08 Feb 07
He has a table set up in Harvard square I think, where he plays all comers for a buck, he is an IM rated at about 2400 USCF. I almost got him one game but of course almost isn't horseshoes.
He is only 800 points higher than me🙂
I have this little fantasy: you get someone like Magnus Carlson, now rated close to 2700, little 16 year old snot, but a brilliant one. Then have him casually walk up with a little fraidy cat attitude and then kick butt. I would give my left gonad to see that game and the look on McDonalds face🙂
08 Feb 07
Originally posted by sonhouseI have played there. There is a guy who frequents there that calls himself the "chess master." He wears a straw hat. I think he is rated a little over 2000.
He has a table set up in Harvard square I think, where he plays all comers for a buck, he is an IM rated at about 2400 USCF. I almost got him one game but of course almost isn't horseshoes.
He is only 800 points higher than me🙂
I have this little fantasy: you get someone like Magnus Carlson, now rated close to 2700, little 16 year old snot, but a brillia ...[text shortened]... nd then kick butt. I would give my left gonad to see that game and the look on McDonalds face🙂
08 Feb 07
Originally posted by spartan warriorThat is the guy I think, but he is not an expert but a real live IM.
I have played there. There is a guy who frequents there that calls himself the "chess master." He wears a straw hat. I think he is rated a little over 2000.
MacDonald or McDonald I think. He sets up a card table affair out in the open area of the square. That strike a bell? I guess if you lived there ( I just was visiting my daughter who was attending Berkelee School of Music) he could be a good resource to check out openings you wanted to learn. I imagine he is available as an instructor also, he would make more money doing that than 5 minute games, I mean think about it, a buck a game, 5 minute, maximum 12 games an hour even if people were lined up one after another, probably even at that only 10 games an hour max, 10 bucks an hour, he must be doing it only for lunch money. In 8 hours, 80 bucks max? That would suck as a way to make a living so obviously its just for lunch money.
08 Feb 07
Originally posted by sonhouseIM Neil McDonald has written a few books including the excellent Chess: The Art of Logical Thinking which I highly recommend. I know nothing of his playing career however.
That is the guy I think, but he is not an expert but a real live IM.
MacDonald or McDonald I think. He sets up a card table affair out in the open area of the square. That strike a bell? I guess if you lived there ( I just was visiting my daughter who was attending Berkelee School of Music) he could be a good resource to check out openings you wanted to le ...[text shortened]... , 80 bucks max? That would suck as a way to make a living so obviously its just for lunch money.
08 Feb 07
Originally posted by alurapYeah, I remember Turnbull, McDonald is younger. Interesting article. I was confused at first when every name was George Blabber, '76, then talk about him. I figured out the '76 meant the year they graduated.
Here is a link to the "straw hat guy":
http://www.harvardmagazine.com/on-line/1102196.html
08 Feb 07
Originally posted by UndeadNightOrcI went to washington aquare once and played probably a 1600 or so for 3 bucks! and an IM is charging 1?
Didn't Chessisvanity say he was from Boston?
I wish I had an IM selling games for a buck near where I live. I'd drop by every now and then to get a feel of what it's like to heavily outplayed from move 4 and on 🙂
I got ripped off!😀