Where to Play Chess in New York
Discover the best parks, clubs, cafés, and venues to play chess across NYC.
All 5 BorosManhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island.
For EveryoneOpen to all levels — casual players and serious competitors.
Always GameYear-round spots from parks to cafés and chess clubs.
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Outdoor Park Chess Hubs
Washington Square Park (Chess Plaza)
Paid games are common
6:00 AM – 1:00 AM · Informal, weather-dependent
All skill levels
Boards on-site
Bryant Park Chess Area
Free boards
Tables year-round; equipment 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Apr–Oct)
Equipment provided · Free (Check-in)
Visit Website 
Central Park — Chess & Checkers House
Free loaner sets
6:00 AM – 1:00 AM; equipment during staffed hours
All skill levels · Family-friendly
Visit Website 
Union Square Park
Bring your own board
6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
All skill levels · Free
No permanent boards — players bring their own
Indoor Chess Clubs & Playing Spaces
Marshall Chess Club
Varies by event and schedule
Competitive / Tournaments
Membership / Day pass · Equipment included
Visit Website 
Chess Forum
Approximately 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Informal and casual · ~$5/hour
Shop + play space · Sets and boards on-site
Visit Website 
Brooklyn Chess Club (Canarsie)
Schedule varies / Defined by events
Informal and competitive
Free / Donations welcome · Bring your own
Visit Website 
Chess Palace (Jackson Heights)
Cash-only venue
Typically afternoon to late evening (varies)
Small day-use fee (cash only)
Queens Chess Club
USCF-Rated Tournaments
Fridays — registration 7:00–7:15 PM, games 7:30 PM
All levels · Longest-running club in Queens
$50/year · $40 juniors/women/seniors 65+
Visit Website 
Kings of Queens Chess
Thu 7:00–11:30 PM · Sat at South Hollis Library 12:00–4:30 PM
All levels · Club + library sessions
Visit Website Cafés, Bars & Game Venues with Chess
Cellar Dog
Mon–Tue 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM · Wed–Thu 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM · Fri 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM · Sat–Sun 2:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Bar & live music · Live jazz nightly from 7 PM · Chess & games
Visit Website 
The Uncommons
Mon–Thu 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM · Fri–Sat 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM · Sun 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Board game café
Visit Website 
Squarrel Cafe
Mon–Tue 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Wed–Thu 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Fri–Sun 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Board game café · 350+ games incl. chess · Near Barclays Center
$5/person (3 hrs) · +1 718-237-4286
Visit Website 
The Anchor — Prospect Heights
Evenings (varies)
Bar with regular chess nights
Pop-Up & Social Chess Events
Bushwick Chess @ Nook
Typically Tuesday evenings (check updates)
All levels · NYCR-rated club
@bushwick.chess 
Pawn Chess Club (Pop-up)
Various locations across NYC
Event-based schedule
Social collective · Younger, artistic crowd
@pawnchessclub 
North Brooklyn Chess Club
Various locations, North Brooklyn
Typically Thursday evenings (check updates)
Free community meetups · Open atmosphere
@northbrooklynchess Can't find a spot?
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