Funnily enough, the New Yorker didn't know who Magnus was and was amazed by his play. It is like fairytale stuff I am struggling to believe"Blitz by its very definition is all about lightning fast play, confusing your opponent, swindling wins away via checkmates out of nowhere and being able to fire off 20 moves with five seconds remaining on your clock to secure a win. . Drop a like and tell us in the comments, what. Playing chess in city parks for $5 to $20 is common, but the financial rewards vary, to say the least. If you want to learn and get better, play like a man, and play some real chess and stop. These chess hustlers, as they’re commonly called, play for money, and they play well, but they don’t always play honestly. I played a chess game in Union Square Park! (New York) 🗽⭕️ SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE CHESS IN THE STREET 👑 WHO IS KING ENIGMA??? CHECK OUT MY PRINCIPAL YT CHANNEL. The "hustlers" are often just down on their luck financially and like to make some money while still having fun. It's on every chess player's bucket list, especially for those in the US - playing a chess hustler in New York City's Washington Square Park. "The hustlers are funny, they talk well, and the players are playing for fun," said Mr. Mind you, most people don't study and practice chess competitively and can be beaten by someone who has studied tactics and more complex positional strategy. Alan Cordova: Definitely worth checking out for its old-school charm and rivalry with the other chess establishments on Thompson Street. Currently I'm 1680 on chess. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. The global average rating is roughly 700 rating. He beat me 2, I won 1, but I got the sense he was a good deal better than me even at those odds and fortunately stopped. 8. Hustlers are typically highly skilled chess players who use their talent to earn money from individuals who are willing to pay to play or watch them play. Check out more IRL chess with Hikaru ️ yo. One of his students then stepped in, who unbeknownst to the hustlers, is the #1 player in the world. Visiting and playing in the park has become a sort of pilgrimage for all chess players, even though the chess hustling practice has spread to other. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It's not gambling, chess is a game of skill. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. 0. These guys are out there playing chess for a few bucks a game (usually like $3 for a blitz game); it's not some grandiose con. Interestingly, their more. 219 Thompson St (btwn Bleecker & W 3rd St), New York, NY. Washington Park’s legendary hustler Vincent Livermore. Nicknamed Manhattan’s “chess district,” because of its proximity to several chess shops, Washington Square Park was also a frequent place where Fisher came to play against chess hustlers. ago. . The last guy I played in union square was an uber driver. A chess hustler is a person who plays chess in a public location for small amounts of money. How Strong can chess. The first day, I came as a tourist, and quickly lost 15$ after 4 games with 2 different hustlers. Anna’s #3 video “I TROLLED This Chess Hustler Into Believing I Was an Amateur” has been watched close to five million times since 26 May 2022 and shows. While they are miles away from becoming renowned masters, being the best chess hustler in the area seems to be quite the pursuit. This iconic park has been a hub for chess enthusiasts and hustlers for decades, with players of all skill levels gathering to test their wits and engage in intense matches. I played some in Boston. The Last Gamesman: My Sixty Years of Hustling Games in the Clubs, Parks and Streets of New York, by Asa Hoffmann with Virginia Hoffmann, published by Gatekeeper Press (March 3, 2022), can be purchased from Amazon as Paperback ($24. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Have it based in current day Seattle and there’s a random homeless dude who becomes a chess savant. Peachum-type figure who trains chess players to go into parks and make money from innocent passersby. Go get a job in software development even for a low salary like $75K a year, and you will be way more successful than the best chess hustler in history. However, they may also charge $3 for a no wager. I played chess against a guy called Johnny whilst visiting Washington Square Park in NYC last summer! (This park is known for having a ton of chess players a. no. I'd win a few games, pick…1. If Paul Morphy were alive, how would he do against the elite? Let's find out!!!Sub to GM Hikaru's. Photos: Wikipedia. 