Bronx’s Chess Fair Moves in Soundview

Soundview clicked last night with the Bronx’s Chess Fair, checkmating NYC’s spring at a Bruckner hall. Player Lena Carter took a queen as 200 played, a $10 ticket clash of boards. It’s borough brains—pure BX vibe, pieces hot. A kid lost a pawn; a pro claimed a king. ‘Bronx thinks—this is it,’ Carter says, resetting squares. The room turned tourney.

The fair’s fresh—March 20’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing tables by 6 p.m. Carter’s a Mott Haven master; last night’s crowd hit max—clocks ticked. A latecomer nabbed a set; moves flew—NYC grit glowed. Prizes hit $300—strategy ruled. #BronxChess trended; Queens wants a knight.

Some griped—’Too quiet,’ sniped a loudmouth, dodging silence. Space pinched—latecomers stood; focus held. A rival’s pitching a Fordham match, splitting boards. Still, 300 stayed—checks reigned. Soundview’s never moved so bold.

Carter’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a park if spring bites. ‘NYC’s game—this plays it,’ she says, packing pieces. The fair’s a Bronx win—grit meets mind. It’s a chess rush; catch the next. Bring a clock—moves call.