Queens’ Chess Tourney Moves in Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights clicked last night with Queens’ Chess Tourney, strategizing NYC’s spring on April 1. Player Amir Hassan took a queen as 200 played, a $10 ticket match on 37th Avenue. It’s borough brains—pure Queens vibe, boards hot. A kid lost a pawn; a pro claimed a checkmate. ‘Queens thinks—this is it,’ Hassan says, resetting pieces. The hall turned battlefield.

The tourney’s fresh—April 1’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing tables by 6 p.m. Hassan’s a Corona master; last night’s crowd hit max—clocks ticked. A latecomer nabbed a seat; moves flew—NYC grit glowed. Games hit 15—checks ruled. #QueensChess trended; Bronx wants a board.

Some griped—’Too quiet,’ sniped a loudmouth, dodging silence. A board tipped—fixed quick; focus held. A rival’s pitching a Flushing match, splitting players. Still, 300 stayed—mates reigned. Jackson Heights’s never moved so bold.

Hassan’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a park if spring warms. ‘NYC’s mind—this sharpens it,’ he says, packing sets. The tourney’s a Queens win—grit meets strategy. It’s a chess rush; catch the next. Bring clocks—moves call.