Simult

Simult, short for simultaneous exhibition, is a chess event in which a single player plays multiple games at the same time against several opponents on different boards. The exhibitor, typically a grandmaster, moves on one board at a time, returning to others in turn, while each game has its own clock and time control. The master must assess and respond to several positions concurrently, requiring strong memory, pattern recognition, and stamina.

Variations include standard sims and blindfold sims. In a blindfold simul, the exhibitor plays without sight of the boards, relying on memory and mental visualization, a demanding display of skill. In typical demonstrations, spectators may watch, and players can discuss or analyze games after play. The event is commonly used for entertainment, promotion, or fundraising, and can range from a few boards at a club to dozens in public exhibitions.

History and context place simuls as a longstanding tradition in chess culture, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. They serve as showcases of a player’s breadth of understanding and endurance, as well as social and educational experiences for participants. The practical challenge increases with the number of boards, making larger simuls rarer and more demanding, though they remain a popular feature of tournaments and public events.

See also: simultaneous exhibition, multi-board chess, blindfold chess, chess exhibition.