Columbus Park, on the edge of Chinatown, becomes the scene of countless battles during the summer. These are mostly peaceful, though, and play out between the predominantly senior Chinese population on the park’s many game tables. Xiangqi, or Chinese chess, seems to be the favorite, though other games, like poker and cards, also crop up, mostly at the women’s tables. From time to time, the games can get very agitated, not just between the two opponents, but among the many passionate bystanders, as well. “People like to watch people play chess,” said Wellington Chen, the executive director of the Chinatown Partnership. “This area is known for the lack of open space and tenement buildings. That’s why you have such a large group of people out there. Plus, the nice weather, obviously!” And afterward, the unmistakably colorful and exotic fruit stands lining the streets of Chinatown are just a few steps away.
