Is Kasparov a simul chicken?

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gbidari

I noticed on Garry Kasparov's website that it says if your rating has ever been over 2000 he will not play you in a simul, no exceptions. Man is this guy afraid to lose or what? I am disheartened by this because he was a chess hero of mine and I had always hoped to play in one of those simuls he gives from time to time. This reminds me of Andy Kaufman who to assure victory would only wrestle women. Is there a precedent for this or is Garry just being a wussy?

goldendog

He has played many players in simuls >2000, whole national teams, and even such strong players in a blindfold clock simul.

Maybe he's tired now?

kco

maybe he giving a chances for the lower rated players to play against him ?

wingtzun

I certainly remember kasparov playing whole national teams of GMs in simuls and not losing a game.

aj415

Yeah Kasparov potentially the #1 chess player of all time is afraid to lose to you, me or anyone club chess player

orangehonda

Kasparov's super simuls

Whatever his reason, lets be honest, the man has nothing left to prove.

TheOldReb

I guess he has a right to make such stipulations but I think many people are not aware of this. Whats a bit dishonest is that much is made of his 100% scores in simuls while not acknowledging that he does this. If I played a simul and limit my opponents to only those who have never been over 1400 ( the same 800 point difference he insists on these days ) I would likely win all games as well...... some years back he gave a simul ( 20 boards ) here in Lisbon and I wanted very much to play him but I was not allowed to because my rating has been over 2000 and at the time of his simul was over 2200. My wife played him though and I watched ( tormented ) from the side lines......

kco

is would be much better to tank vs tank imo

gbidari

He was very brave in the past I agree. But yesterday's bravery doesn't change today's cowardice. Now Big K is looking less fearless these days since if you're even a remote threat in a simul he won't play you. Does any other GM do this? Come on, I'm a fan too but let's call it what it is.

thesexyknight

He's retired.

gbidari
thesexyknight wrote:

He's retired.


Not from simuls, he still gives them.

thesexyknight
gbidari wrote:
thesexyknight wrote:

He's retired.


Not from simuls, he still gives them.


Yes but its not like he's still at his 2830 rating anymore. I'm sure if he really wanted to he would get back in the top 10 or even top 5 again but right now he's not "in form"

gbidari

I know he's not "in form" but he would still be a heavy favorite to beat a 2000 player in a simul. He'd even be a big favorite over a 2200 player. Perhaps he's not afraid but just wants his check and to get the hell out of there as soon as possible. Not entirely admirable either. I think he's in form enough. Most of us believe he still has got what it takes to kick Anand's butt!

TheOldReb
gbidari wrote:

I know he's not "in form" but he would still be a heavy favorite to beat a 2000 player in a simul. He'd even be a big favorite over a 2200 player. Perhaps he's not afraid but just wants his check and to get the hell out of there as soon as possible. Not entirely admirable either. I think he's in form enough. Most of us believe he still has got what it takes to kick Anand's butt!


 Given that Kaspy lost to Kramnik and then Anand beat Kramnik I dont see why you would think Kaspy could still kick Anand ?  The evidence says otherwise...

Natalia_Pogonina
thesexyknight wrote:
gbidari wrote:
thesexyknight wrote:

He's retired.


Not from simuls, he still gives them.


Yes but its not like he's still at his 2830 rating anymore. I'm sure if he really wanted to he would get back in the top 10 or even top 5 again but right now he's not "in form"


Khalifman was recently asked this. The reply was "2750 if he doesn't work on his chess and higher if he decides to return and play competitively".

gbidari

NM Reb,

A lot of people, including myself saw the Kramnik match as a joke. It was a half-hearted effort on Kasparov's part by pretty much just handing the title over to his student. It was the only time I saw Kasparov play without fire in his eyes. His body language was apathetic too. By the way, he still has that "fire" in his eyes in simuls!

Tricklev
Reb wrote:
gbidari wrote:

I know he's not "in form" but he would still be a heavy favorite to beat a 2000 player in a simul. He'd even be a big favorite over a 2200 player. Perhaps he's not afraid but just wants his check and to get the hell out of there as soon as possible. Not entirely admirable either. I think he's in form enough. Most of us believe he still has got what it takes to kick Anand's butt!


 Given that Kaspy lost to Kramnik and then Anand beat Kramnik I dont see why you would think Kaspy could still kick Anand ?  The evidence says otherwise...


It doesn't really translate that easy, Kramnik was obviously the hardest one for Kasparov, judging by the fact that he is one of the (very!) few who has a plus against him in serious games.

2DecadePlayer

I would not call Kasparov at chicken at any level. Like mentioned, he has nothing to prove and the man is one of the best chess players of all time, and has had some of the most legendary matches in its history.

odessian

This thread is laughable at best. You can say that Mike Tyson is scared to fight your local drunk at the pub. Kasparov one of the greatest talents in chess history, was and always will be

gbidari

The dissenters still haven't addressed the issue of why Kasparov needs to be restricting the strength of his simul opponents. I'm hearing, "He can do what he wants, he's big bad Kasparov so he can't be chicken." Huh? Undying allegiance perplexes me.  By that logic if Kasparov limited his simul opponents to people under the age of four you would still be proudly waving the Kasparov banner while assuring everyone nothing is amiss because of his proven past record.