Chess players in Jersey are preparing their opening gambits as two internationally acclaimed grandmasters visit the Island to take on dozens of local players at the same time.
French grandmaster Bachar Kouatly and Polish grandmaster Radosław “Radek” Jedynak will headline a simultaneous exhibition this evening, where up to 30 Islanders will each face one of the chess masters in a unique display of skill and concentration.
Unlike a conventional match, a simultaneous exhibition sees the grandmaster move from board to board, making one move against each opponent before circling back again – playing multiple games at once.
Hosted by the Jersey Chess Confederation and Jersey Chess Club, the free event is open to spectators as well as players.
The visit forms part of a wider Channel Islands tour, with the pair also due to stage a simultaneous exhibition in Guernsey later this week.
Earlier today, the grandmasters visited Victoria College, where they each faced around 10 pupils in a simultaneous display, before heading to Jersey College Prep to challenge a further 20 young players.
Paul Wojciechowski, a delegate of the Jersey Chess Confederation, said the visit “blossomed” from a chance meeting with the grandmasters at a conference just a few weeks ago.
Mr Kouatly made history in 1989 as the first French and Arab player to earn the grandmaster title and has since served as president of the French Chess Federation and deputy president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Mr Jedynak is a former president of the Polish Chess Federation and has overseen significant growth in chess participation and major international events in Poland.
The simultaneous exhibition begins at 5.30pm this evening at Snap Digital & Design offices on Dumaresq Street in St Helier. Entry is free and spectators are welcome.
