“Challenge Keti” Simul by GM Keti Arakhamia-Grant
National Museum of Scotland
13 June 2009
photo slideshow
Individual Player results
by Jonathan Grant
On 13 June, Keti gave a simul in the Scottish home of the iconic Lewis chessmen. After 6 hours play she remained undefeated with just 9 draws out of 51 games despite the presence of Aagaard, Ruxton and half the top Scottish juniors.
In the Q&A handout I summarised Dutch Grandmaster Jan Hein Donner's advice for players facing a simul giver i.e. 1) Be sure to take special care in the opening; 2) Play aggressively; and 3) Don't be afraid to exchange pieces. But above all “Do not be afraid”!
Keti opened 1.e4 on all boards and most participants followed Donner's tips.
Chessbase photo report
Chandler Cornered
Preview: Chess Scotland announces a simul by Keti to promote the 116th Scottish Chess Championships in Edinburgh this July. pdf flyer
- What - 12 board rolling simultaneous display by GM Keti Arakhamia-Grant
- When - 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday 13 June. Last game will start at approx. 3:30
- Where - National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Keti will play all-comers at chess and as one game finishes another will start. 2007 British Champion GM Jacob Aagaard will start the event by playing Black against Keti on the first board.
A rare chance to play one of the world's top women chess players. This year, Keti became Britain's first women to achieve the full GM title in 2009 following her outstanding performance for Scotland at the 2008 Dresden Olympiad.
Read more about Keti representing Scotland and her career to date at Wikipedia
This is an ideal opportunity for a family day out combining chess with a visit to the Museum, which is home of the Lewis chessmen in Scotland, and spectators are welcome.
This is a free drop-in event so to participate you can simply turn up on the day. In keeping with the Museum's other weekend family events there will be no pre-booking.
Jonathan Grant, International Director
GM Keti and her pupil Rhian in training for the Championship as two title contenders look on
L to R: 4-times British Women Champion GM Keti Arakhamia-Grant (Edinburgh); GM John Shaw ( Kilmarnock ); 2007 British Champion GM Jacob Aagaard (Milngavie); and WFM Rhian Hughes (Edinburgh).
116th Scottish Chess Championships
Prestigious central venue, Edinburgh City Chambers, hosts the strongest ever Scottish Chess Championships from 11th to 19th July 2009. One of the oldest continually running chess events in the world, this international open event will welcome strong players from countries as diverse as India and Slovakia. In the Year of Homecoming Scotland, Belgium-based GM Paul Motwani and London-based GM Jonathan Rowson will be among the favourites. Play takes place from 14:00 to 20:00 BST every day and games will be transmitted live to the web.
With over £5000 in prizes, excellent IM and GM norm opportunities, and a sparkling new venue, the 2009 Scottish Chess Championship is set to become the strongest open in the UK this year.
Read more at the tournament website www.scottishchesschampionship.com
Photos: Keti by Harald Fietz; group by Jonathan Grant