Justice for NM Justus Williams - a simul in Bryant Park NYC
My First Simul EVER with NM Justus Williams
in Bryant Park NYC Saturday, September 3, 2011
NEW YORK, NY I didn't plan on participating in the simul this past Saturday in Bryant Park against NM Justus Williams. In the past year or so, life has been quite interesting—somehow God worked it out so that I'm always surrounded by some very incredible highly-rated chess players. But there's always that feeling that I'm not ready to sit at the table; it's kind of like that friend you invite to church who doesn't feel good enough to attend service. I'm quickly getting over the apprehension to play great players, because if you want to get better in chess and in life you must surround yourself with the right people.
As chess is the only game almost as old as the bible, so is the name Justus. In fact, in the bible, "Justus" is the appropriate spelling of the name, whereas, "justice" is the noun that represent fairness, truth, and reason. Justice is a noun; Justus is the proper noun.
Colossians 4:11 (MSG)
"and also Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God's kingdom..." [Justus is mentioned two–three other times in the bible, depending on the translation, Acts 1:23, Acts 18:7]
Upon my arrival, I quickly assumed the role of hospitality and ran to get bottled water—no gummy bears—for the young chess master. When I returned, my friend Sean Miller, organizer of this event, informed me that another player was needed to participate. Armed with my pink board and Saitek Competition Pro III game clock—clocks are not necessary in a simul—I took my seat and set up.
My dream - 'The VERY famous and world renown chess blogger Yvette Fannell aka chesspoet, checkmates NM Justus Williams using a vicious and clever Maroczy Giuoco Piano Grand Prix mashup#!!'
My realistic concrete goal and prayer - to NOT be the first to drop line.
Let the game begin...
Just so you know, a chess "simul" is a simultaneous exhibition where one chess player, usually a titled player, plays many chess players at the same time. No clock is needed during a simul, but it is imperative that you are prepared to make your move in front of the featured player when he or she arrives at your table. In many cases there will be a number of passes (two, in this case) that you may use at any time during the game in case you are not ready to move when the featured player has reached your table.
Thankfully, Adia Onyango, President of Chess Connections helped me through the simul procedures and chess etiquette. She sat to the right of me and we really had tons of fun cutting-up. In chess and in life, it takes good people to encourage you to succeed past where you would have given up. The words, "You have another move," will remain with me for a very long time.
Normally, during a simul, the players are all playing the same color; i.e., all the participants have white or black. Just imagine how awkward and hard it must be to play while sitting on the wrong side. In this case, NM Williams randomly chose his color at each table, adding to the degree of difficulty.
Was this fair for young Justus? Nine, mostly very strong players, and random sides!? In my humble opinion I would have to say this was fair. For a young man of such intellect and ability, we would do him a disservice if we failed to challenge him. This is a young man who steps up before any obstacle that is thrown in his way. We can't give Justus justice; it is who he is. NM Justus Williams wins eight games and draws only one. #
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"Chess Day" in Bryant Park was organized by Sean Miller, NY ❤ CHESS.
