In the demanding world of simultaneous chess exhibitions, a unique variant known as the “clock simul” presents a distinct challenge. Unlike traditional simuls where the main player dictates the pace by simply arriving at each board, a clock simul requires the central player to manage their time against the cumulative time of all opponents, who can move and press their clocks whenever they choose. This format places immense pressure on speed and consistency.
It is in this strenuous environment that Belgian Grandmaster Daniel Dardha recently set a new world record. Facing a field of 50 opponents, Dardha delivered a performance of remarkable resilience and skill, securing a score that surpasses all previous documented attempts in this specific format.
The record-breaking event saw Dardha navigate 50 individual games concurrently. His final tally was an impressive 43.5 points out of a possible 50. This score was comprised of 40 wins, 7 draws, and only 3 losses, resulting in an outstanding success rate of 87%.
This achievement significantly eclipses the prior benchmark. The previous record was held by Dutch Grandmaster Sipke Ernst, who, in November 2022, scored 35 points against 47 opponents, achieving a 74% success rate. Dardha`s performance against a larger field and with a substantially higher point total underscores the magnitude of his accomplishment.
The simul took place at the concert hall De Brielpoort in Deinze, Belgium, adding a specific geographical marker to this global record attempt. The opponents Dardha faced had an average Elo rating of 1834, indicating a competitive environment where solid play from multiple boards simultaneously would test the mettle of any grandmaster.
While the operational details of managing 50 active clock games simultaneously might induce a mild headache for most, Dardha demonstrated the necessary composure and speed. Successfully converting such a high percentage of games under these time constraints is a technical and psychological triumph.
At present, the record is pending formal recognition. The necessary application has been submitted to the Belgian Chess Federation for official sanctioning. Assuming verification, Dardha`s name will be etched into the annals of chess records for this specific, challenging format.
This feat serves as a testament to Dardha`s skill, endurance, and ability to perform under pressure, consolidating his position as a prominent figure in Belgian and international chess.
