Pragg Plays the People in NYC

Transformation was in the air near St. John’s Carnesecca Arena in New York City over the Fourth of July weekend as the swooshes and thumps of basketballs on hoops were exchanged for the knocks and taps of pawns on chessboards for a series of simuls put on over two days by Indian GM Rameshbabu “Pragg” Praggnanandhaa.

GM Rameshbabu “Pragg” Praggnanandhaa playing a simul at St. John's in New York City. Photo: Jay Kleinman

The event, sponsored by FeTNA, the National Organization of Tamil Language Speakers, was arranged to honor the grandmaster for his many achievements in the chess world. Pragg earned his GM title at the tender age of 12 and earlier this year became the youngest player ever to defeat Magnus Carlsen. Still only 16, he checks in on FIDE’s July rating list at 2648, making him both the 11th highest rated junior in the world and 105th overall.

Over the two-day event, Pragg played roughly 70 players in the simuls and didn’t give up as much as a single draw. Each day started with a blindfold simul against four players and then continued with several successive non-blind simuls against about 10 players each. The numbers are a little deceiving, though, as Pragg graciously allowed new players to jump in when games finished early. Some of those players bucked tradition by giving themselves white, but there was no objection from the always courteous Pragg.

Pragg makes his way between boards at the special NYC simul. Photo: Jay Kleinman

GM Praggnanandhaa giving his opponents trouble during a blindfold simul. Photo: Jay Kleinman

Pragg, who came to the U.S. just for this event, is very proud that Chennai will be hosting the FIDE Olympiad later this month, and he thanked the Indian Chess Federation for helping to bring it to India. He stated that there are a lot of very strong teams competing, and he believes it will be a tough event.

Reflecting on the recently concluded Candidates tournament, Pragg said he’s looking forward to the rematch between Nepo and Carlsen and thinks it will be interesting.

When asked for tips on improving, Pragg said: “Enjoy chess, first of all. Don’t worry about the results. Put in 100% effort and do hard work at home.”