Abhi Mishra Simul - Playing the Youngest Grandmaster

On Sunday, the youngest person to ever become a Grandmaster, Abhimanyu Mishra, agreed to host an interview, and play a Chess Simul at the South Jersey Innovation Center, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This event took place after the Open House of the SJIC, as the center recently moved from Mount Laurel, to Cherry Hill.

It began with Abhi walking through the door. He was greeted by the Superintendent of Marlton, NJ, Dr. Justin Smith. Abhi's Father, Hermant Mishra, walked in around 10 minutes later.

In the meanwhile, Dr. Smith asked Abhi about his early life, and what got him to like chess. The interview went on for around 45 minutes, including topics about what Abhi's Journey to GM was like, the precautions him and his family had to follow during Covid to achieve the title, and the amount of effort involved to grow so successful.

After the interview, there was a scheduled 15 minute period of time, where people came up to Abhi, and got pictures with him, asked him to sign his book for them, and even asked him to sign their scoresheets for the Simul. I myself even got a picture with him, because why miss the chance!

During this period of time, the staff of the South Jersey Innovation Center began setting up the seats for the Simul. Abhi would play white on every board, while the opponents would play black. Each person playing Abhi would get three chances to skip their turn and think. I capitalized on the chance, and joined in to play him. Sadly, it went on for multiple hours, and I eventually had to leave in the middle of the game. It was a memorable experience.