13.10.05

F I R S TP R E V243NEXTLAST

Challenge Chess, Hallidie Plaza
The three-level Hallidie Plaza is home to dozens of outdoor chess boards where people congregate on weekends to engage in strategic battles. Hallidie Plaza, built in 1973, is located next to the Market Street cable car turnaround. The oldest chess club in continuous existence is San Francisco's Mechanics' Institute Chess & Checker Club. Established in 1854, on the fourth floor of the Mechanics' Institute Building, the club eventually gained recognition as one of the finest in the world. In 1929 the Russian World Master, Alexander Alekhine was asked where he found the strongest opposition. "In San Francisco, in a place called the Mechanics' Institute," replied Alekhine.
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