0k rating. These individuals are primarily the people you will find at parks, bars, and other points of attraction, playing chess to grab the attention of tourists. hustler is a popular sub-genre of chess video, and one that Nemo dabbled in previously. After playing at that park for a year, Waitzkin grabbed the attention of legendary chess trainer NM Bruce Pandolfini. Thousands of chess players have come to face the hustlers here, from GM Maurice Ashley, to Magnus Carlsen, and now, me. chess hustlers. Weighted plastic pieces on a vinyl roll-up chess board with green and white squares makes me think chess hustlers, tournaments, simuls and chess clubs, and I like that vibe. But I'm sure they've worked hard and learned a lot just the same. More games vs chess hustlers: Drop a like and subscribe to the channel to not miss more videos like this!⭐️Check us out on Twitc. . So the game against most people is much less than five minutes. Chess hustlers in particular are strong in a format rarely practiced in tournament settings. If she was trying to genuinely get away with cheating in an environment where it's not part of the joke, I feel like she wouldn't film it, lol. Chess hustlers can be found in various locations around the world, but one of the most famous and well-known spots is in New York City’s Washington Square Park. We have a brand n. years ago who beat him in a game of chess even though he was close to master level. The famous Carlsbad tournament in 1929 featured some very strong players of the period, and it also included Vera Menchik. I'm sure you still can and they probably still have tournaments. also, the hustlers around my area tend to cheat quite a bit. But which one do you hate the most ? I will say Magnus Carlsen because he is overrated as fuck. . After you start marketing free chess you're in competition with the regulars. The chess hustle isn’t exactly a con, only sort of. They often possess a strong tactical understanding of the game and rely on their hustling skills to make a living. He may be able to offer strong evidence that he didn’t cheat, but he’s unlikely to overcome the legal barriers to prove defamation. There is also another great washington square park youtube video entitled For Love or Money. Bit of a warning though - it's been occupied by some homeless people with some people smoking/buying pot so be wary if you have kids. It's not gambling, chess is a game of skill. Sup chess fans, The last couple posts have been kind of heavy on the chess theory/improvement side, so I wanted to break it up with a lighter post this week. 104 votes, 19 comments. ” Approximately 15 men. What is a Chess Hustler? The term ‘chess hustle’ can refer to cases where an experienced player intentionally loses a game against someone who is not as skilled. They may not be everyone’s idea of a model citizen but they add color and character to their environment. Her sister's name is Andrea Botez. Edit: Y'all need to get learnt: The following definitions are applicable to this article: "Contest of chance" means any contest, game, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants. You can see a lot of chess hustlers at parks or chess clubs, where they challenge people to play for a small stake, such as $1 or $5 per game. If they see a hustler, they're instantly curious and will start to watch the game. Then one day Magnus Carlsen hears about him and explores the seedy underworld to meet this chess master. Washington Square Park is known for its historic chess scene. Gotta love the new guy's sense of humor!Sub to GM Hikaru's channel for more different crossover Coffee Chess videos! - Chess & Checkers House offers an ideal spot to play, as well as the option to borrow chess, checkers, dominoes, and backgammon. All about the game of chess, including discussions on professional tournaments, game…Join Hustlers today, if you want to succeed. That’s why he always wears his favorite tracksuit. 54. As strong as this is though, they are not invincible and occasionally lower rated players do win (as well as higher rated players of course). Chess Hustlers. You see, hustlers have a bad rep. and I'd put Paul maybe at like 2250-2300 blitz, Poe like 2200, Clayton same. "Probably the toughest hustler I played against were: Russian Paul Poe Clayton. In addition, the hustler can charge $3 for a no wager game, and if you want to bet, the winner gets $5. Read more. 1800 rating is a really strong club player in most chess clubs. Another hustler, whose first name is Kenny and whose street name is Little Daddy (he is 5 feet 3 inches tall), said he could always tell how good his opponent. 1,725,776. If they see a hustler, they're instantly curious and will start to watch the game. No, it's not a typo! Background: there is vigorous chess activity in New York's Washington State Park, and plenty of hustling going on there. ago. In a tournament last weekend, he beat a player ranked freakin' 1784 !!!! And today John went. Sub to GM Hikaru's channel for more different crossover videos! - access to tons. . 