My Grandmaster Mom Played Chess Hustlers in Union Square Park

During our visit to NYC my mom GM Pia Cramling played some games against a chess hustler in Union Square Park. Hope you enjoy the video and let me know in the comments what you thought about the games! :D

❤️ SOCIAL MEDIA

#annacramling #chess #nyc

[MissLilRedRooster]

He genuinely seems like a great guy; he never fronted or talked down to her, and acknowledged her skills as soon as he recognized them. His banter was super enjoyable, he clearly was enjoying himself and she was too. Delightful interaction.

[tatianapapanicolaou]

That’s Big John! He played with my girls almost every day we were in NYC - easily the one thing we miss most! He’s the most wonderful person to play! Sending tons of love from South Africa!!

[Troutprophet]

I played that guy a long time ago. He stomped me. He’s one of the best players in union square. But she dominated him. Fuckin terrifying. She controlled the pace of the game from beginning to end.

[MrMagyar]

He's obviously a very talented player. She's a GM. He held his own vs a GM. Respect. Also, it's sweet how Anna brags on her mom. She tries so hard to be humble about it, but that sparkle in her eyes when she reveals her chess title couldn't be brighter.

[bshohat]

That's not a hustrler. That's a honest, hardworking S-tier player, facing a Grandmaster who held #1 amongst women.

[leyoarteest]

He lasted that long against a grandmaster? He too, is a beast.

[justinmorgan]

For people to lazy to google 🙂

Pia Ann Rosa-Della Cramling[1] (born 23 April 1963) is a Swedish chess player.

In 1992, she became the fifth woman to earn the FIDE title of Grandmaster (GM). Since the early 1980s, she has been one of the strongest female players in the world as well as having been the highest-rated woman in the FIDE World Rankings on three occasions. She was the clear number-one-rated woman in the January 1984 rating list, and joint number-one-rated woman in the July 1984 list.[2][3]

[christopherarendt]

I don’t understand why you call him a hustler. If anything, bringing your mom and not explaining her background makes you the hustler, no?

[Nighthawkforever]

Once he knew he was outmatched, his entire persona changed into almost appreciation. Like we all know that guy would mop up 95 percent of the planet but here comes GM grandma and he doesn’t get mad but becomes almost happy. Fascinating to watch.

[taltonhall]

The fact that he gave her (a Grand Master) a very good second game speaks to his ability as a chess ♟️ player!

[Calvin]

I love the interaction with Big John. He seems like a good soul. And I love how much you admire your mom and love to talk her up while she likes to kindly deflect her accomplishments because she's so humble. Just all good things in humanity in 1 video. Love it!

[kimcarnevale]

This man is not the hustler here, you are. He seems so wonderful

[David-nsym]

I’m not sure I’d label him as a hustler. He was gentlemanly. I’m sure he was honored on some level.

[TheValuePlug]

"Oh she's a beast!"
He sounded so pleasantly surprised. I bet that's the first time he's been properly challenged in years.

[johnathanhenley]

I love the cordiality of it all. That is the pureness of gamesmanship. I applaud both contenders.

[buccizero]

This has to be one of the most enjoyable videos I've seen on this platform... With truly intelligent comments as well.. Love it all!

[ngatiramona]

He's not a hustler, but a fellow professional. The gentleman was courteous, genuinely impressed and appreciative to play your mum. She even paused a few times, and played another game with him. Respect, on both sides.

[Corso]

Was expecting something totally different based on the title. What a nice dude. You can tell he just loves the game / isn't so overly concerned about winning or losing. Respect.

[anthonyjames]

What a sweetheart he was! That was such a lovely interaction y'all had.

[henry]

I don't play chess, but this was fun to watch. I had no idea that it could be played that fast! I bet Big John was really enjoying the play even though he lost. He probably doesn't encounter "worthy opponents" in his daily playing, you can see that he is enjoying himself, finally playing someone that was a match for his skills, and probably enjoyed it more once he learned she was a GM.