Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Blitz Tonight, Simul Photos


Tonight is an open G/5 blitz tournament. No entry fee, everyone is eligible to play.



The simul performed by Alexander Balkum was a huge success. I received lots of positive feedback from the players and Alexander did a fine job scoring 20 wins, 6 draws and 1 loss to Vincent. For his victory, Vincent received an autographed board commemorating his win.

Don't forget that this Saturday is an Austin Kids Open in Round Rock at the Springhill Suites. See Nam or Forrest for details and pre-entry. Also see Austin Kids link on right side of this blog.



The winning position from Vincent's game below.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Simul Tonight!

On Wednesday, August 10th at 6:00 pm the Georgetown Chess Club will host National Master Alexander Balkum (US Chess Federation rating 2219) at the Georgetown Public Library (Friends Room) who will perform a simultaneous exhibition of up to 40 boards against all comers. Club members will have priority seating on the first 20 boards with the remainder of spots being available to the general public on a first come basis.  Spectators are welcome.


A simultaneous exhibition is typically performed with the Chess Master playing white against all opponents who are seated at tables forming a rectangle with the Master inside the rectangle moving from board to board. Etiquette dictates that each opponent waits until the Master arrives at the board to play their move, the Master than responds with his move and proceeds on. The players have time to think about their next move until the Master makes his way around the circuit. It is common for the Master to finish such events undefeated although occasionally an ambitious player can secure a win or a draw after a hard fought battle. Usually the event lasts about two hours with many games finishing in less then half that time.