“Every chess master was once a beginner.”
— Irving Chernev,
Ukrainian-American chess player and chess writer
Cries of “Chess player! Chess player!” from the southwest corner of Washington Square Park, at MacDougal and W. Fourth Streets, entice competition, often at a price. Spring’s warmer weather welcomes more challengers to the regular players. Every spring a renewal, and every game an opportunity. Stop by to test your skill.
— Philip Maier
![](https://thevillagesun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chess-Washingtion-Square-2-copy-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://thevillagesun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chess-Washingtion-Square-1-copy-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://thevillagesun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chess-Washingtion-Square-3-copy-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://thevillagesun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chess-Washingtion-Square-4-copy-1024x682.jpg)
I was such a poor chess player that I befuddled my opponents, who could never figure out what my game plan was because there was none! And a friend, Eli, was a terrific winning chess player, but always lost to his cousin. Why? Because it was his cousin who taught Eli how to play!