On Saturday 21st February, Stonehaven Chess Club had the great privilege of hosting Grandmaster Jacob Aagaard (2423) for a simultaneous exhibition and talk — an event that will long be remembered in the club’s history.
Jacob arrived in Stonehaven in good spirits, accompanied by his wife and their delightful golden retriever, Lucy, who quickly became the unofficial mascot of the afternoon. From the outset, the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.
An Insightful and Honest Talk
Before the simul began, Jacob delivered a thoughtful and engaging Q&A session covering his career as a player, coach and author. He spoke candidly about improvement, disciplined training habits, and the importance of structured thinking over superficial opening study — advice that resonated strongly with our members.
As part of the session, he shared two fascinating positions from classic games by Mikhail Tal. The positions sparked lively discussion and gave us a glimpse into the depth of analysis and practical understanding required at the very highest level. It was an instructive and inspiring start to the afternoon.
The Simultaneous Exhibition
Twelve Stonehaven players took part, with ratings ranging from 959 to 1691. In a generous and much-appreciated gesture, Jacob allowed participants to choose whether they wished to play White or Black — and even accommodated specific opening requests. It was a rare flexibility that made the experience feel personal and instructive.
As expected, the Grandmaster demonstrated remarkable clarity and speed, circulating the boards swiftly and applying constant pressure. Yet amid the high standard of play, two results stood out.
Michael Clayton (1291) – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment
Michael Clayton secured a memorable victory in dramatic fashion.
In a sharp middlegame, Jacob intended to trade queens — a sequence he had already visualised while moving between boards. However, in the flow of the simul he instead captured Michael’s bishop, effectively executing a variation that existed in his head rather than on the board.
The room realised what had happened almost immediately. Michael’s face lit up — perhaps just a little too obviously — which prompted laughter from those nearby. Jacob, smiling, asked whether he might take the move back. Michael, with good humour and admirable composure, declined. There was banter, and Jacob graciously played on.
The game concluded shortly afterwards, giving Michael a rare and unforgettable win against a Grandmaster.
True to competitive spirit, Jacob immediately requested a rematch — and promptly demonstrated exactly why he holds the title, dispatching Michael with clinical precision. It was a perfect illustration of elite resilience and professionalism.
Michael Clayton (1291) – GM Jacob Aagaard (2423) 1–0
Graham McKay (1691) – Holding Firm
Graham McKay produced an excellent defensive performance to secure a hard-earned draw.
In a long and complex struggle, Graham showed composure and resilience, navigating complications carefully and neutralising Jacob’s pressure. Holding a Grandmaster to a draw in any format is an achievement, and Graham’s result was richly deserved.
GM Jacob Aagaard (2423) – Graham McKay (1691) ½–½
A True Gentleman of the Game
Beyond the results, what stood out most was Jacob’s warmth and generosity. After the simul he played through key moments from several games, offering concise but powerful insights into positional evaluation and practical decision-making.
His advice throughout the afternoon was clear, grounded and refreshingly honest. For a small and growing club, the opportunity to engage so closely with a Grandmaster of his stature was a genuine privilege.
We are equally grateful to his wife for capturing the occasion with numerous photographs, and of course to Lucy, who ensured that chess was not the only highlight of the day.
For Stonehaven Chess Club — a community-driven club continuing to grow and develop — this was a landmark event. The atmosphere was competitive yet friendly, serious yet full of good humour — everything club chess should be.
A sincere thank you to Jacob for travelling to Stonehaven and giving his time so generously. It was an afternoon we will not forget.