Chess players
Andrew Cromartie, 26, of Stamford, Conn., is reflected in the sunglasses of playing partner Charles Dungey, 41, at the chess park near the Santa Monica Pier. Cromartie, who has been playing for about five years, is in the area on a business trip and tries to get to the chess park a few times each week. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Mark Rosenberg, 58, center, watches a game between David Hutcherson, left, and Eric Becker, 14, from Philadelphia at the chess park near the Santa Monica Pier. Rosenberg designed the park in 1990 and it was built in 2000, with 64 boards to play on. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
A crowd of chess enthusiasts and passersby gather around a busy table at the chess park. With 64 boards to play on, the park attracts beginners and competitive players and from all walks of life. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Jasmine Moya and her son Jonathan, 12, of Los Angeles, play a game at the chess park. The Moyas learned to play from Jasmine’s brother; she’s been playing for a few weeks, her son has been playing for about a year. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)