A fun day of chess in Central Park

This picture was taken when I was interviewed by RTN Russian Television Network

6th Annual Chess-in-the-Parks Rapid Open
Saturday, Sep 30, 2006
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Manhattan

500 local chess players of all ages will compete in the Sixth Annual Chess-in-the-Parks Rapid Open—the largest outdoor chess tournament in the United States. There will be a Human Chess Game, played by the winner of 4 Women’s World Championships and ten Olympic Medals Grandmaster Susan Polgar, and three-time United States Champion Grandmaster Lev Alburt.

New Yorkers will be given the chance to outwit one another during this sixth annual Chess-in-the-Parks tournament, held at the Bandshell in Central Park. Chess sets, trophies, medals and other prizes will be awarded following the last round. This event is free and open to the public. Six sections will be open for participation in the tournament.

The event is organized by the NY City Department of Parks and Recreation (under the direction of Ed Feldman) with the assistance from Chess in the Schools. I am always amazed of the turn out for this event. It is limit to 500 players and there were certainly many more on the waiting list. Events like this one certainly helps promote chess in a positive fashion.

Lev Alburt is alway super with the fans. He is always kind and polite with everyone. He is also an excellent chess author and teacher.

Here is my game against Lev:

Polgar, Susan (2597) – Alburt, Lev (2636) [D69]
Central Park, NY 09-30-2006

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 0-0 7.Rc1 c6 8.Bd3 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Nd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.0-0 Nxc3 12.Rxc3 e5 13.dxe5 Nxe5 14.Nxe5 Qxe5 15.Qd4 Qxd4 16.exd4 Rd8 17.Re1 Be6 18.Bxe6 fxe6 19.Rxe6 Rxd4 20.g3 Rd1+ 21.Kg2 Rd7 1/2-1/2