A chess tournament at a Manhattan cafe

A chess tournament at a Manhattan cafe
The Qahwah Valley cafe in Manhattan hosts weekly chess problem-solving tournaments. The organizer is Vladimir Lionter, a Moscow resident and beginner chess instructor who has lived in the United States for several years. I had the opportunity to speak with the organizer of this unusual chess club, which brings together enthusiasts of the intellectual game of all ages and backgrounds.
"I was allowed to hold weekly meetings in the café, where a real chess corner was created. Portraits of current world champions Gukesh Dommaraju and Ju Wenjun, as well as renowned grandmasters Bassem Amin and Salem Saleh, hang on the walls. Any visitor can borrow a free chess set and play with a friend or participate in problem-solving competitions," Vladimir explains.
According to him, it's not everywhere in New York that you can just show up and play for free:
"The Marshall Chess Club requires an annual fee, the Chess Forum charges an hourly rate, and chess players at Union Square typically charge around $10 per game. We want chess to be accessible to everyone—regardless of income or skill level."
Weekly tournaments bring together people of different cultures and generations—from absolute beginners to experienced players. The atmosphere is always warm and friendly, and chess becomes not only a competition but also a way to socialize.
At the last tournament, participants were presented with ten challenging positions from the book "The Complete Chess Workout" by International Master Richard Palliser. These problems presented a true challenge for players of all ages and backgrounds.
Congratulations to all participants on their remarkable results! Chess knows no age – it unites people through a love of the game. It's precisely these kinds of gatherings that truly demonstrate chess's power to inspire, unite generations, and create an atmosphere of true intellectual community.
The interview was recorded by Marina Lagunova