FORT COLLINS, Colo. (KDVR) — The game of chess requires an incredible amount of concentration and focus. Only the best in the world can play multiple games at once.
Even fewer can do what Timur Gareyev did at a Fort Collins church on Friday, taking on 55 kids simultaneously.
“As the game progresses, it becomes more firm,” he said of his memory. “The images become more and more firm.”
Brad Lundstrom is the president of the Colorado Chess Association and a friend of Gareyev. When he found out the grandmaster would be in town this weekend, he invited him to speak at the Chessmates camp, where he’s a coach.
Gareyev entered the gymnasium to applause from the campers. Lundstrom said that in the chess world, it’s like Michael Jordan walking into the room.
“Oh my gosh, it’s so nerve-wracking.” said one camper named Sophia. “It’s really scary, but it’s also really fun to be playing a grandmaster.”