Journalist Sandip G visited Washington Square Park in New York City. He reported on local chess hustlers and recorded an interview with the well-known chess hustler Marcel Anderson.

Anderson, also known as Marty, is one of many chess hustlers in Washington Square Park who make a living playing and teaching chess. A speed lesson from Marty costs $30 per hour, and a Blitz game against him costs $10.

Marcel Anderson

Marcel Anderson

Chess hustler

“You beat me — you get $10. You lose — I get the money!

It’s tough to beat me, playing for thirty years, buddy! You beat me thrice and I give you this chair…”

On a ‘good’ day, Anderson makes around $1,000. On a ‘bad’ day, which happens more often, he makes around $200-300.

Marty said that Magnus Carlsen played at this park, Hikaru Nakamura had a favorite spot, and Bobby Fischer frequently sat here. The historic park was Fischer’s favorite place to spend time. The park is located three blocks from Fischer’s alma mater, the Marshall Chess Club.

Marcel Anderson is a well-known 62-year-old chess hustler and teacher in New York City. Marty has been playing chess since 1977. Anderson runs an Instagram account, has over 15K followers, and accepts requests for private lessons with him.

Credit: The Indian Express