On 10 October 2017, club champion Tim Paulden took on 13 challengers in Exeter Chess Club's traditional start-of season simul. Results: 1. TP 1-0 Ken Bourne (w/d) 2. TP 1-0 Quillan Wilson (w/d) 3. TP 0-1 Giles Body [best game prize] 4. TP 0.5-0.5 Sean Pope 5. TP 1-0 Harry Walker 6. TP 1-0 Richard Player (w/d) 7. TP 1-0 Richard Scholes 8. TP 0.5-0.5 Will Marjoram 9. TP 1-0 John Guard 10. TP 1-0 Brian Aldwin 11. TP 0.5-0.5 Paul O'Neill 12. TP 0.5-0.5 Leif Hafstad (w/d - draw agreed) 13. TP 0-1 Ian Simpson Final score: Champion: 9 Challengers: 4

The visitors took an early lead when, on bottom board, Brian's extra piece got sidetracked and the opposition's pawns rolled unstoppably forward. (0-1)

It looked like we would be two down when Will lost a pawn early on, but, with his opponent focussing on the Queen's-side, he picked up a piece and put together some decisive threats on the other wing. (1-1)

Always-enterprising Chris Lowe did his best to upset Trefor's solid build-up, but after some tense manoeuvres, was happy to agree a draw when White refused to be distracted. (1½-1½)