Competitive vs Casual
At a club level, what prevails most common among NYC chess?
With the expansion of Bushwick Chess’ recent population during summer-time outdoor additions and new events, we want look at the dual focus of the club’s casual and competitive dynamics. What works best for you, whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a fair fight or just starting out we’ll find your niche (or Nook).
Competitive Chess: Do The Hard Thing
Tournament chess can seem daunting. From Astoria Blitz Tournaments and institutional chess at the likes of Marshall Chess Club, to your own backyard of Bushwick Chess, the front door of the competitive scene can seem stuck shut. But alas, players of all skill levels, everyone else is in for the same as you!
With tonight’s Club Rapid, the clubs more serious event approaching, players looking to try their luck against some of our best can surely find it. Bushwick Chess Rapid runs a locally rated, five round swiss style tournament with 10|2 increment seeing players from first time drop ins to Masters of all skill levels. Does this mean you’re facing masters five games in a row? Well, that depends on how well you perform (and if they’re all in the house.)
With a Swiss system, players can rely on their pairings to fairly balance out your opponents, making competition feel more manageable as losing games basically guarantees you facing slightly more favorable opposition. The same goes at the likes of Marshall Chess Club, though the players average ELO, as the kids would say, go crazy.
There are a ton of locally and nationally rated tournaments in the city, with internationally rated events at the most prestigious spaces and usually you’ll always find a good fight when the stats get involved. As a club who found its roots in unrated events, we can’t shy away from the joy of being an unknown 2200 shark stepping into the club for the first time in a single elim knockout event, but it’s nice to know what strength you’re up against for the most part. The NYCR system will celebrate it’s six-month anniversary next month, so come get a game in before the next Top 40 Players List!
Casual Chess: The Case For Keeping it Chill
Thankfully there are FAR more players to play casually than competitively around the city, from Prospect Parks relaxed alternative format events (though careful there are many strong players about), to the traditional open invite club nights from Jazz + Chess at Ridgewick Chess to more playful auras at Queers Gambit, North Brooklyn and Club Chess.
The case for casual chess is quite simple, who cares about ratings anyways? Don’t you just want to enjoy yourself, kick back to a little bughouse between friends and call it a day? Tournament players, it’s okay casual chess isn’t real, it can’t hurt you. Whether you’re just down for a couple games on the way to the show or just want to relax from the constant state of results bias that comes along with seeing a couple numbers by your name.
There have never been this many places to pick chess up for the first time, and more clubs are opening seemingly every other week. Newer wave venues such as Park Slope and Williamsburg Chess have been bringing in whole new crowds of locals looking for a spot nearby. As always, Bushwick Chess will keep the casual nights in the rotation to let loose along with the rest of the city during summer fun. Maybe even stretch your mind and body this weekend at Daya Yoga’s Chess Yoga with Glo!
Was Gothamchess wrong about NYC chess club scene? Are there enough clubs expanding the minds of players across the city from every age, race, socio-economic background? Or should community leaders and organizers be pushing for more to bolster the community? Let us know in the comments! With the three-year anniversary of Bushwick Chess looming at the end of summer, we are looking to keep growing alongside all the stunning players and clubs building together.
As always, thanks so much for reading along with us and keep an eye out on our Instagram or keep up on Discord to keep connected with your community. Much love chess players, see you over the board!
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