Chess aficionados of all ages will find plenty to keep them entertained the week of November 5-10 as the Santa Monica Public Library celebrates the game of chess by hosting a variety of events.  Chess Grand Master Var Akobian, California’s highest rated chess player and only 23 years old, will play against twenty challengers simultaneously; an invitational blitz tournament will be open to the public to observe; and experienced chess players will offer free coaching and strategy tips for all ages and skill levels.

Chess Grand Master Var Akobian will play a simultaneous demonstration match against twenty challengers on Saturday, November 10 at the Fairview Branch, located at 2101 Ocean Park Blvd. Registration to play or just to observe is open to the public as of Oct. 22 and is by e-mail to akobianlibrary@gmail.com.  In a simultaneous demonstration, also known as a "simul," one player, usually a chess master or grand master, walks from board to board around the room making one move at each board.  The opponents are expected to make a move when the demonstrator arrives at the board.  For many players, this is the only chance they will ever have to play someone of that caliber. This program is made possible by the support of The Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library.

The Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., will host a Youth and Family Chess session on Monday, Nov. 5 from 4-6:30 in the Youth Area Activity Room.  All skill levels are invited to attend and instruction will be provided.

The Library’s Youth Chess program will meet as usual from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7 at the Ocean Park Branch, 2601 Main Street and on Thursday, November 8 at the Fairview Branch.  This weekly program welcomes children ages 3 through high school from beginner to advanced a chance to improve their game with free instruction provided.  Experienced chess players will also be on hand to offer coaching and strategy tips from 7-8:45 p.m. on those dates at the two locations for adults interested in learning or improving their game. 

On Tuesday, November 6 from 7 to 8:45 p.m. an Invitational Blitz Tournament will be held at the Ocean Park Branch.  Blitz chess is a form of chess where the participants are given a very short time (usually five or ten minutes) to complete their game. While participation is by invitation only, the public is invited to sign up to observe by e-mailing smgotchessblitz@gmail.com.  Audience members will get a chance to see some expert players play a lot of games in a very short period. This event is produced by the Santa Monica Bay Chess Club and sponsored by the Main Street Business Improvement Association. 

For more information, contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600; or visit the Library’s web site at www.smpl.org.