It is true, but not the entire day, just the latter half. The first part of the day was great. I had a job interview that went really well! It starts as a paid internship position, but has huge potential to grow into a full-time job. I am really excited about it, and the best part is that the work hours are set up to allow time to still have time for the blog. So there we go, things are starting to come together a bit.
Today's suggestion was on that was voted on last week, to learn to play chess and then try to play with a Jewish man for a bonus point. Why a Jewish man? I really don't know, but I'll play by the rules. One quick side note on the poll from last week. After doing some research and getting advice from friends, it turns out that two of the popular vote-getters were illegal to do, those being the meter fairy, and swimming in the Hudson. I cannot believe it's illegal to swim in the Hudson! The only time you are allowed to is during a officially sanctioned race. Weak sauce, New York. So with those scratched off the list, I had to regroup a little bit. And as it was an unbelievably beautiful day here in New York City, I did what any smart, unemployed person would do: hit the parks. That is right, I headed back to Washington Square Park today, a place I spent many hours in just a few nights earlier during the homeless adventure. I figured the best way to learn about chess is from the people who know it best and make money doing it: the hustlers. Now I am not the only one who has always wanted to play chess with all the dudes who sit in the park all day and play chess, right? It's one of those stereotypical images of NYC, and I wanted in. Wash Sq. Park is home to tons of these dudes, so it was a dream come true, until I actually started playing.
I walked up and felt a bit nervous, but didn't let it show. Confidence is key in board games. I acted like I belonged there, like I knew what to do, but I quickly gave away that I didn't know anythinA. after I sat down with a guy to play and he started asking me questions and rattling off rules. All I could stutter was, "uhhh, I have no idea what I am doing here". Way to go Patrick. Nice show of confidence. But it turned out okay, because Tyrone, the guy I was playing, said he would teach me as best as he could.....for a price. Hustlers, man. Oh well, I knew this would probably happen, so I threw down 10 bucks and said give me what you got. It started with Tyrone and I playing one game, just so he could "see what I was working with". Two moves into the game, he muttered, "oh lordy we got a lot of work to do with you". Blarg. After he had me in checkmate in 7 moves, he started giving me the lowdown on chess. Three things you have to do, he said, were to develop pieces, control the center, and initiate an attack. I followed this up by asking what the hell that meant. So we walked through it, did a couple of simulation games, I tried to take notes, and he tried to not get frustrated. Sorry Tyrone. But after a little I was starting to pick up a couple things. Not much, but I knew that I needed to castle and expose the weakness on the black squares, I think.
While he was teaching me, I started asking him questions about the life as a street chess player. He said he comes out every day to play, and makes a little bit of money, not enough to live on, but that's why he has got Social Security. He was telling me, too, that most of the guys out there are friends, but pretty territorial about 'clients', and who plays with who. Just as he was telling me this, one guy across the way started SCREAMING at another player for encroaching on his turf. It was awkward. But I did wonder what these guys do in the winter when it's terrible weather outside? Migrate south to Florida?
So with my $10 lesson done, I was going to get ready to find someone to play, when the hustler next to me busted out a backgammon set. Oh no. Backgammon is my weakness. I love it to death and play it all the time, so I thought, hey, I play a lot, and am pretty good, I'm going to take him on and try to win back the $10 bucks I spent on my lesson. This will work right? WRONG. Lesson #1: HUSTLERS ARE HUSTLERS FOR A REASON! LaMont killed me. He ripped me into two. I broke the rule. We played for about an hour, and I found myself down 20 bucks. Now not only was it embarrassing losing in front of everyone, but it was even more embarrassing when I had go find a bank to get money to pay the man! Not a good day to gamble friends.
So feeling very deflated, I didn't even want to try and play another dude, because knowing my skills, I was going to get pwned again. So rather than putting myself in a position to get rocked....again...I decided to just enjoy the afternoon and watch some good ol' New York streetball. Streetball here is so much fun to watch because the guys are really good, and they get so competitive. Someone is always angry, no matter what. I felt in solidarity with their anger, and it actually made me feel better. Now if only I had my money back.
Friday! We made it. And it is going to be a good weekend. I can feel it. The poll closes on Sunday morning, so make sure you vote! And send in your suggestions for next week. Anyone want to play some chess?
1 comments: