Welcome to BAL Chess
2025\26 season
The Bankers Athletic League
is a New York City recreational chess league. We play chess using a team format, on alternate Thursday
evenings from October through May. After the play-off finals in June, trophies are awarded to teams and individuals at a league dinner
in September. We meet in late September\early October to formalize the teams and rules for the new season.
Contact Us if you have a team which would like to join our league.
powered by Surfing Waves
|
|
|
Watch live 5-minute chess with commentary by a high-rated player. |
Want a game? |
 |
Join us for exciting Chess Thursday nights in the BAL |
In Memoriam:
|
 |
|
 |
3/9/1943 - 1/17/2008
- Attained IM rank and won the U.S. Championship at age 14
- Attained Grandmaster rank at age 15
- Eight-Time U.S. Champion (including an 11-0 score in 1963-64)
- Won the quarter-final and semi-final matches for the world championship by scores of 6-0
- Eleventh World Chess Champion, 1972-75
- Lifetime Tournament and Match Score: +439 -88 =250 (72.6%)
Who was better?
Some information and games here.