Playing in a Chess Simul: Tips for Creating a Trouble-free Game

If you have never played in a simul, they come highly recommended. 'Simul' is short for simultaneous, and means that one person will play multiple boards at the same time. Simultaneous exhibitions have been around for years and years, and they never seem to get any less entertaining. They are loads of fun, relatively inexpensive, and allow you the opportunity to play a chess master! There are ways to make the game go smooth, and reduce the risk of confusion at the same time. I have compiled some tips for playing against a master in a chess simul.

Make your move when the master is AT your board.

Sometimes in chess, moves are either forced or very easy to make, such as in the case of recapturing a piece or moving your king out of check. However, in a simul, the master will arrive at your board, make a move, and then leave very quickly. You must wait until he or she returns to your chess board to make your move, no matter how obvious or easy it may seem. Remember, the master is playing several boards at the same time, and may not remember the last move they made in your particular chess game.

Move slowly and deliberately while the master watches.

Why risk any confusion at the simul? If the master appears at your board, and you quickly grab a bishop and swipe off their queen on the other side of the board, there may be a question whether the move was legal or not. Write the game down carefully, and clearly grab your piece, and move it to its intended square cautiously. Remember, although the master may move quickly from board to board, this isn't a blitz game. Play chess, play fair, and enjoy your time.

Don't wander around or take long breaks, if possible.

Not only might the master think you are being a bit rude when he or she returns to your board to find you gone, it could be confusing. Just as you should not move while the master isn't looking, they won't move while you are in the restroom or smoking a cigarette. If it cannot be avoided, small breaks are fine, but I urge you to be at the board when the master arrives so that things go smoothly for both players.