May 24, 2009; Max Euweplein, Amsterdam @ 15.30
The Max Euwe Square (plein = square) is home to several tourist shops, restaurants, cafes and a casino. It is also home to this chessboard which is always in use. Most of the people who play here seem pretty serious about it and seem to know what they are doing. I am often amazed to see some of the good players who are either full-fledged or borderline homeless. At least they look that way. Could there be a connection between having the intellectual acuity and spatial imagination needed to be a good chess player and the potential to become an overachieving burned out homeless person?
