Hikaru vs Strongest NYC Hustler 'Russian Paul' 5-1 Time Odds

Hikaru plays Russian Paul with 5-1 Time Odds in New York City in May 2023

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[greencreature]

Even with crazy time odds, getting 2 draws off Hikaru is impressive. I've seen Hikaru give those odds to IMs.

[playground]

I'm just realizing now that I played a game with Russian Paul one day in late October. It was late and the sun had already set when I was passing through the park. Russian Paul was sitting there by himself at a table, waiting for an opponent. I was in a rush to get to Penn Station but I couldn't help myself and stopped to talk to him. He told me I can play a game with him for $5, and I said that I wasn't that great. He said don't worry about it and I sat down and we played one game and he basically was teaching me and giving me pointers throughout the whole match. Very cool guy. I had no idea at the time that this was him, but I distinctly remember his accent and his mannerisms.

[jcel]

Hikaru is not only a GM, but considered a Super GM. The fact that this "NYC Hustler" was able to draw with the likes of Hikaru, the feat is beyond impressive.

[Jackjohnjay]

I like Paul grunting with every move at the endgame like he’s in an actual physical fight

[davidfranklin]

I’ve played Russian Paul at least 100 times over the years. I’m around 2200 USCF blitz. Generally he gives me time odds (maybe 3 minutes to 2) and still finishes slightly ahead of me. So at his peak I’d put him at 2350-2400. His game has declined a bit with age, however.

[Heffey]

I respect so much that Hikaru goes and plays in cities like this. It’s truly for the love of the game.

[fabz]

I think he deserves far more respect than calling him "trash talker". Many wouldn't be able to compete even at these odds. This guy drew 2 times against a player of Hikarus' caliber!

[timetraveler]

dude forgot he was a trash talker for a second when hikaru complemented him

[MegaZsword]

Yeah Russian Paul is easily the best player in Union Square. I go there often and played all the hustlers at least 5 times. All the other hustlers are about 1400-1800 rating strength while I believe Paul is an IM.

[SilkyJohnston]

I loved that 2 seconds in he said he wants to beat him with even odds and Hikaru just tells him that’s not gonna happen lmaooo didn’t even give him a chance.

[mados]

@2:58 - in the background, "I learned all my bad moves from Nakamura." 🤣

[AJD...]

I love these public chess videos. They're SO much better than online chess. You talk to your opponent, you see their and audience's reactions. It's amazing, the atmosphere chess creates!

[tutortutor]

Game 1, why the Eval bar tipped in Russian Paul's favour (-1.5) at 4 :38 is because had Paul played Qd6 instead of Qb3 Hikaru's position would have been lost if he had exchanged Queens and weakened and compromised with any other permutation.

[williamfickett]

Hikaru, such a down to earth guy for such a brilliant player. Always glad to see him play with everyone.

[arislabra]

I think no one in coffee chess has ever given Hikaru this much resistance!? So fun to watch! 👍

[badjaeaux]

this guy in his age, condition, and beer, managed to draw one of the world's deadliest blitz player in history, imagine if he was 20 and had some solid training

[GCLU]

I've played against Russian Paul a few times. Very strong player. He usually wins but I'll take a few occasionally. He doesn't play comp but I presume he's 2200-2300 or so.

[supmx]

@ 1:01 the dude in the bulls jersey is the same guy that anna cramlings mom played 3 years ago, crazy how he is in the background of this video

[themomorain]

Despite all the trash talk form this guy he actually played really well. That was impressive :)

[ighsight]

Class on the board isn't just about the moves, it's about how you treat your opponents. Respect.