Back in 2002 as the last days of the Manhattan Chess Club in the New Yorker Hotel, were dwindling down, I was a club “Patzer” and liked to watch the serious chess players rumble while contenting myself with 5 minute blitz games in the Skittles room.

Recently I came across some of my 35mm shots I took while watching the Finals of the Last Chess Championship of the Manhattan Chess Club.

The big boys did not play this time (G.Ms) So Asa took a chance and played for all the marbles. It came down to a blitz playoff between Hoffman and Cooke.  John Fernandez watches along with the club manager, Nick Conticello.

As you can see, Eric did triumph and won a bit of cash and the glory of being the last champ for the now defunct and formerly the oldest Chess Club in New York City.

Asa, John, Eric and Manager.

Setting up for the second game

Eric Cooke wins the 2002 Manhattan Chess Club Championship