Set a teaching goal
Choose whether the exercise is about planning, defending or applying a specific theme. Tell students what you want them to notice. A simul should give you a view of their decisions, not just a list of results.
Prepare the lobby and invitations
You can prepare a simul lobby with CoachMate's free tools. Starting the live simul requires Solo. Solo allows one live room at a time, so finish another live activity before starting this one.
- Add the intended students and check the pairing list.
- Choose a time control that leaves room for your travel between boards.
- Send the appropriate private invitations and check attendance.
- Explain how students should ask for help or report a connection problem.
Keep the pace understandable
Move between boards in a predictable rhythm. Ask students to prepare a candidate move while waiting. If one position needs a longer explanation, save it for the review so the other boards do not become an unplanned waiting room.
Watch the clocks and the connection state rather than assuming every silent student is thinking. For a first simul, use fewer boards than you think you can handle.
Turn the games into the next lesson
Choose two or three moments that illustrate the learning goal. Ask each student what they were trying to achieve, then explore an alternative together. A drawn or lost game can provide the most useful position.
Save the relevant PGNs or lesson positions and assign one follow-up task. Keep invitations and personal information out of any material you share publicly.