Vasyl Ivanchuk defeats all 31 opponents in a simultaneous display in Salzgitter-Bad
A world star up close: Ukrainian legendary grandmaster Vasyl Ivanchuk provided an exceptional chess spectacle in Salzgitter-Bad. In a simultaneous exhibition at the Salzgitter-Bad Grammar School, he faced 31 opponents at once – pupils, teachers and club players. The overwhelming favourite did have to withstand a few anxious moments - for example, when he blundered a knight…
A world-class grandmaster as guest
When a player such as Vasyl Ivanchuk attends a chess event away from the major cities or leading tournaments, it is an extraordinary occasion for chess enthusiasts. This is even more true when the participants are mainly young players with little tournament experience. That was precisely the case at the simultaneous exhibition at the Salzgitter-Bad Grammar School. At the invitation of the Salzgitter Chess Association and its dedicated press officer and now experienced tournament organiser Christian Koschetzki, the school cafeteria was transformed into the stage for a memorable chess event.
The grandmaster from Lviv has for decades been one of the most fascinating personalities in international chess. Only recently, he impressed with strong performances at the traditional Tata Steel tournament in Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands. After his simultaneous appearance, his next stop is the international tournament in Reykjavík. Despite his busy tournament schedule, Ivanchuk took the time to come to Salzgitter – and turned the afternoon into a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
Grandmaster meets amateurs
The simultaneous display took place as part of the series "Grandmaster meets amateurs", which has by now become a firmly established feature in the region. For more than three years, the Salzgitter Chess Association has regularly organised such encounters between world-class players and local chess enthusiasts: "Over the past three years we have already welcomed several prominent simultaneous guests in Salzgitter – including IM Jonathan Carlstedt, GM Nikolas Lubbe, GM Matthias Wahls, GM Vincent Keymer, GM Ivan Sokolov, as well as Thomas and Elisabeth Pähtz", said Koschetzki.
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The two central figures of the day: Vasyl Ivanchuk and organiser Christian Koschetzki. | Photos: Carolin Köpp
The enthusiastic chess player himself works as a coach for two school chess clubs – at the Salzgitter-Bad Grammar School and the Fredenberg Grammar School – whose members were therefore given priority for participation in this contest with a chess legend. "It is important to us that young players in particular have the opportunity to experience great figures of chess at close quarters", explained Koschetzki. "When a world-class player walks through the room and makes a move on your own board, it is exciting and often remains a lifelong memory".
The organiser also emphasised the importance of such events for youth development: "Chess thrives on encounters. A simultaneous display like this shows children and teenagers that behind the great names are real people – and that they themselves can become part of this fascinating chess world".
Concentration at 31 boards
A total of 31 opponents awaited Ivanchuk. Round after round, the grandmaster moved with focused composure through the rows of boards, always calm, attentive and with the characteristically thoughtful expression for which he is known worldwide.
The atmosphere was both tense and enthusiastic: each player tried to find the best move - fully aware that one does not get the chance to play a chess legend every day.
In the cafeteria, the venue for this unequal contest, it is usually far noisier.
In the end, however - hardly surprisingly - the enormous class of the Ukrainian grandmaster prevailed. By 16:08 the simultaneous exhibition was over: Ivanchuk had won all the games, in just over two hours of total playing time.
For the participants, however, the experience itself was what mattered most. Some analysed their positions again with the grandmaster after the game, or discussed their ideas with friends and coaches. Autographs from the former world number two, as well as group photographs, will surely earn a place of honour in many a chess display cabinet.
How often does one get to analyse with a former world number two? | Photo: Carolin Köpp
Ivanchuk on chess, creativity and computers
Before the games, Ivanchuk also took some time to answer a few questions from ChessBase. Interestingly, even as an up-and-coming player he was never particularly attracted to simultaneous exhibitions – he always preferred direct combat with an opponent: "As a young player, I didn't really value simultaneous displays", Ivanchuk recalled. "At the time, I wanted to concentrate entirely on my own games".
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Even ChessBase staff member Stefan Liebig had to concede defeat to the chess legend. | Photo: Carolin Köpp
However, perspectives often change with time, and today the player who has enjoyed success for decades views the matter differently: "As a grandmaster, I play simultaneous exhibitions because I want to make chess more popular. It is a wonderful way to inspire many people for the game at the same time".
Who won here – who lost? In the end, everyone was a winner, including the organiser | Photo: Carolin Köpp
The Ukrainian also spoke candidly about his own career. Looking back, he believes he could have achieved even more. With his peak Elo rating of 2787 in October 2007, he came closer than most players to the magical 2800 mark, yet he never quite surpassed it, nor did he become world champion in classical chess. Nevertheless, he did win the World Blitz Championship (2007) and the World Rapid Championship (2016), and he captured or shared top places in an impressive number of elite tournaments. Interestingly, given the many dramatic games he has played, he does not wish to single out a personal favourite.
"Perhaps I could have become the best player in the world if I had organised my training better", he said self-critically. "I missed some opportunities".
Yet his passion for the game remains undiminished. Although his rating has now settled around the 2600 mark, and he is no longer competing for the world number one position, his enthusiasm for chess is still very much alive: "I want to continue playing at a high level", Ivanchuk emphasised. "My main goal is not to lose on time. I simply want to play good chess".
A style beyond the engine
For decades, Ivanchuk's playing style has been regarded as particularly creative and unpredictable. Some observers compare him with modern attacking players such as Daniil Dubov, Alireza Firouzja or Richard Rapport. The Ukrainian, however, sees it differently.
"I don't think my style is directly comparable to theirs", Ivanchuk said. "In terms of approach, the young grandmaster Ediz Gürel reminds me somewhat of my own style". What fascinates him about the Turkish talent is that "he really tries to understand the position – and does not rely solely on the computer". Ivanchuk has a nuanced view of the role of modern engines: "Computers have helped chess enormously because they reveal new ideas", he explained. "But they also have drawbacks. Sometimes players rely too heavily on the engine and lose their own understanding in the process".
An event with great impact
An event of this scale is only possible thanks to the support of many contributors. Koschetzki expressed special thanks to the Lower Saxony Lottery Sports Foundation, as well as to the president of the Lower Saxony Chess Federation, Michael S. Langer, and his deputy Jörg Tenninger, who delivered a welcoming address, and to Martin Gosch, chairman of the school support association.
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The faces behind the event: Jörg Tenninger (NSV), Vasyl Ivanchuk, Christian Koschetzki (organiser) and Martin Gosch (school support association) | Photo: Carolin Köpp
With the visit of Vasyl Ivanchuk, the chess scene in Salzgitter once again made a strong statement – and demonstrated that elite chess and youth development can go hand in hand. The organisers expressed great satisfaction with the course of the day. Koschetzki drew a positive conclusion: "For a player like Ivanchuk to come to Salzgitter is something very special for our region. We are already planning the next highlight in the autumn. The idea remains the same: bringing great names in chess together with our young talents. The next big name will be Rustam Kasimdzhanov".
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