The last old-style chess parlour of the Village's 'chess district', founded in 1995 by Imad Khachan. Anyone can rent a table and play pickup games against regulars, from grandmasters to subway engineers, until midnight or later.
- Address
- 219 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
- Hours
- Daily 12:00-24:00, sometimes later (shop website)
- Best time to go
- Afternoon, Evening, Late night · About 1 h
- Price
- Play $5 per hour, $1 seniors, kids free (shop website, 2026)
- Price level
- $
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Tables cost $5 an hour, $1 for seniors; children play free.
- Backgammon players gather here too.