Simuls, short for simultaneous games, are events where one chess player faces off against two or more opponents at the same time. Some chess masters can even play these games blindfolded, like multi-time World Champion GM Magnus Carlsen did at an event in 2015.
Blindfolded simuls were a favored format of chess master Paul Morphy, who played several throughout his career. In this lesson, we’ll look at one of the three games from his 1864 display in Havana, where his opponent Placido Dominguez’s failure to castle led to a quick downfall.
Morphy vs. Dominguez
Paul Morphy played as White in this game, while Dominguez played as Black.
Dominguez started this game with principled play, vying for control of the center and developing several of his pieces, but a poorly-timed move of his f-pawn allowed Morphy to capture en passant and gave Morphy’s light square bishop a direct view of the g8 square, preventing Black from castling.
With his king stuck in the center, Dominguez was vulnerable to a relentless barrage of sharp tactics and checks that earned Morphy the win on his 20th move.
Conclusion
Castling is key to solid, principled chess play, and castling early is the best way to ensure your opponent doesn’t find a way to prevent you from castling at all.
