Chess places in New York

Marshall Chess Club

https://www.marshallchessclub.org/newvisitors

A legendary venue, established in 1915. All possible (and impossible) chess titans have played here—from Capablanca to Fischer.

Chess Forum

A store plus a club for playing. You’ll definitely always find someone to play with or discover rare chess items.

https://www.chessforum.com/pages/about-us

Union Square

At the intersection of 4th St & Broadway. The famous chess hustlers play here—usually for money. You can always watch, but keep in mind that these players are more focused on winning cash from tourists than anything else.

Central Park

Near the Chess & Checkers House (close to 65th St).

Washington Square Park

In Manhattan, near the Washington Square Arch. Again, chess hustlers—so always be clear about the game's conditions before playing.

Graves of Steinitz and Lasker

The burial sites of the first and second World Chess Champions, Wilhelm Steinitz and Emanuel Lasker.