When I am travelling I enjoy seeking out public places where people play chess, and are open to games with strangers. I am thinking of places where you can show up on any given day and have a good chance to find someone to play, as opposed to a chess club, which is more likely to be a weekly event, or somesuch. Below is a list of some that I am aware of:
New York, Manhattan: Washington Square park, SW corner. Mostly these games are played for money ($3 to winner).
San Francisco: 5th and Market, rent a table for $.50, competition is easy to find, but bring your own clock.
Also, Mechanics Institute Chess Club/Library, 51 Post st.(i think). $4 to enter, open daily.
Berkeley. CA: In and outside Cafe Mediteranean mostly on weekends.
New Orleans, LA: Canal Below Rampart. Kind of a small scene but the guys are friendly, and you can get a game.
Also, pay to play Jude Acers at the French Market. It's worth it for the conversation.
Santa Cruz, CA: Cafe @ Borders. Also kind of a small scene, but you can get a game usually. Quite a quirky group of guys!
Mexico City, Mexico: Alameda Square, lower corner below Rivera's Museo Mural. Rent a board, I think.
San Cristobal, Chiapas, MX: Cafe @ Av. Insurgentes and Francisco Leon. Chess boards available, along with great local coffee. small scene.
Sacramento, CA: Java City Weatherstone, 812 21st St. Small scene, pick up games.
Originally posted by PawnBroker99thanks for the tip, Pawn. I recently found a site that tries to provide a complete list of public chess gatherings worldwide. here is the link : http://homepage.mac.com/billtomlinson/Chessnut/hangouts/
fyi.....Boston's Harvard Square area has a bustling, vibrant street chess scene, with regular players and chess 'hustlers' alike, pushing the wood around.......
d-😀
