More than 1,000 chess players from across the country, including school kids from around the five boroughs, took part Saturday in the 15th Annual Chess in the Parks Rapid Open.
Kids as young as five were permitted to take the opportunity the learn some new gambits.
Acoye Downer, an 11th-grade student, said he applies the skills he picks up from the board to his school work.
"Chess is a very critical game, and if you're very good at thinking, then you'll be good at the game. Therefore, chess has helped me used my skills to critically think about different situations while I'm in school," he said.
The event is billed by organizers as the largest outdoor chess tournament in the city.