0 inches, and featuring a premium Rosewood finish, the Grand Kingdom Set uses Bluetooth to connect to the Square Off mobile app for playing online competitors via Chess. Help fund my Kickstarter!! If I receive funding I will change the way many people view these chess hustlers, as their stories will be unveiled for all -. Mind you, most people don't study and practice chess competitively and can be beaten by someone who has studied tactics and more complex positional strategy. One of the people nearby is bound to be a "decent" chess player (1500-1700). . Quick stop at Washington Square Park to play some chess hustlers :) sorry the clock isn't visible, but it was a 5 minute blitz game. Even though it was nice playing chess in the park, it. Bringing the biggest news and chess stars to your doorstep!The chess park hustler Its been a while since ive played OTB since most of the time im either studying or logging-in on this site playing blitz or posting comments and all that. Play a stout, mistake-free chess opening. . Of course there are a lot of stories about Jude, but I found him to be a charming and pleasant man. Here are some tips for going up against these crafty combatants. In Moscow I went to a chess club once and long story short basically they told me that if you are below 23 hundred (2300) you are just a begginer and you can come but better if you learn how to play first. I was visiting NYC for my birthday last. I am on mobile right now, so I can't find it for you right now but Carlsen estimated them on a 1800-ish level. ️ Get My Chess Courses: ️ Get my best-selling chess book:. J. We are a team together , and what we achieve shall be equitized amongst us. ️ Watch LIVE on Twitch: hustlers are individuals who make a living by playing chess in public places, such as parks or street corners, and challenging passersby to a game for money. . By observing their opponents’ moves and patterns, hustlers can develop a winning game plan that keeps their adversaries on their toes. . Nonetheless, the experience is worth the money in my opinion. r/chess A chip A close button. Prepare for war if you head into Harvard Square because there are battles raging across chess boards in this legendary spot for one of the world’s most popular games. These so-called “chess hustlers” ride a fine line of practicing illegal gambling in public areas like Central Park and providing vast amounts of knowledge to. This video is featuring the late legendary chess hustler Vincent Livermore ,who was the real life inspiration for Laurence Fishburne’s character Vinny in the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer. His parents. 1. Strong enough to make a living off it, probably not strong enough to make it through the USCF ranks. Many poker tournaments I have played in often make use of a timer to speed up the action. If you have pics of your local park various boards and bench set ups, please post your pics here. He has apparently been playing in the park for like two decades!!! some people did some digging and found him to be Toronto Champion in 1984: this time though, as famous hustler "Cornbread" is defeated by this talented 13-year-old player. The chess hustlers crack me the fuck up, they'll ask you for a friendly game and lose on purpose. Make $400/Day As Chess Hustler. 54. During our visit to NYC my mom GM Pia Cramling played some games against a chess hustler in Union Square Park. twitter. Click here to watch my REMATCH against Big John: here to watch my FINAL BATTLE against Big John: Old silly trick. #1. #1. See moreChess street player s, commonly known as chess hustlers, possess a unique set of tactics and strategies that contribute to their success on the streets. PART 2: htt. But I can’t imagine everyone who is stepping up is betting. What happened next was hilarious. . About blitz. that play tourists for their bet money. . But they are some great players though. Also Botez sisters are back in NYC, and Russian Paul might make an appearance in our f. 2 million views) The Fool's Mate (1. Alexandra Botez Loses to Chess Hustler, How Strong Are They? Alexandra Botez Recently Played a chess hustler in New York City and lost. An enjoyable position out of the opening for white against Hustler 1. As Union Square continues to overtake Washington Square as the park of choice for the aspiring New York City chess hustler, at least one convert claims he's making a decent living from the game. Nicknamed Manhattan’s “chess district,” because of its proximity to several chess shops, Washington Square Park was also a frequent place where Fisher came to play against chess hustlers. Patience-The Chess Hustlers above talk about a 3 minute game or often they are using a timer. 