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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#gmhikaru #chess #chesshustlers

[@greencreature]

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

[@weirdstonk729]

russian paul is around 2200 rated so he is very good

[@peterhans3495]

@@weirdstonk729 I more than 2200 real elo but I'm pretty sure I would've been crushed by hikaru

[@weirdstonk729]

@@peterhans3495 Yes but remember this guy had 5x more time than hikaru, hikaru’s lack of time will have caused him to panic and make some moves that he wouldn't have liked

[@satyamsharma-ng9dq]

@@peterhans3495 I think he means 2200 fide not sure tho

[@peterhans3495]

@@satyamsharma-ng9dq I am referring to fide as well

[@jcel4378]

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.

[@TheMachanga]

The guy had 5x longer time than Hikaru

[@muffemod]

@@TheMachanga You fuckin do it with 5x longer.

[@ssgi4059]

Both perspectives seem right to me.

[@christiansnook9017]

I mean, he could be a super GM if he chose a different path as well. Intellect doesn’t have “a look”.

[@kdiigx]

@@christiansnook9017not really true. Many GMs won’t be “super GMs” No matter how hard they work.

[@playground989]

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.

[@joeb1den114]

TL;DR. Simp on cuck.

[@TimeBinder13]

What was some of the things he taught you ?

[@luisdajer6784]

I was not as into chess as I was at that time. But he showed me how to properly play an opening@@TimeBinder13

[@captainp.2721]

What park is this?

[@XAVargasX0206]

How to get checkmated in 2 moves ​@@TimeBinder13

[@Jackjohnjay]

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

[@rileyguy7168]

It’s annoying

[@lupsik1]

@@rileyguy7168I feel like it fit the intent behind the moves, like he was constantly blocking hikarus punches, Idk i had nothing against some grunting. Maybe thats because im used to sports were people literally yell(Tennis, boulder) so the grunting was extremely tame in comparison

[@gilik1975]

kakkakaka its funny

[@pputnam100]

Remember those studies that show top chess players actually burn an incredible amount of calories during a game. Can you imagine what Nepo burned during that 6 hour game with Magnus?

[@tonybarfridge4369]

That's an odd name: Paul Grunting, or grunting Paul

[@fabz1509]

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!

[@mitic8231]

Idk who call him trash talker but there is nothing wrong with some real trash talking.

[@fabz1509]

@@mitic8231 originally was posted as the trash talker and not Russian Paul.

[@user-ue3kw8qp6z]

He could have won too!

[@Heffey02]

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

[@MickaelEngel]

Love of the content

[@dsrguru]

He grew up just outside of NYC. Probably played Russian Paul a lot as a kid.

[@mateusnogueira]

yah me too

[@Heffey02]

@@MickaelEngel Haha Yeah I'm sure that doesn't hurt either. Although this isn't his channel so idk if he sees any revenue from this vid. Also, he probably doesn't really need the money at this point.

[@stephenmcarthur8490]

I too love it when Hikaru graces small towns like NYC with his presence.

[@timetraveler0002]

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

[@Name-ql7jf]

Way more than a trash talker. This guy is roughly equivalent to a NM or weak IM despite not playing in tournaments. Really remarkable.

[@johnnyblaze9217]

@@Name-ql7jfnm and IM are very far apart chief. The rank goes CM then NM then FM then IM then GM, a im even low rated smashes NMS

[@Name-ql7jf]

@@johnnyblaze9217 Alrighty then, he’s probably in the NM to FM range. Dudes good. Beats players consistently in the low to mid 2000s

[@doctorpanigrahi9975]

Russian Paul is around 2500, so he is a GM

[@thertcll]

​@@doctorpanigrahi9975He's not a GM. You don't just become a GM after reaching 2500. You have to also score three norm tournaments with at least 3 GM's and at least 120 min clock.

[@davidfranklin5426]

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.

[@natt73]

I used to play him and other guys some 15 years ago...2400 for sure. I never won..only couple draws. I am around 2150

[@loum5254]

@@natt73 I played him $5/game once at Union Square. Had no clue who he was. He got his lunch money for the day.

