📰 Read about the event on the West Orange Board of Education website
📸 View our photo gallery from the simul
Reflection by Himansh Rathod (Age 10)
Hi everyone, My name is Himansh Rathod, and I’m 10 years old. First, I just want to say a huge thank you to GM Abhimanyu Mishra. Playing chess against you today was like trying to solve ten puzzles at the same time — while my brain was shouting, “Help!” Even though I didn’t win (okay… not even close!), it was still the coolest thing ever. I mean, how often do you get to play against a Grand Master who can think faster than a calculator? I also learned something important: chess isn’t just about moving pieces — it’s about being brave, using your imagination, and sometimes, just hoping your opponent doesn’t see your sneaky plan. (Spoiler: the Grand Master always sees it!) Thank you to the organizers for setting this up, and to all the players who joined. I had so much fun, and I know this is a day I’ll never forget. One day, maybe if I practice really, really, REALLY hard, I’ll come back and give the Grand Master some tough competition. But for now… thank you for inspiring me! Good night!
My Experience Playing GM Abhimanyu Mishra
By Devina Shah (Age 13)
Founder of Queens of the Board Girls Chess Club
When my coach, Andrew Chan, and my dad told me I’d get to play in a simul against Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra at the local West Orange Chess Club, I couldn’t believe it. Abhimanyu Mishra — the youngest grandmaster in history — coming to the very club where I’ve played so many times? And I would be sitting at one of the boards? The news made my heart jump.
4 Days Before
I told everyone — my little sister (who immediately asked if I would win; I told her I’d do my best), my friends, and my cousins. My coach explained that the simul wasn’t just for fun — it was also a fundraiser to help GM Mishra train and travel to international tournaments. That made it feel even more meaningful. We weren’t just playing chess; we were helping someone chase his dream.
2 Days Before
The simul was all I could think about. I pictured the West Orange Chess Club transformed — the boards arranged in a U-shape, players of all ages focused and determined, and GM Mishra gliding from board to board, making great chess look effortless. My personal goal was simple: enjoy the game, stay calm, and give it my best shot.
The Night Before
I couldn’t fall asleep. I kept imagining the moment GM Mishra would walk into the club and everyone would burst into applause. My dad reminded me that playing a grandmaster — and not just any grandmaster, but the youngest one in history — was an opportunity very few players ever get. By showing up, we weren’t just playing; we were supporting his journey toward even greater achievements.
Event Evening
When we arrived, the club felt different — buzzing with energy. Everyone was excited, voices overlapping, the atmosphere almost electric. When GM Mishra entered, he greeted each player with a warm smile and handshake before the games began. The room quickly shifted into quiet focus as players leaned into their boards, searching for the best moves. When it was my turn, I steadied my breathing and made my move. GM Mishra circled the room calmly and confidently, but every time he returned to my board my heart raced. I carefully recorded every move — I wanted to remember this game forever.
After the Game
In the end, I lost my game. But I walked away proud. I had played against a grandmaster — someone who has dedicated countless hours to mastering chess — and I did it face-to-face, not just online. Even more importantly, I had been part of an event that would help him continue striving toward his own goals.
Final Thoughts
The simul wasn’t just about playing a grandmaster. It was about being part of a chess community that believes in supporting one another’s dreams, the same reason why I started my girls chess club. I’m grateful to the West Orange Chess Club for hosting such an inspiring event and giving me the chance to be a part of it.