Street chess around Boston

I've posted on here before about writing articles about chess culture and community in different parts of the world. I'm now interested in writing one about my local community here in Boston, MA. Specifically about the street chess culture here. First, besides Harvard Square, are there any other hubs of street chess around Boston? Second, does anyone here regularly play in Harvard Square (or elsewhere, if there are other such places) and have an interest in speaking with me about the street chess community? Thanks in advance!

Some guys play outside most days from about 9am to 1pm at Fanueil Hall Marketplace on the tables across from Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Also, not outdoors but there is an adult chess club that meets at the North End library in Boston every Monday at 2 PM.

According to chessgames.com Murry Turnbull died in 2023. Kind of sad. He played in Harvard Square since the early 80s. The old Boylston Chess club seems to have moved to Davis Square either in Somerville or Cambridge.

Have you ever played Jude. Not Boston but the ultimate street player.

Go @chuddog!

faneuil hall marketplace in 2018 (think I've posted these before on another thread in a different life)

Fanueil Hall at tables across from Ben & Jerry's on most warm days from morning to early afternoon there's a group of guys that play there regularly. Also on warm days in front of Fanueil Hall building, theres a guy with a chess table set up ready to play passers by but he may want a donation.

I moved from New England in 1987, so all I have left is a "funny accent."

In the summertime JP Chess Club plays on the outside tables at J.P. Licks in Jamaica Plain, Boston. During the colder months they move inside. There are no fees and sets and clocks are provided. They gather every Thursday from 6-9pm. There are around 13 boards set up and sometimes people are waiting to play. Most nights its casual chess. For more info you can visit their website at jamaicaplainchess.com 

Are they pretty consistent with being there every week?

Image: https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/

Location: Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore

There is a chess club called JP chess club, at centre st Boston MA, all clocks and sets are provided. Play is from 6pm to 9pm and is great! Around 20 people come every week. Thanks, Arik.

I'm amazed that guy didn't just walk off with the suitcase.

Hello, would anybody be willing to answer a few questions on their experience playing in chess parks and/or against chess hustlers? or would know or be a chess hustler? If so contact me @Bounscy or @

I was in New Orleans 13 years ago (I think... memory may be off by a year or so...) and played Jude at his table in the street. He didn't know who I was and offered to "give me tips or answer any questions during the game if I'm interested". I politely declined. He started getting very stressed and nervous when he realized he was losing. He pulled out a chess clock and asked that we play a timed game from then on (maybe like 15min each for the rest of the game), apparently thinking that would give him an advantage. He finally resigned soon after. Very gracious in defeat, full credit to him there. I heard the guide in a tour bus point us (well, him) out as it passed by. An amusing experience all around.

I don't know why this thread was resurrected recently, but thanks for resurrecting my old thread, I guess.

I've played in chess parks and against chess hustlers in many parts of the world. What are the questions?