Chess anyone?

I've always considered myself kind of a whiz at games. I rock at the solitaire, dominate at rummy and smoke people at Monopoly. So it was only natural that I felt like I needed to progress to something a little more intellectual and thought-provoking.

So I decided to head over to Prospect Park to try my luck against the locals who congregate just inside the Lincoln Rd./Ocean Ave. entrance.

I'd seen a number of people setting up shop with antique chess piece sets, and they always looked like they were into it and having fun.

There were a number of games going on so I found one of the empty tables and pretended like I was studying the board and preparing for someone to challenge me.

Lo and behold, an older gentleman sat down with a basic set of pieces and asked if I was interested in playing a game. He looked like he could barely carry the set of pieces, let alone formulate a definitive plan for winning, so I gladly accepted his challenge.

The next thing I remember, I woke up in a gutter with no money and missing a shoe. Well, that's a little of an exaggeration, but that's how bad I was mugged by this little old man who evidently spawned Bobby Fischer.

Needless to say, I went home with my tail between my legs and immediately looked up how to cheat at chess on Google. You better watch out old man, next time I'm in Prospect Park I'm going to track you down and I'm going to win (even if I have to have Gary Kasparov sit in for me).