N.Y.C. Chess

I'm going to N.Y. C. soon with the family. I told them that I've already been a number of times and will spend this trip sitting in the park playing chess. I will be quite content doing this for the duration of our visit. What can peeps tell me about that? Am I going to get a game? Do you have to play? Will I be robbed? Is it just speed chess?

You can play on 34th and Broadway.. They have 5 minute blitz games for two dollars. It's a good experience. There's a tournmane being held on Sunday.

And, you're being a bit dramatic asking if you'll be robbed. 

I've played in Washington Square Park.  They're pretty decent players, ranging from maybe 1600 strength up to expert. I played a number of 5-minute $5 games.  Some of them wouldn't play me anymore after I beat them -- after all, they're not there for amusement, they want the money.  After their ringer (I think they called him "The Boss", he was telling me he was in Searching for Bobby Fischer) won back their money, I was still waiting for my friend to show up, so they just played me for some practice after that.  As far as the play, it is like in the movie -- fast, aggressive, tactical.  They will try to intimidate and distract you -- again, they're playing for the money.

Is the Marshall or Manhattan Chess Club still open?  If I was back in NYC with chess time to kill, I wouldn't mind checking out one of those places.

Washington Square Park. Maybe the better players have returned.

Bryant Park is a good place for games.  In good weather there are games going on from 11 (sometimes earlier) until dark.  The NY Chess and Backgammon club has a section near the outdoor reading room.  Look for the clusters of people standing around watching the games.  If you take your own set and clock it may make it easier to get games.