The Open File - A New Chess Column from Chess.com
Submitted by
NM Zug on Sun, 07/27/2008 at 9:52am.
We're happy to announce a new contributor to Chess.com! Starting today, we will be publishing a monthly column by Life Master Mike Petersen (Zug), "The Open File". His column will discuss the lighter side of chess, along with sometimes philosophical views of our wonderful game. Mike has over 35 years of chess tournament experience. A Life Master and two-time Florida State Chess Champion, Mike has also been a contributing editor to Chess Life, as well as having written a column for the (now defunct) USA Today Sportsline, the first-ever online chessplaying site.
We are starting Mike's series with this column, which will constitute the August entry. Mike encourages feedback, and promises to answer most (if not all) of the replies posted concerning his column. If you want to see other samples of Mike's work on Chess.com, see the links at the end of this column.
So, here we go with the first "The Open File" ---------
The Open File
by Life Master Mike Petersen (Zug)
Simuls
Giving a simultaneous exhibition can either be loads of fun, or just simply a load, depending on how you look at it. I've played in a few and I've given a few, so I'm going to give a few words of advice from both sides of the table.
First, if you are going to participate in a simul, you will more than likely lose. The guy you are facing is going to be a first-rate master, otherwise you wouldn't bother to show up, so be prepared for the worst. And, since you will probably lose, you might as well learn something while you're at it. That means to play a line that you normally play so when you get a miserable position you'll be able to find out why. This will allow you to do better in the games that count.
Second, don't forget to keep score! Without a scoresheet, what in the world are you going to get the maestro to autograph? And for God's sake, don't bring one of those "Renaissance" chess sets. You know, the one where the pieces all look like little people. Believe it or not, this is actually very irritating to the master giving the simul.
Third, ask questions! If the maestro is any kind of showman, he will be happy to answer them. I don't mean anything like "What's the best move, here?" but things like what he thinks of the system you are trying or what he thinks of your style. On the other hand, there are some deadheads out there who walk around mowing down the opposition as if they wish they were anywhere but there. Don't bother to ask this type anything. As a matter of fact, don't bother to go to another simul he's giving, either!
Make sure you resign at the proper time. Keep in mind that this fellow is playing 20 or 30 games. If your game is hopeless, give the poor guy a break and resign. Believe me, it will be appreciated. If you hope to win or draw because of an earthquake or a heart attack, you're going to look silly. Nothing draws ridicule more quickly than playing on against a master when you are a rook down.
OK, what if you are going to be giving the simul? I think the most important thing you can do is to realize that you are providing entertainment. If you look at it this way, then you'll enjoy it much more and not worry so much about the games. You will play faster, get less tired, laugh a lot and have one whale of a good time. Talk it up with your opponents. Praise good moves and chortle sympathetically over bad ones. They will love you! Tell a few jokes. You will be surprized at how much less tired you'll be at the end.
Make sure you dress nicely. I don't mean a suit and tie if you don't want to wear one (although it sure makes the simul look classy) but wear a nice pair of slacks and shirt. Nothing will turn off the media types faster than sloppy attire. Keep in mind that you want to be successful at this so they will ask you back, or at least recommend you. It's like anything else. Sell yourself.
Don't refuse to play anyone, regardless of the equipment they bring. I've given simuls where some of my opponents play on tiny magnetic sets about eight inches square. And of course, you're always going to have the guy show up with his onyx set made in Mexico. You know the one. All the pieces look like they were carved by a drunken quarryman. Don't bother to complain after you move your King like a Queen and lose the game. Just laugh and resign graciously. Anybody who brings a set like that doesn't understand that what he has isn't really a chess set, so why bother?
Give the "little guy" a draw if he has played well enough to earn the right to ask for one. Although you might like to crush everyone in sight, it isn't always possible. Keep in mind that you are providing him with what may be his greatest thrill! As a matter of fact, I give a lot more draws when I think of this during the games. I guess it just makes me feel good.
Play exciting openings. Nobody wants to face a do-nothing opening in a simul. It's bad enough to have to play against it in a tournament, but to have to sit there and watch the bishops dance in the rat holes for 20 moves before something happens is more than your opponent should have to bear. Besides, these types games seldom end in crushes, so the whole thing will take longer. A few Fried Livers can do wonders for the finish time.
Last but not least, have fun. Don't take the game too seriously, and both you and your audience will enjoy it much more. Everyone will carry away more than just a scoresheet, they will carry away a nice memory - of you!
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Click here for Mike's other work on Chess.com
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