1. John turned 11 last week and his chess game has just taken a leap. Grandpa Gambit is a lifelong chess player known to regale his opponents with a chess anecdote of his past…or two. Chess Hustling. Both of them have made a channel titled BotezLive, though Alexandra serves as the head of the channel. . Step 2: Person forgets to log in a for a few days and 50 of their games time out, dropping them to below 1200. Chess hustlers are individuals who engage in chess competitions for financial gain. Install Raid for Free Mobile and PC: and get a special starter pack 💥Available only for the next 30 days 💥Hikaru gets blindsided b. . The share presence of these type of boards and benches in the park also encourage more players to come down and enjoy the game and fresh air. . A former grand master, he beat Tal more than once, the first time in 1952, at. Chess hustlers are people who play chess for money against random opponents, usually in blitz or bullet time controls. . Chess hustlers can be found in various cities around the world, with famous locations like Washington Square Park in New York City and Place du Palais-Royal in Paris attracting both local players and tourists seeking a challenging game. Two more players turn her down for a. Hikaru visits the Coffee Chess crew and plays 5 to 1 chess odds with Captain Catlan and the legendary Fast Eddie . That is also not surprising because while chess hustling is generally tolerated by the police, it is technically illegal. I’ve played chess hustlers in NYC and also in Harvard Square (Cambridge MA). Not to touch on a hot topic, but why are all chess hustlers black ppl in the park and not just some dudes playing chess in public lmao like I've seen "chess hustler" in a handful of videos on youtube and it is almost always a black guy in the parkHikaru plays Chess Hustlers and regular folks in otb/irl chess in both Los Angeles and Detroit. 4 million views) How to Beat a Higher-Rated Opponent (1. These individuals like to be in control, so they try to make the most of that through short chess games. Chess hustlers make money because you have to pay to play them it's not a gambling thing and it's usually like $2 also chess hustlers are about 1800 to 2200 rating you would be beaten by the people trying to beat them. With enough tourist traffic, a highly adept chess hustler who knows the ins and outs of the game can earn up to USD$400 every day. Drop-in play is $10, but there are also lessons available – for chess, as well as Settlers of Catan and other popular games. Magnus Carlsen, 25, is the . I traveled all the way to New York City to play against the strongest Chess Hustler, I was quite nervous, Can you tell?#chesshustlers #chessgame #chessanalys. In an April 5 blog earlier this year on the Web site of The New York Review of Books, the science writer and physicist, Dr. Chess tournament prizes. . Every chess player has goals of becoming a chess grandmaster. . Archived post. marty) wanted to play some bullet against 2300 rated player Jacob Kulik, thinking it would be an easy win! A crowd watches. He was homeless, and wore many buttons & pins on his clothing. 815K subscribers in the chess community. . TWE I think would be a good idea that you payed a visite to our Hall of 1. I used to play in Washington Square Park quite a bit also. 280. They rely on a dozen or so well-known traps and exploits to win. She also played the most f. Check out my other videos to support the channel! Instagram: brandonleach1 Check my music out on Spotify:actually looked it up once, and someone on Quora (not the best source, I know) estimated that they were around 1800, so the Russian guy is probably around 2100 if he truly is the strongest chess hustler in NYC. Drop-in play is $10, but there are also lessons available – for chess, as well as Settlers of Catan and other popular games. We have a brand n. Chess hustlers usually play against one another and give tips on how they can improve their game. That said, due to the lack of chess boxers, it is often difficult to get fighters who are a similar weight. Russian Paul gave chesstwins trouble too. When a CAFÉ ANNE reader suggested I interview these fellows for a feature, I asked what she wanted to know. Social justice warriors think they're the scum of chess and would love to humiliate them. This is the oldest featured washington square park. 3K likes, 399 loves, 142 comments, 265 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Alexandra Botez: I Played Chess Hustlers in Times SquareIn Greenwich Village, the game of chess evokes yet another quintessential New York image: the players of Washington Square Park. Nakamura is playing against Johannes Mabusela, who is an IM and the Chess Champion of South Africa. Chess hustling that involves a lot of wager is extremely risky since you can actually lose some money, taking account of the hustler’s skill, it is not rare to lose 20 dollars just from losing games. This is not your quite, library game played by gentlemen, this is raw, in your face chess, the likes of which can throw a master off his game. The chess hustlers were playing blitz games that were over in a couple of minutes. September is a time of rebirth for chess. ”These are the winter games! Chess Twins is back with NYC Chess Hustling videos. Knock-outs are quite rare because they tend to use heavier training gloves. Interestingly, their more experienced colleagues act like a coach that will help them improve. All chess games go quite quickly at first. also played guys who will intentionally knock over the board in a lost position just to avoid playing. Each episode disrupts. Franklin Hudson. Here are some tips for going up against these crafty combatants. The next day, the old man had already killed himself. G. Not sure if they are hustlers but there is a regular gathering on Wednesday nights at. The vast majority of hustlers have never studied chess, instead they learn by playing and playing and playing. 