Cornered at the Park Table

| Photo by Isaac White

New York, NY — About a dozen chess tables placed in a somewhat circular formation occupy the southwest corner of Washington Square Park. These tables are permanently installed for anyone in the public to use at their leisure. However, they are typically inhabited by regular competitors who outwardly invite any and all passersby to a round of chess. These older men spend a lot of time at this spot. The corner is their home away from home, or rather, their source of income.

“I’ve only been here for about eight months, but some of the other guys have been here for around 30 years,” said Aaron. 

Aaron is a high school student, unlike the other table main stayers. He wears a brown afro, white polo and a calm expression while waiting for pedestrians to fall into his trap.

“I have about a 90 percent win rate,” he claims.

The only real thing that is asked of a helpless victim who stumbles upon the park corner is a small amount of compensation. 

“I ask that you give me five dollars if I win,” Aaron explains at the beginning of each round. He should have said “when” he wins. Considering New York’s high cost of living, it’s understandable why the chess players don’t perform their skills for free. 

“On a good weekend day, I can make up to a hundred dollars.” 

It’s a semi-passive source of income. He can have fun with their serious hobby while simultaneously getting a little out of it. 

“I enjoy chess a lot. It’s a good side-hustle for making money after school,” Aaron says.

A well-balanced ambiance surrounds the corner next to MacDougal St. and West 4th St. The concentrated number of trees in the park supply shade against the sun. The environment feels like an outdoor coffee shop, but removed just enough from the adjacent roads, making it perfect for a relaxing and easygoing competition. 

On the chess tables are regular piece sets, with the white pieces on the side of the about-to-be loser. The players automatically take advantage of the second-turn strategy tactic. They also placed timers next to the table board where they record how long it takes them to embarrass their opponent. The regulars are polite and aren’t there to rub in their success, at least not out loud to the loser themselves.

“Sometimes there are regulars that come by. Sometimes you’ll get some really good people or chess masters that come around,” said Aaron. 

Those who are interested in chess a little more seriously than casual play can request lessons. 

“I do give lessons. But they are meant to show the student how to teach themselves. So, I really don’t have long standing lessons,” said Aaron.

It’s easy to conclude that this should be expected of an unofficially professional player. Why would they give out their best secrets and bits of knowledge?

In a city filled with the intensities of high-pressure work, over-glorified marketing and abundant tourism, it’s almost peculiar to find a pocket of consistent melodic peace. Despite being near the famous Washington Square Arch, the corner isn’t particularly bothered with overly anxious activity. That doesn’t mean there isn’t absolutely zero excitement to be found at the chess tables.

Aaron implies that he has aspirations beyond the mere public chess table. 

“This Sunday a grand chess master is coming. And I’m gonna try to challenge him,” said Aaron, setting up a cornering checkmate move.