Тимур Гареев

48 blindfold boards - The tale behind the record https://en.chessbase.com/post/48-blindfold-boards-the-tale-behind-the-record 1/14/2017 – On December 4, 2016, Timur Gareyev played against 48 opponents in a blindfold simul that lasted nearly 20 hours to set the new world record, a truly unbelievable exhibition of human strength and stamina. However, the road to the record was one of extensive preparation during which he met with leading experts in memory techniques, and even brought in the last surviving opponent of Najdorf's 1947 record, 92-year-old Luciano Andrade. Here is the full story behind the world record. During the first half of the 20th century, there was a rush to break the record for the most blindfold games at a time, starting with the great Harry Pillsbury, who set the standard with 20 boards in 1900. The record was increased at alternate intervals by two champions vying for that final word in blindfold records: Richard Reti and Alexander Alekhine, who step by step raised the number to 32 boards. George Koltanonowski claimed the record at 34 boards, but was soon surpassed by the brilliant Miguel Najdorf.