Simon Williams GM played simultaneous 18th February

Thirty two empty tables sat with 32 pieces a scoresheet, a certificate with "I Survived ___ moves"  waiting in anticipation for a battle of minds.

To get an opportunity to play top players is rare. Damien Cunningham has made it his mission to bring us every year such a golden opportunity.

The event is like an injection of excitement and fun into our chess year.

Add to that the brilliant player and GrandMaster Simon Williams - who plays a challengingly aggressive game. Get beaten but love the game played.

Simon arrived and after being introduced with a warm welcoming applause. Started the circuit of 32 players making a move and shaking hands with the players.

Simultaneous quite an unusual way of playing - you need to have your move ready to be done when Simon makes a full circuit which with all players can take 15 or so minutes. The less players the quicker the moves happen. Simon comes to your board sees your move and responds almost immediately hence its a challenge we get more time and one game and our opponent plays 30 very fast games.... but the level of play of a Grand Master is brilliant and its very difficult/impossible for the average player to beat them even in these conditions. Hence the certificates with the words - " I Survived xx moves against Simon Williams GM"..

I'll let the photos tell the storey....

The first winner Michael Sheerin. Sits next to Ross Harris who also won. Meanwhile the players were beginning to drop and the moves got faster.

Stephen Morgan sitting between Mark Newman and Calum Leitch - all with Rook endings. Stephen and Mark managed to get draws.

Three left - Andrew Todd gets a draw and Chris Armstrongs hopes for a win but...

Chris Armstrong the 2nd to last man standing. Almost winning, but Simon gets what looks like a perpetual check and Chris puts his King onto a square where his pieces block his movement and wham checkmate. So close.

Last player standing Mikhail Pavlov is finally beaten. and a big thank-you to Simon for some brilliant chess. What was also special was that at the end of each game Simon took time to chat to the player about the game - very much appreciated. Also signing the certificates and score sheets.

Now some brilliant photos from Pat McKillen

Two games from the tournament one a win from Brendan Jamieson (now calling himself the GM slayer! and a draw from Mark Newman (who felt lucky that Simon didnt play on and probably win!)

The fantastic Grand Master Simon Williams with..

3 Winners:  Ross Harris, Michael Sheerin and Brendan Jamieson.

3 Draws :  Steve Morgan, Mark Newman, Andrew Todd

The completed boards showing mainly White Kings in the Centre - a win for Simon Williams. 26 wins.

Many thanks to Simon for a great evening of chess.