[@jensz9360]

I am a strong 2500 and Russian Paul does play a fast game, but that really is the extent of it is the speed, this is how he gets you. I played him around 5 times already. Once you get him into a real game he wont win against a strong 2200. He is a nice funny guy though and he can trash talk good.

[@failyourwaytothetop]

Russian Paul is an alcoholic

[@doctorpanigrahi9975]

Russian Paul is at least 2500

[@SilkyJohnston24]

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.

[@LloydM-oh4uk]

Someone needs to remind him thats hikaru... he held all the records on ICC back in the day, he even beat Rybka in a game of blitz.

[@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!

[@arislabra3929]

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

[@Ism0Lait3la]

But those games havent been with 5 to 1 time odds

[@unkownboi67is_unavailable62]

@@Ism0Lait3la what are you talking about? Almost every game he plays on coffee chess are 5-1 time odds. Exept if he plays without looking etc etc

[@reginaldcarter536]

IM Rob has. He defeated Hikaru on time

[@arislabra3929]

@@reginaldcarter536 I missed that one. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@painless4785]

@@reginaldcarter536 didnt he knock over the pieces during his turn and hit the clock anyway which is why Hikaru lost on time?

[@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.

[@micheledele]

Can anybody play them for free?

[@8hei]

@@micheledele Anybody can play but it's speed chess with stakes

[@MegaZsword]

@@micheledele They usually ask for $5 dollar donation to play them. It USED to be $3 dollars to the winner but because there’s a big police presence in Union Square they can’t openly endorse gambling. Sometimes you can get them to agree to $3 to the winner but you gotta be low with it 😉

[@lucamalventi]

All other hustlers are 1400-1800 Elo FIDE, okay. But Russian Paul is at most 2200 (blitz).

[@8hei]

@@MegaZsword Is that true? I was just at Union sq a few months ago and the hustlers wanted stakes or they wouldnt play

[@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

[@badjaeaux]

probably one of Bobby Fischer's clones who escaped

[@pemrograman-cepat3393]

Probably, one of secret students of bobby fischer 😊

[@johnprimeau4533]

Beer is his power

[@badjaeaux]

Bb2 trapping the rook he could've won

[@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.

[@robertgelblum5154]

Based on these games, Russian Paul looks like a very strong blitz player - to give Hikaru some competition at 5-1 odds!

[@TheNameOfJesus]

I would argue that Hikaru's opponents are giving Hikaru the time advantage, because Hikaru gets 6 minutes to think while the opponents gets only 5.

[@farzana6676]

​@@TheNameOfJesus Your argument is total BS.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

@@farzana6676 I apologize for not explaining the joke to you.

[@williamfickett177]

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

[@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.

[@acharimasti4831]

What’s ur rating if i may ask?

[@ryankelley2629]

10,000

[@joshuanun4933]

@@ryankelley2629 Wow I can only dream of getting to 10 000 :)

[@lebronjamesharden3958]

@@acharimasti4831 over 9000

[@ryankelley2629]

@@joshuanun4933 you'll get there bro its not even hard

[@yerlibilgin2]

I like that hikaru so much. Can't finish a day without watching at least a couple of his videos. I hope he continues streaming.

[@mados123]

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

[@ighsight]

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

[@brandonthomas4175]

He respected his opponent fairly

[@josephvantuyle9163]

Way more intense than I expected wow 👏 so awesome when everyone gave applause

[@DeathlyGiggles]

I started watching you with your live chess matches against Boston Mike and others. I think it’s some of your best KZbin content! Keep that type of content coming!

[@sean1strozyk]

Man it would be so cool to just stumble upon Hikaru playing street chess like this.

[@farzana6676]

How much money you want for your girl and I'll make it happen.

[@eddierodriguez1314]

Love these types of videos!! Man of the people.

[@brandonhiles5885]

6:10 chaotic bullet scrambles are always fun to watch

[@JoesGreatIdea]

The endgame in the first game was outstanding

[@pemrograman-cepat3393]

It told us that this old guy had higher iq in my opinion

[@route-wo8ri]

Loved the way he played him, he played him like if he was playing his game 😎

[@chauncyquest2779]

One of the better competitors we’ve seen against hikaru. Awesome that hikaru does this, much respect where it’s due.

