YORK chess player Paul Hopwood put his moves to the test when he played six simultaneous games of chess - while blindfolded.

The amazing show of skill, which saw 21-year-old Paul win four and draw two of the matches against fellow members of York Chess Club, helped to raise £190 for the York Special Care Baby Unit.

Paul, of Fulford, said the "simultaneous display" at the York Railway Institute attracted spectators who donated funds to the good cause.

Paul, who had previously played four simultaneous games and said he had a very good memory, played by calling out his moves to an assistant who moved his pieces on the six boards.

He said: "I was very pleased with my performance, not just the score line but the fact that I went through without losing a game.

"I was banking on losing at least one.

"We had about 25 spectators and we chose the baby unit because one of the club members had a daughter who was cared for at the unit."

Paul and one of the six players, club captain Paul Brooks, 41, of Acomb, visited the baby unit to hand over the cheque and share some of their chess skills with the medical staff.

Updated: 09:23 Thursday, June 12, 2003