Apart from the scenery, Union Square Park has long been a popular gathering spot for chess players.
The park’s chess scene is known for its vibrant and competitive atmosphere.
With players of various skill levels engaging in daily battles, chess enthusiasts (both locals and visitors) gather at the park to test their skills, challenge opponents, and engage in friendly competitions.
On any given day, you can expect to see numerous chess boards set up throughout the park, with players deeply focused on their games.
Skilled chess players, ranging from amateurs to experienced individuals, come together to engage in strategic battles and showcase their prowess on the chessboard.
Overall, Union Square Park offers a vibrant chess culture where chess battles take place daily, providing a unique and exciting experience for both players and spectators alike.
A player undercover
In a YouTube video that now has over 8.4 million views, a woman and her daughter decided to take on one chess hustler in Union Square Park.
But what exactly is a “chess hustler” and do they make a living out of playing chess in the park?
According to chesseasy.com, “A highly skilled chess hustler who is aware of the ins and outs of the game may make up to USD$400 per day with enough tourist traffic. In addition, the hustler can charge $3 for a no wager game, and if you want to bet, the winner gets $5. Hustlers can also offer 30-minute lessons for $20 as another income stream.”
Turns out, the woman is no ordinary because she’s none other than Pia Cramling…
A Grandmaster!
Pia Cramling is a Swedish chess player and a prominent figure in the world of chess.
She was born on April 23, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden.
Cramling achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster in 1983 and became Sweden’s first female International Grandmaster in 1992.
She has represented Sweden in numerous chess Olympiads and has been a consistent presence in the top ranks of women’s chess for several decades.
She has won multiple Swedish Women’s Chess Championships
She has competed in the Women’s World Chess Championship on several occasions.
She is known for her solid and strategic playing style and has contributed to the development of women’s chess.
Cramling has also competed in open tournaments against male players.
Each time, she’s demonstrating her skill and versatility.
She has earned victories over several renowned chess players, including Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov.
Pia Cramling’s dedication and accomplishments have made her one of the most respected and admired chess players, both in Sweden and internationally.
She continues to be an active player, promoting chess and inspiring aspiring chess enthusiasts around the world.
Props to the man for keeping up with a GM.
Cramling and the chess hustler went head-to-head on two consecutive chess rallies.
The two went relentlessly and with no holds barred.
Joyfully watching the two was Cramling’s daughter, Anna who also holds the FIDE title of Woman FIDE Master (WFM). She had a peak FIDE rating of 2175 in March 2018.
Cramling represented Sweden in the 2016 and 2022 Chess Olympiad as well as two European Team Chess Championships.
Turns out, the man also holds quite a reputation amongst chess players and shared what kind of player the chess hustler truly is.
“That’s Big John! He played with my girls almost every day we were in NYC – easily the one thing we miss most! He’s the most wonderful person to play!”
Well, that day was quite a star-studded one, wasn’t it?
See how their battle turns out in the video below!
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