Kingston FM David Maycock scored 14/16 in an entertaining simul at the United Reformed Church on 22 June 2026, but was bested by Ye Kwaw in a rollercoaster game
The latest event in Kingston Chess Club’s summer programme was a simultaneous display by FM David Maycock. This is an event in which a titled or strong player plays games against a large number of opponents at once, in effect with a fraction of their thinking time for each move. David was Kingston’s most successful player in league chess in the 2025-26 season, with a win over GM Matthew Wadsworth among many others, and on occasions played some spectacular games.
The event is harder for the display-giver the more players there are, the stronger they are, and the more complicated are the games. Monday’s event took place over 16 boards. The opposition included club secretary Alan Scrimgour, known for achieving solid results against titled players on level terms when he represents Scotland in seniors events, club captain Stephen Moss, and a mixture of club regulars, some younger players and some welcome guests.
True to his principles, David played attacking chess and critical lines on every board, and took 14 points from the 16 possible, including a fine sacrificial effort against the hapless Moss. David conceded two draws. He had a fluctuating struggle with Alan, who won a pawn and then sacrificed the exchange winning a second pawn in the process, leading to a late middle game in which it was hard for either side to make progress. And there was a wild game with Eion Fox, in which David sacrificed four pawns for a dangerous attack, Eion managed to find his way through the complications and exchange queens, but in the two-pawns-down ending David retained just enough initiative to rescue the draw.
The only winner among the participants was Ye Kyaw, who was under heavy pressure but then, as we see below, spotted an opportunity to turn the tables just before David could mate him. A reminder that in any game of chess a single mistake can turn the whole game, and even the very strongest players can make them, so do not despair.
Peter Andrews is chair of Kingston Chess Club