GM Anish Giri's Visit Thrills Chicago Chess Community

 

The 9th-ranked player in the world drew an overflow crowd to a short question-and-answer session followed by some thrilling blitz simuls.

Anish Giri, a Dutch-based grandmaster, appeared at a reception sponsored by the electronic trading firm Optiver at their offices at Prudential Plaza, August 18.

Dozens of familiar faces in the Illinois chess community jumped at the chance to meet the GM.

Giri, in only his second visit to the United States, generously answered questions from the assembled, representing both Optiver employees and regulars to US Chess tournaments including GM Dmitry Gurevich, FM Sam Schmakel, and FM Gauri Shankar (the 5th, 6th and 9th rated players in Illinois).

The ICA was well-represented with President Bill Buklis, Vice President David Franklin and Treasurer Bill Brock in attendance.

Illinois youth included Matthew Stevens, William Cahill, Adam Bareket, Gabe Panner, Abhy Venkat, Madhav Parthasarathy, Layla Rodriguez and Aria Hoesley.

First Grader Anshul Shetty asked if Giri recommended more studying end games or openings... to which the grandmaster advocated for a delicate balance depending on one's station in chess. 

"Board vision" and overcoming plateaus (and slumps) were also fodder for advice requests from the chess-playing audience.

Giri answered questions ranging from his opening preferences to his predilection for drawing.

He suggested the commonality between chess and trading positions in the financial markets is the ability to overcome disappointment and return to the board with a "clean slate" in the mind.

The 23-year old advised that recovery from emotional setbacks is an important quality in both games as well as business.

Under 8 World Youth Representative Dimitar Mardov was generously gifted a gorgeous wood chess set autographed by the visiting GM.

More to come as time permits.