Chess in Central Park!

Chess players from ages 4 to 78 arrived to battle it out in the 17th annual Chess in the Schools tournament sponsored by New York Parks and Recreation. 

Young players were treated like celebrities being interviewed for local TV and news!

Shaun Smith - Master of Ceremonies kept the tournament running smooth all day!

Shaun M. Smith, Director of School Programs for Chess in the Schools, was quoted saying, "Chess players from ages 4 to 78 were present today to play in this tournament!" He also believed that the Central Park tournament is the largest outdoor tournament in the world with around 800 participants. 

Special thanks to the great staff of Chess in the Schools and New York City Parks and Recreation for not only running a great event, but also providing fresh fruit and ice water throughout the event!

The beautiful Bethesda fountain surrounded by chess playing kids!

GM Maxim Dlugy and GM Robert Hess analyze as IM Yury Lasphun listens.

In addition to the main event, GM's Robert Hess and Maxim Dlugy played a 2 game blitz match for the fans. The New York heat must have inspired GM Hess who won both games in exciting fashion! The match was all in good fun, and the fans enjoyed watching the battles!

GM Robert Hess spent the day talking with players and fans of chesskid.com!

This well run annual tournament is like no other chess tournament! Chess lovers of all ages should make plans to attend this event next summer! Start making plans!