged a widely reported world-record simul on 604 boards in Tehran.
- Modern era: Top players such as Garry Kasparov, Viswanathan Anand, Magnus Carlsen, and Judit Polgár have given high-profile simuls, frequently for charity and promotion.
- Blindfold feats: Exhibitions on dozens of boards have been conducted without sight of a single position—an extraordinary test of memory and calculation.
Examples
Example 1: A repeatable, low-risk setup (exhibitor as White). Many exhibitors adopt system openings to get similar middlegames across boards.
White steers for a London/Stonewall-flavored structure: quick development, a safe king, and consistent piece placement. Across 20–30 boards, this saves time and reduces surprises.
Example 2: A challenger complicates early to tax the exhibitor’s time.
This rich Sicilian position forces the exhibitor to calculate concrete lines at each visit. If the exhibitor opts for quieter openings on other boards, a few dynamic games like this can consume disproportionate time.
Notable Anecdotes
- Memory marvels: In famous blindfold simuls, the exhibitor tracks dozens of evolving positions, names, and move orders entirely in mind—an achievement often drawing broader media attention beyond chess circles.
- Educational value: Clubs report that simuls motivate juniors; even a hard-fought loss to a master can be more inspiring (and instructive) than a routine tournament game.
- Charity and community: Many high-profile simuls donate proceeds to local causes, pairing spectacle with social impact.
Practical Tips
- Preparing as exhibitor:
- Choose 1–2 openings you can mirror across boards.
- Have a default, safe move ready if a board surprises you.
- Avoid getting bogged down; make a note (mental or physical, if permitted) to revisit critical boards.
- Preparing as challenger:
- Study a sharp line you know well; bring it to the board.
- Play principled, not gimmicky, chess; a single inaccuracy can be punished quickly.
- Use the exhibitor’s absence to calculate forcing sequences so you can reply instantly.