2K. NYC Trash Talking Chess Hustler gets crushed! With money on the line, things get nasty. We beleive in 0% luck and 100% hustle. ” Games are played with a little cash on the line, and maybe the hustler doesn’t play so well at first. Step into the shoes of a chess hustler, and you’re stepping into a history that stretches back through the decades. Green felt quietly brushing against plastic or stone; perhaps a clock clicking back and forth as the time dwindles down. . If you are worried about a chess "hustler" "cheating" you in "NYC", please, for the love of Robert James Fischer, just stay in your flyover state. The Meaning of Hustlers University’s Logo and Hustlers University’s Logo History: With the launch of Hustlers University, Andrew Tate began to operate under the name “Cobratate. 1 million views) Anna Cramling is a talented chess player, a gifted communicator, and a passionate advocate for the game of chess. Intro 0:00Game 1 1:44Game 2 8:10FOLLOW THE CHANNEL WATCH LI. 4 million views) How to Beat a Higher-Rated Opponent (1. A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work. Probably the toughest hustler I played against were: Russian Paul Poe Clayton. The hustler talks a big game, but once Ashley begins dismantling him, the talking slows down. One of his students then stepped in, who unbeknownst to the hustlers, is the #1 player in the world. The twitch channel is called "NY Chess Hustler", because I wanted to record myself crushing the hustlers in the Washington Park or at Union Square, but somebody stole the idea. Currently I'm 1680 on chess. Sweet P learned chess from Sam the Rabbi at the old Chess and Checkers Club off Times Square. The opening part of your life goes from the time you were born until you’re 26. The renowned coach took Waitzkin under his wing and helped to propel. Sub to GM Hikaru's channel for more different crossover videos! - access to tons of cool extras by becoming a s. 19. not a game of chance. . He was a little upset with the result. We play chess because we love the game!!! If you would like to see more. Sub to the legendary Coffee Che. Alexandra Botez is an American-born Canadian YouTuber and livestreamer on Twitch. Many chess enthusiasts are curious about the skill level and rating of these hustlers. chess hustlers. So he walked away with all of the old man's money. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It just and shows how playing and constant game analysis can be a beautiful thing. Sub to the legendary Coffee Che. And roast beef. Tom Murphy, the Chess Hustler Who Will Stare Down Anyone One of the best chess players in the world didn’t cut his teeth at stuffy tournaments—he worked his. Unfortunately for Nemo, this time she had already blown her cover. Jeremy Bernstein, wrote about “Playing Chess With Kubrick,” as in Stanley Kubrick, the director. I had previously seen videos about them on yt, but i didn't dare to play with them in fear of being scammed or sth. You're using their community/brand as a platform to get something you want. Alan Cordova: Definitely worth checking out for its old-school charm and rivalry with the other chess establishments on Thompson Street. In the streets of New York, there is a public underground of gamblers and “hustlers” that earn their meager income through cutthroat games of chess. This guy in particular is great. Unlike most hustlers, chess hustlers are. Chess amateur here. There's. Typically found in park settings, these players exhibit a range of behaviors,. You'd play for money and they'd take advantage of people with some combination of playing badly on purpose, high pressure tactics (making you nervous. A few, actually. The end of Queen’s Gambit gave me the impression that these kinds of park chess tables are meant for fun, and only today did I learn that there are grandmasters who will play for a small fee, usually $5, which is what I forked over. The 11th World. Hope you enjoy the games! ♟ PLAY CHESS. Best Way To Earn Money In Chess For Beginners There is a saying that goes,. It just and shows how playing and constant game analysis can be a beautiful thing. I got 1/2 but I should have won both- was really low on time in the first game and I am very bad at blitz. So to change the environment i decided to go to various places were chess is played as long as its near where i live. Chess hustlers have a unique. and Nathaniel Tell All Anne Kadet 7 hr ago The chess tables in Washington Square Park’s southeast corner have been occupied by a revolving cast of hustlers for more than 80 years. He's just a lucky guy because he only play against very bad players. Read more. It is common to play chess in China city recreation grounds for $10 to $20, but the winnings