THE EXHIBITION
This afternoon immersion in chess strategy in the Washington Square Park Chess Plaza will commence with a lecture by International Master Farai Mandizha, and will be followed by a simultaneous exhibition during which Mandizha will play 23 players at once. Free to the public, all ages are welcome to participate in the simul, and five spots will be reserved for players 12 and under. IM Mandizha will donate a free lesson to anyone who draws, and two lessons if checkmated.
MAY 18TH SCHEDULE
12:00pm Chess Lecture by International Master Farai Mandizha (Southwest Park pathway next to the Chess Plaza)
1:00pm: Simultaneous Chess Exhibition -IM Mandizha will simultaneously play against 23 registrants until one player remains (Chess Plaza -Southwest corner of Washington Square Park).
INTERNATIONAL MASTER FARAI MANDIZHA
Now based in the United States, IM Farai Mandizha was born and raised in Zimbabwe and is the number one ranked active player from the country. Coaching players began early on for Mandizha who captained the famed Prince Edward School chess team to an undefeated season. After graduating, he would travel to multiple countries to earn FIDE Titles.
An inspirational chess coach known for his unique tactical playing style, IM Mandizha believes the essence of chess is that it is constantly changing, so rather than asking students to strictly memorize, his focus is on how to help students think through various positions. Coach Farai has been invited to, and played in, every Chess Olympiad since 2012, and serves as a Hunter College Campus Schools Chess Coach.
THE WASHINGTON SQUARE ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1906, The Washington Square Association is NYC’s oldest neighborhood and civic organization. During our more 115 years of service to the Washington Square neighborhood, the Association has supported the Park by providing free programming to the public funded by our membership fees and volunteer donations. Anyone can become a member for $50/year. The Association is entirely volunteer-driven so 100% goes towards our free programs including the Christmas tree and community caroling, The Washington Square Chess Exhibition, support for the Washington Square Music Festival and The Village Trip, and advocacy for community issues.