Playing the game blindfolded
“Blindfold” chess, playing without sight of the board, has long been one of the most spectacular ways to display their incredible mental skills. It is even a better show when these performers enhance their act by actually wearing a blindfold. Finally, sightlessly taking on a large number of foes simultaneously makes the production supreme.
Paul Morphy of in the 1800s, prided himself on blindfold play. In classical chess, he reigned supreme. In 1857 at age 20, he dominated the First American Chess Congress in New York City and was considered the U.S. Champion. Then he traveled to Europe the next year where he continued his conquests. While in Paris, he performed a spectacular feat, sightlessly taking on eight of the city’s strongest players. In addition, they were aided by a roomful of kibitzers. Morphy’s final score was six wins, two draws.
See this column’s featured game, which has become enshrined in chess history. Note how Morphy exploited the weak e6 square, occupying it with his knight, and then executed a double attack (23.Qd2) threatening the d7 bishop and a mate (after Rxh6+). The ensuing rook sac (25.Rxh6+) and en prise queen (26.Rd3) made for a grande finale.
Record-setters
Since Morphy’s day, a number of blindfold recordsetters have shown us their powers: Harry Pillsbury, 21 games in 1900; Alexander Alekhine, 26 games in 1924; Richard Reti, 29 games in 1925; and Alekhine, 32 games in 1934; Then came probably the greatest chess showman of them all, George Koltanowski, who established a Guinness-recognized record of 34 games in 1937.
His games could be quite entertaining, too. For example, just look at how Kolty clobbered one simul participant in short order : [Koltanowski - NN; simul blind, Antwerp, 1931] 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Bd3 Qxd4 6.Nf3 Qd8 7.Qe2 Bf5 8.Nxf6+ gxf6 9.Bxf5 Qa5+ 10.Bd2 Qxf5 11.0–0–0 Qe6 12.Qd3 Qxa2. Modern-day tactics books might include this position in a chapter called “Queen Sacrifices.” 13.Qd8+! Kxd8 14.Ba5+ Kc8 15.Rd8 mate. Post-Kolty
Disputed claims have been made about Miguel Najdorf and Janos Flesch, who played 45 and 52, respectively. It was alleged that Najdorf had access to the scoresheets for assistance, and Flesch was allowed to verbalize the scores while playing.
But there is no doubt about Mark Lang of Germany, who took on 46 opponents in 2011. Amazing as that is, his record may be short-lived.
American Grandmaster Timur Gareyev, 26, formerly of Uzbekistan, has been playing thousands of blindfold games, honing his skills with one aim in mind: to set a world record by playing 50 simultaneous blindfold games.
In 2013, he managed to hold a 33-game exhibition, taking more than 10 hours; he won 29, drew 4, lost none. To train for his feat, he has been engaged in a World Blindfold Chess Tour, going from city to city. By the way, he actually plays while wearing a blindfold.