Washington Square Park is the place where the locals congregate most days in the summer to play speed chess. It's intense, but they are willing to play strangers (for money) and of course there are hustlers to lift the cash off tourists. But if you can play, or want to learn, it's a great place to hang out and pick up some new tricks while enjoying the sunshine.
Washington Square Park, Fifth Ave. at Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10003

