Bronx’s Chess Tourney Moves in Morrisania

Morrisania’s rec center clicked last night with the Bronx’s Chess Tourney, checkmating NYC’s spring. Player Tariq Evans took a knight as 100 watched, a $10 entry clash of minds. It’s borough brains—free vibes, pure BX soul. A kid lost fast; a pro claimed king. ‘Bronx thinks—this is it,’ Evans says, resetting boards. The tables turned battleground.

The tourney’s fresh—March 28’s kickoff, it tripled since RSVPs, packing seats by 2 p.m. Evans, a Fordham master; last night’s crowd hit max—pieces flew. A latecomer nabbed a spot; clocks ticked—NYC grit glowed. Trophies dropped—smarts ruled. #BronxChess trended; Queens wants a pawn.

Some griped—’Too quiet,’ sniped a loudmouth, dodging silence. Space squeezed—latecomers stood; focus held. A board tipped—righted quick; play rolled. Manhattan wants in, but Morrisania owns it—moves rule. The center’s never thought so hard.

Evans hints at a monthly run, maybe a park if spring bites. ‘NYC’s game—this plays it,’ he says, packing pieces. The tourney’s a Bronx win—grit meets mind. It’s a chess champ; catch the next. Bring a clock—time ticks.