If you missed watching the Marcel Duchamp birthday chess playoff at MoMA last month (above, with Chess Master Susan Polgar), you can get your own game on this summer, starting with an evening of chess at the Noguchi Museum and Garden tomorrow night. Scroll down for info.

Readymade inventor Marcel Duchamp encoded the ultimate Dada strategy when he stated, in 1923, that he was quitting art and devoting himself to playing chess. The artist who championed wordplay, absurdity, and gender-bending self-invention believed that the game, with its daunting, conceptual moves was the ultimate art form. He became a certified Chess Master and co-authored an acclaimed book on end-game strategy. He was also a member of the French National Team, participating in four Chess Olympiads.

Duchamp also carved a number of unique chess sets and later produced a pocket-size set in 1944, which he intended to sell commercially—yet another Readymade, and one that anyone could acquire. However, he ended up making just 150 of these, which are now rarities held mainly in museum collections. A master of deception, in art and in life, he quietly produced around 300 iterations of his Boîte-en-Valise, with each suitcase packed with a miniaturized retrospective of his life’s work, ready-made for exhibition. Above: Duchamp Playing Chess with a Nude (Eve Babitz), Pasadena Art Museum, 1963

Friday, August 7, 4-7pm: Pawn Chess Club at Noguchi Museum

Held as part of the museum's Free First Friday, The Noguchi Museum is partnering with Pawn Chess Club to host drop-in community chess games directly inside the museum galleries and outdoor sculpture garden. The event is free, open to all ages and skill levels, and visitors are welcome to use the provided boards or bring their own. Left: Isamu Noguchi, Chess Table, 1944

The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd, Queens, NY Info

Thursday, August 13, 2026, 7:00pm-midndight: Chess night at Moxy

Indoor casual social play with equipment provided, complimentary baklava from a guest baker while supplies last, and an optional unrated blitz tournament at 9:00 PM (first-come, first-served for 30 players). Tickets at Eventbrite. 

Tuesday, August 18: Chess Lab at Moxy on LES

An adults-only focused session for intermediate players looking to level up their casual game. Registration via Eventbrite

Thursdays, August 13, 20 and 27, 7-11pm: Chess at McCrren Park Brooklyn

Casual, social open-play chess alongside a "Challenger's Corner". Open to all ages and skill levels, tickets/RSVPs at Eventbrite or at the door

Monday, August 31: Adult Beginner Workshop at The Fox and La Fonda, Harlem

Geared specifically toward adult beginners wanting a welcoming introduction to the rules and casual play environment. Tickets at Eventbrite

Wednesdays, 6-10pm: Astoria Chess Club at Bier & Cheese

This is a highly social neighborhood meetup welcoming all skill levels. You can show up casually for friendly matches over drinks, or participate in their occasional low-stakes bar tournaments. Info 

Marcel Duchamp continues through August 22 at MoMA, 11 West 53^rd Street, New York, NY Info