Simultaneous chess exhibition in tribute to Prince Albert I

From 1901 to 1904, the Principality hosted one of the most prestigious international chess tournaments, bringing together top players in the illustrious setting of the Monte-Carlo Casino thanks to the fantastic organisation of the Société des Bains de Mer. 
In the same way as other sports, the “noble game” contributed to the Principality’s international standing, firstly through the reports on the results which were published each day by correspondents from foreign newspapers, at a time – during the Belle Époque – when chess was held in high esteem for its intellectual and human values. 

It was therefore a great opportunity and an honour, in the presence of the Sovereign, to have been able to hark back to this event just as the current success of the TV series The Queen’s Gambit has highlighted a renewed public interest in chess. In 1903, Prince Albert I awarded the “Prince’s Cup” to the brilliant champion Harry Nelson Pillsbury, who was known for the beauty of his game and his performances – he was able to play up to 22 games blindfolded and simultaneously.

On Saturday 26 February 2022, in the atrium of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the event organised by the President of the Monte-Carlo Chess Circle, in partnership with the Prince Albert I Committee, and with the President of the European Chess Union in attendance, honoured two exceptional female players, Pia Cramling and Almira Skripchenko. These worthy representatives of the Monte-Carlo Chess Circle, the most decorated club in Europe with eight European cups – all won with Pia and Almira – each competed in simultaneous games (not blindfolded) against 16 young players, male and female, from Monaco and the Côte d’Azur, the champions of the future.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II awarded a new Prince’s Cup to Ms Pia Cramling, an international grandmaster and fantastic ambassador for the women’s game, celebrating the link between past, present and future as part of our commemorations. The simultaneous exhibition was opened by the Sovereign, who greeted each player and played the first move on each board. Results: Ms Pia Cramling won her 16 games. Ms Almira Skripchenko won 15 games and granted a draw to a young 10-year-old player, who was delighted with this feat.