may vary. 3% of players achieve 2. I went and updated the info on the weighting system for the V. Wow. These chess hustlers love a pawn advantage in an endgame with 1 minute left on. Angel Chevrestt. Steer Away From Complications. Grandpa Gambit. Real_Bug • 3 yr. 1,725,776. New York City chess hustlers have been a staple of Washington Square Park for decades. yes because they're out there hustling all day playing chess. Dear r/chess, im currently visiting new york, (im from eu) and when I went to washington square, I saw the chess players there. they present seemingly simple chess puzzle where black is out numbered by a ton of white pieces (sometimes white has more than two pieces or more than two rooks/queens) and black will be mated within two moves. The "hustlers" are often just down on their luck financially and like to make some money while still having fun. This is specific to Washington square/union square. And in Mexico City, eight of the world’s top grandmasters have been competing. On average, a chess hustler may make up to USD$400 per day with enough tourist traffic. I'm going to try to make a trip there, perhaps in the Fall and do a blog report on it with pictures and maybe an interview or two if I feel comfortable enough. I am a chess master, and I do not stick up my nose at these people. Ready to take. The statement, which was made via. And BTW it's unlikely the chess players didn't know exactly what was up when the idea of one person simo-playing was brought up. 2000-2200 elo on Chess. Chess hustlers are quite common in urban areas in the United States and elsewhere, often offering speed chess against any takers. No chess hustlers there as its to cold outside and we don't have the venues for it. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. A new viral video shows 25-year-old Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen leaving the famous Marshall Chess Club in New York City, and deciding to take a stroll over to. 58 Replies. Hello Chess People I've been reading about chess hustlers today on the interweb. While on her NYC vacation Alexandra visited Union Square Park to play the chess hustlers! This is one of many games from that day. And I was hooked. Santa Monica Chess Park - this is the equivalent of Washington Square Park in New York. Ur to good he wil lose to u circumstances will come into play wrecking pieces if u can see sleight of hand. They tend to hang out in highly populated areas like canal st and bourbon st. Sometimes, even the strongest hustlers might bite. a lot of crazy stuff in this video. Table of Contents New York’s Chess Hustling Phenomenon An even better chess hustler is about at the 1100 level, and knows how to manipulate you into investing in his timeshare property after he loses. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The old school Washington Square hustlers were gamblers. Bit of a warning though - it's been occupied by some homeless people with some people smoking/buying pot so be wary if you have kids. S. World No. Chess hustlers are players competing at the chessboard for money. Some people make money by beating other guys in blitz or bullet. But they are some great players though. By winning a top event (e. Chess Hustling. com (I didn’t know before the match) and I’m a 1700 also on chess. Hustlers can also offer 30-minute lessons for $20 as another income stream. "Kramer" of Seinfield tells of a chess hustler he met on Hollywood Blvd. . He includes footage of legendary figures in the chess hustle game in New York and provides a candid view inside the life of a small family of chess players. However, they typically lack formal training and tournament. All about the game of chess, including discussions on professional tournaments, game…Aman made an appearance at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as marketing, personalization, and analytics. If your rating is 100 greater than your opponent's, your chance of winning would be 64%. This video was #sponsored by BetterHelp, the world's largest therapy platform. The Botez Gambit went down IRL! The @BotezLive sisters love a good challenge, and today they're taking on chess hustlers at Domino Park to see if any of them. They are often loud, boisterous, and full of confidence. She beat him in a more recent video. Hikaru gives the Coffee Chess guys a chance and plays against the Boston Mike (The Famous Trash Talker) and FM Mark the Duck. Be a Chess Hustler. Check out more IRL chess with Hikaru ️ yo. The higher the Elo, the better the player. Definition of hustles in the Definitions. ago. Of course Yaacov Norowitz could be seen playing in the parks on occasion but I don't think he really counts. andykimj. The opening, the middle and the end. These park players aren't hustlers. I had a couple of questions and was hoping someone can lend some insight:The good chess players starts young, and many of them takes GM lessons at the age of 10,11,12. 3 pieces. I offered to buy him a chess clock if he won! Hope you enjoy the vi.