Yesterday we played with three boards on a garden table, from 7 in the evening until 11. I usually bring several sorts of chess sets, even though there is no need for it, this time I offered my first adversaire to choose from knubbel (now better known as Danish Union), 1950ies Klubovka and 60ies/70ies Spanish pieces from Galicia. Everybody always checks out the designs, then opts for the most Staunton, in this case the Spanish.
We played quickly, I forgot a central pawn, then he forgot two, then I invaded and landed a win, after 25 minutes. In this circle of friends, we are playing without clock. I switched boards and produced a clock, because the games between my new opponent and me tend to go for hours. I could never convince him to use a clock but this time. We tried, that is. But, after two moves into a Sicilian, clocks set to 60 minutes each for the game, he uttered disapproval and me, sensing disgruntlement on the rise, I took my beautiful, silent Jerger wind up clock from the table and we continued with no limits, as always.
In this circle, there is no touch move- rather clock move, but without clock. And you can ask for takebacks- I don't ask, while I grant- and there is active kibitzing. I struggle getting used to it! Facing what seemed like mate, my neighbour on the next table gave up, shaking his opponent's hand. Innocently, I offered a possible king escape to the centre- and they took up the game again and the player that lost went on to win.
Under these circumstances, you may have to win a game like three times- but when you win it, you have won it three times, alright. It's like it is a real win only then. Interesting!
The story went, that me and my clock allergic opponent passed the three hour mark again. His defense took time. But it was for the best: I had believed I am through to his king, winning, several times, while he came up with funny retreats and kick-out counter-attacks against my invading pieces. To think that there was competitive chess before the chess clock.. but it makes sense, people allowed another to come up with the best move they could. I got presented many a good move- which my adversaire would not have found- or even have been in the mood to find- had I insisted on a clock.
Chess at the local: Under the dome of the night sky, full moon lighting up a single giant sheet of an electro-magnetically rippled cloud, I was trading down my whole mating attacking army, dragging away the enemy king from the last attacker, my a-pawn, queening 
Appreciate the positive feedback, all!
The park still has that, according to a Google Review from a week ago, @yenster1. So you ought to swing by again soon! (Lemme know when… 😎)
The policeman was a really nice and forthright guy. (I haven’t always had great interactions with Boys in Blue; especially in my 20’s, but I’m working on it…) It was a pleasant and worthwhile encounter, and really hope they continue to build bridges. Much respect.
His partner teased that he had a Chess Life mag on his desk, so yeah, he’s taking chess seriously. More kudos! Maybe we’ll see others’ photos there, here, soon? GL HF