International Chess Master Challenges Fearnhill Students to a Simul

International chess master Paul Littlewood played thirteen games – at the same time – at Fearnhill School in Letchworth on Thursday, 20th June. The event is known as a Simul, with a strong player taking on numerous less experienced players at the same time. Paul has taken part in a similar event with the magician and illusionist Derren Brown but no trickery was involved with our students!

Mr Littlewood, who is the current English Over 50s champion and holds the title for British Chess Champion 1981, took on challengers including Maths teacher Mr Philpot, Year 11s Luke, Samuel and Darshan, Year 8s, Franciszek, Joseph, George and Henry, and Year 7s Harrison, Blake, Fabio, and Ashden. A visitor from another chess club made up the thirteenth challenger.

The opponents showed immense concentration as Mr Littlewood played thirteen games of chess simultaneously. The final result: Mr Littlewood 13 : Challengers 0, however, it was a superb effort from all involved and a great learning experience as Mr Littlewood answered questions from the students and gave them tips on strategy and technique.

Year 11 Luke was the student from Fearnhill who stayed in the game the longest.

Mrs Roshan Hunt, Head of Library at Fearnhill said, “Chess continues to be one of our most popular extra-curricular activities at Fearnhill and we were delighted that Mr Littlewood returned to our school for the third year of this exciting event. Our Year 11 students demonstrated their commitment to the game by coming back to school after their recent GCSE examinations just to take part.

It is great to see our young people showing such focus and confidence. Our mini-Simul, held every Friday lunchtime with one student taking on up to six of their cohort at the same time, is always well attended. Chess encourages problem-solving, sportsmanship and self-esteem and is a perfect non-screen pastime.”

Mrs R Hunt
Head of Library