Belgian Grandmaster Daniel Dardha has reportedly set a new world record for the highest score achieved in a clock simultaneous exhibition. Facing 50 opponents concurrently, Dardha demonstrated exceptional skill and stamina under significant time constraints.
Understanding the Clock Simul Challenge
A clock simul differs fundamentally from a traditional simultaneous exhibition. In a standard simul, the single player moves from board to board, and the opponents only make their move when the master arrives at their board. The master is not typically under severe time pressure for individual moves, though managing the overall circuit takes time.
In a clock simul, however, each board has its own clock. Opponents are free to make their moves and hit their clocks at any time. This dynamic places immense pressure squarely on the simultaneous player, who must rapidly navigate between boards, make decisions, and execute moves to manage their own cumulative time across all games. It`s a unique test combining fast calculation, efficient board transition, and physical endurance.
Dardha`s Dominant Performance
Against his 50 competitors, who held a respectable average Elo rating of 1834, Grandmaster Dardha delivered a commanding performance. He secured 40 victories, drew seven games, and suffered only three losses. This resulted in a total score of 43.5 points out of a possible 50, translating to an impressive success rate of 87%.
Shattering the Previous Benchmark
Dardha`s achievement significantly surpasses the prior world record for points in a clock simul. The previous benchmark was held by Dutch Grandmaster Sipke Ernst, who in November 2022, scored 35 points against 47 opponents, achieving a 74% success rate.
By playing against a larger number of opponents (50 vs 47) and achieving a considerably higher percentage score (87% vs 74%), Dardha has raised the bar substantially for this particular type of chess exhibition.
Venue and Official Recognition
The record-breaking event took place at the De Brielpoort concert hall in Deinze, Belgium. While the result has been achieved, the record is not yet officially listed. The necessary documentation has been submitted to the Belgian Chess Federation for ratification, which is the standard procedure for such claims.
Daniel Dardha`s performance in this clock simul stands as a remarkable demonstration of mental fortitude, rapid calculation, and physical stamina required to succeed under the unique pressures of this format. It highlights his capabilities as a Grandmaster capable of performing at a high level across numerous games simultaneously while battling the clock.
Rupert Hartwell