Learn Chess From A Grandmaster In Washington Square Park: What To Know

WEST VILLAGE, NY — Chess lovers can get the chance to learn from and play against a grandmaster this weekend in Washington Square Park.

The Washington Square Chess Exhibition will take place for free on Saturday in the iconic West Village park from noon to 4 p.m.

The afternoon will begin with a chess strategy lecture by Grandmaster John Fedorowicz, a Bronx native, who who has won five World Open titles and is a member of the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame.

The event will take place in the southwest park pathway next to the Chess Plaza.

The competition will begin at 1 p.m., when Feorowicz will take on 23 players at once.

Any player that earns a draw against the grandmaster will get a free lesson, and anybody who checkmates him will get two free lessons.

All types of players are encouraged to join the competition and five places will be reserved for players 12 and under.

You can register to play in the competition on the Washington Square Association's website — the neighborhood organization that is hosting the chess event.

This year's rendition of the event will be dedicated to the memory of James Polshek, a longtime Greenwich Village resident and world-renowned architect. Polshek was also a Washington Square Association Board Member.