New York City is a vibrant collection of glitz and glamor, home to some of the world’s top movers and shakers. It is also a renowned chess epicenter, with many clubs peppering the city. The clubs and subsequent chess matches, which take place in museums, cafes, and parks, are open to players of all skill levels. Now, New York City is set to host the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, anchoring its place among the global elite of chess enthusiasts.

NYC’s eclectic chess culture has grown significantly and is evident throughout the city. Central Park always has several matches at any given time, and the culture is displayed in libraries, restaurants, and even art galleries. 

Landmark Locations

Central Park is not the only game in town when it comes to epic chess battles and strategies. Iconic Washington Square and clubs like the Marshall Chess Club are central players in NYC. Washington Square in Greenwich Village is filled with chess tables and has hosted people from all walks of life, including Stanley Kubrick and Bobby Fischer. The Marshall Chess Club is one of the oldest in the world, offers classes and tournaments, and is a gold affiliate of the United States Chess Federation.

Larry List is a chess expert and curator at the Museum of Modern Art. MoMA has several works dedicated to the cerebral game, including notable pieces such as Man Ray’s Silver Chess Set and the Chess Table. The thought-provoking minimalist chess set and Yoko Ono’s White Chess Set are also on display. Several other cultural attractions, like The Met, also display prominent works of art dedicated to chess. 

Washington Square

Washington Square is arguably the most prominent chess location in the city. Located under the famed Washington Arch, the outdoor area has hosted some of the game’s most famous players and is a veritable school for novices. In 1917, after a night of drinking, Marcel Duchamp and other notable artists climbed the arch and declared the “Free and Independent Republic of Washington Square.” Duchamp would dedicate himself to chess, prioritizing it over his art. Chess hustlers have been a staple in Washington Square for years, contributing to its iconic culture. They play for cash and generally offer lessons for a nominal fee. 

Central Park

It is hard to pinpoint when chess became part of the fabric of Central Park, but it has been a tradition for generations. The origins of Central Park chess go back to immigrants who shaped NYC’s eclectic culture. The park provided a pleasant backdrop for the game; before long, it was the chess epicenter of the city, with permanent chess tables and gazebos.

The Chess and Checkers House, built in 1952, is one such hotspot. The gazebo, dedicated to board games, is an inviting respite for park-goers. However, it provides more than just mentally stimulating games. It is also a communal space for thinkers and a place where a wealth of information can be gleaned and shared among like-minded people.

New York City Chess Culture

Chess culture is dominant in landmark locations like the Chess Forum Café, which has been open since the mid-1990s. The café offers chess sets, books, and related memorabilia. It is also open to matches, and it is not uncommon for several games to be played at once. The atmosphere coincides with the Greenwich Village hipster scene. Near the counter are photos of Sting and Robin Williams playing chess, and players of all levels come and go throughout the day.

Online chess has made its definitive mark, and there has been a decline in traditional chess playing. However, the culture still thrives in New York City, and the clubs and parks stand as a testament to the vast history and future of the beloved game.