Chess - in Prague?
 

I don't think there are many chess players here but I'm asking out of curiosity. Does anyone know of any clubs or parks in Prague where people play chess?

My son is a chess player at expert level and I'm sure he'd be interested to see the locals play if he got the opportunity.

Thanks.

That there aren't many chess players who read this site seems a rather strange assumption -- on what do you base that?

I'd asked about chess playing in the Luxembourg Gardens last year and only a couple of people heard about that.

Do you have any idea about where chess is played in Prague?

I am wondering if the Prague Post website would be of any help...there may a link you could use or perhaps an e-mail to them with this question might get answered. Assume you have already tried a web search under this general topic. Just a thought. When last in prague I didn't notice any open-air chess games going on but I also didn't visit all of the parks, either. Sorry I cannot be more helpful.

I haven't spent much time in Prague parks, but I don't think they are the same as in Paris -- they are larger areas on the outskirts, rather than in the center city. So maybe they do play chess in them, but I don't know -- you might want to visit Letna Park next to the river, anyway, you could see.

You are likely to see some playing chess in various cafes, which are an integral part of Czech life and culture. I'd suggest you try the Globe Bookstore which is a real institution in any case -- very famous expat (American) bookstore with coffeehouse, you could also have some food there, and it has internet access. It was started in the mid-90s when a lot of American expats hung around Prague after the Revolution. It is behind National Theatre a bit on Pstrossva street (Narodni Trida is probably closest metro stop. They have a site
http://www.globebookstore.cz/

Another place you'll find students playing chess is in the Marathon Cafe on Cerna which is a couple blocks east of there. I think that is near a branch of Charles University.

Thanks intrepid for your help. I've posted this question also at another travel site. If I find out that's fine-or we can inquire when we arrive there. I just thought I'd ask now to see if anyone knows.

But somehow my post was selected for harrassment by a small person. Needless to say this person doesn't know a thing about me or my son who is only 13 and not an adult who I'm speaking for.

A person such as "Aaron" has a big social problem, otherwise, he would not make out-of-line comments to others just so that he can irritate them.

Thanks again.

Thanks Christina.

It has been along time Since I have been to Prague, but I remember a square downtown where alot of the artist paint and I remember seeing Chess being played there. I know this does not help but it is a start.

One other possibility would be once you get there to ask either the folks at your hotel or others.

Yes, I'll verify with the hotel. Thanks!

If you are talking about truly expert play, you are not likely to find it in a park. Those are "democratic" chess groups, open to all comers. A better approach would be to contact either an international youth chess organization or the regional chess organization in Prague. You can find wonderful opportunities through these avenues, so it is worth the effort to try and track them down.

I can contact the US Chess Fed. but currently they promote large international tournaments in Prague. But yes, I should inquire with them first.

Thanks also.