Playing Chess in Central Park

Hi all,

       Does anybody know about playing chess in central park? I am going to NYC tonight and tomorrow and while my girlfriend is busy during the day, I would like to play chess in the park. I did research and came across the Chess and Checkers house in the park. Do people really play there everyday? Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Take care,

-Rob

I know of chess being played at Bryant Park (near the Library), Washington Square Park (in the Village near NYU), Union Square but not anything specific in Central Park. Remember Central Park is quite large and finding the right spot is tricky. You may want to call the Marshall CC (on West 10th Street) and ask them if they know of anyplace in Central Park to play.

There was an article in Chess Life on the Chess and Checkers house  in Central in the part a couple of months back, but I don't have the issue with me now. Why don't you try Washington Square Park, it is tiny, the chess tables can't be missed, and you can visit the nearby chess bookstores on Thompson Street?

i've never played at Washington Square, but i've watched...  play there

How is the play at Washington Square Park? Where is it in relation to Central Park? I don't know exactly where my hotel is, but I was told it is about 10 blocks from Central Park. Does anybody know the number of the Marshall CC ?

Thank you so much to everybody giving advice!

-Rob

You're probably staying south of Central Park, somewhere between 36th and 47th street. If so, Washington Square Park is still further south, close to 4th street. Try to take a subway DOWNTOWN to Union Square, this is a major communications hub on 14th street. From there just walk south till you reach 4th street and turn right. Should take you right to the Park.

Here's another question: I've been told to watch out for "chess hustlers" and the sort. How strong are these so called hustlers? I just watched a video on youtube of some guy who apparently is a famous hustler and I didn't think he looked that strong of a player. I'm not really looking to go play for money, but I don't mind paying a few bucks if it means I will get better games there.

You will have to pay a few bucks to play anybody--these people make a living playing all comers. They are usually able to determine how good one is. It is all a hustle. Any of the places mentioned are fairly easy to get to from midtown where you are staying

As for the Marshall--use Google to get that information

The "hustlers" are probably Class A or Expert players. They do demand a fee, usually 3-5 dollars per game. They are a tight community, making a living by playing chess, so you will not find partners for casual chess there. Nonetheless, the experience is worth the money in my opinion. They like to make comments during the game, which may distract you, but I find it fun.

The better players are Master or stronger blitz players--plus they have honed their skills playing thousands of such games so they are stronger than you think. Most are pretty nice to play an dI have always had fun playing at the various sites.

I personally would not do that but there is no harm in doing that.

Sounds good. Do you know what the best time to find a game may be? Would there be games at 10am or 11am?

I played some chess in Washington Square park during my vacation in NYC, fun times. I <3 NYC.

Let us know how it went.

It went well. I played a guy named Flash in some 5 0 blitz games and we split some games. He's a pretty strong player. I'm not a blitz player at all but he knew what he was doing. Then I played some other guys and did pretty well. You really can't judge these guys on their looks though because they were strong players.

Here is a really interesting puzzle that one of the players there showed me. The solution is quite brilliant.

Play chess in Central Park !

http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-see/south-end/chess-checkers-house.html

Here is a little bit of what the chess players of Washington Square Park are like - https://vimeo.com/33945100

Well, I've already seen it, but didn't remember the moves. finally solved it: 1.Nxg6+ fxg6 2.Bf6+ Qxf6 3.Rc4+ Kg5 4.h4+ Kf5 5.g4+ hxg4 6.Rf4+ Bxf4 7.e4# Brilliant.

@chandaman,

"... black has a difficult game."  LOL!  Isn't black already in Zugzwang?  Perhaps just an understatement..  after 4. Rxf4+ Qxf4 5. exf4 Kg4....

...6. Ke4  ...and you can smell the toast burning...