Chess, But Like Dark Academia

Good morning chess players! We’re back for another newsletter packed with the local comings and goings of chess players around Bushwick. “Mic, Check, Mate” launched it’s first poetry-meets-chess handshake event at Seventh Heaven, a local karaoke haunt within eyesight of Nook. Bushwick Chess regulars and poets clashed for a mix of open mic and casual play. Just next door to Nook during the same time, Sam Sharf’s Chess Knight meetup at The Bush saw 20+ attendees as well. With last weekend’s New York Chessboxing tryouts at Outbox as well with WGM Jen Shahade, it’s safe to say there is a lot of chess going on in Bushwick right now.

Reminder! Tonight is the monthly Club Blitz Tournament at Nook! Join us 7pm for seven rounds of 5|2 blitz Swiss, $20 with prizes for all skill levels.

Big shout out to my partner Miriam, not only for her dedication to play the Women’s Championship every year as a casual player, but for co-organizing a wonderful event mixing the two mediums in which I work closest and most tenderly with. I’m looking forward to more chess and poetry soon.

It’s Been Feeling Like Family Lately

At the April Club Rapid, 35 players met up for the monthly rapid tournament at Nook, but something is feeling different at the club lately. We’ve seen an increase in participation at tournaments and club night alike, and it’s becoming clear now more than ever how important community is. Nook just celebrated their five year anniversary and I won’t pretend like it didn’t choke me up a little thinking about the last 4.5 years we’ve been playing together at Bushwick Chess. Thanks to everyone from Shreyo, one of my fellow OG’s to the newcomers pouring in every week to test their skills. It’s been a wild ride. Let’s get into the chess.

After five rounds of 10|2 rapid, FM Juan Pereyra emerged victorious with a perfect 5/5, now with a new rating of 2378. Second Place went to Atharva Washimkar on 4/5, gaining 30 rating! Third Place went to local chess star Kenneth Fernandez on 4/5, who finished the event rated 1957 NYCR. Looking forward to seeing the content he filmed during the tournament.

U2000 went to Kirill Agishev on 3.5/5. U1800 went to Saye Oyama on 3.5/5, gaining 15 rating. Top Unrated went to newcomer Ben Smith on 3.5/5, finishing the event rated 1824 NYCR. U1600 went to Daniel Wang on 2.5/5. U1400 went to Justin Choi on 2.5/5, gaining 112 rating! You can find full tournament info at NYC Chess.

And that’s it for this week chess players! Join us tonight for more chess and be sure to check our socials HERE. Much love chess players, see you over the board soon. You can find your updated NYC Rating HERE.