[@theguy7380]

Hikaru out there on the block in the trenches. Respect that man

[@CodexPermutatio]

This "Russian Paul" is pretty strong! Excellent video, Hikaru. You are uploading gold stuff.

[@dantemarcos1410]

As a street player myself that Paul guy was extremely strong. Hikaru was just Hikaru 😅

[@marcuscaestus3583]

what's the difference between a street player vs a normal player? does a normal player read books and do courses and know notation, while a street player just plays other players real time?

[@lupsik1]

@@marcuscaestus3583No. A street player plays on the street, most often for money. Thats the whole difference

[@dbglorious]

We wanna see more outdoor chess bro.😍

[@tedlis517]

I hope Hikaru gave him at least $100 for monopolizing his hustling time and helping with content.

[@thisaintart]

And hopefully this vid is a free ad for the guy as well 😅

[@breadandcircuses321]

Was shocked when Eval bar dropped Qb3

[@yung_9]

the guy in the hoodie just lighting one up in the park XD

[@Mythbuster69]

its crazy how hikaru found d4 (13:48) the only winning move in literally milliseconds

[@rileyguy7168]

Can someone explain to my 600 elo ass how he auto wins here?

[@Mythbuster69]

@@rileyguy7168 d4 cuts of the bishop from the rook on f2, so now you either lose the rook or you take the rook on g2 and allow pawn to promote

[@liam_flag]

yeah he probably knew that the bishop had to stay on the diagonal at all costs a few moves beforehand and saw he could close it with d4.

[@haywoco2]

@@Mythbuster69 What about Paul's line of attack with the Bishop move prior to Hikaru's Pawn d4? What was he hoping to accomplish?

[@MrBlackhen]

Finally, Boston Mike draw against Hikaru he is improving so much.

[@stefanojkd1605]

Nice One 😁 Anyway we are waiting for that

[@joseperez8774]

Hikaru is a peoples player...a true 🏆.. legendary...one of the best .....// But Paul is strong player.. congrats to him. Brings emotions to the game at the park

[@chessaudiobooks3079]

I used to play with Russian Paul in late 90`s in Washington Sq. He def was SM/IM strength 2300-2400+ at that time i believe. Very strong player. I lost a few dollars getting my "lessons" back in the day.

[@AlexXanderMarketing]

Are these bot comments with everyone chiming in they’ve played with Russian Paul and approximating his rating at 2400 based on a couple of games with him?

[@nunya2076]

​@@AlexXanderMarketingYou're saying someone set up a bot to say that? 😂

[@GCLU]

​@@AlexXanderMarketinghe's popular and a good challenge

[@keytothegate68]

The strongest hustler made a very good use of his bishop

[@gregorymorse8423]

I wonder what ELO Hikaru would estimate for Russian Paul based on those games? Actually he seems like a pretty strong chess player, when he is motivated. I think Hikaru watched the other videos and went soft and was surprised. I guess even hustlers save some prep :)

[@Unknown-jt1jo]

He's probably CM to FM strength.

[@paulpena5040]

@@Unknown-jt1jo It's hard to tell from just blitz but he's a bit stronger then that probably in the 2400 range or better put he plays blitz the way 2400s do (I"m 2200)

[@adrian7468]

​@@paulpena5040 Any tips to get to 1500? I'm stuck at 1400 😢

[@Gilgameshh]

@@adrian7468 git gud

[@adrian7468]

@@Gilgameshh what?

[@shivpratap6512]

That old guy is a fu*k*ng beast

[@nategraham1487]

Watching nakura play with pop smoke in the background is surreal

[@drewishgaminginc.3942]

I would love to play in a setting like this but I'm nowhere near good enough to stand a chance lol

[@christiannunez5990]

felt.

[@dandymcgee]

there are plenty of newer players here too. you don't have to step to the boss on you first game, he has a lot of minions for you to battle.

[@KlingonPrincess]

💜

[@teacherjoeljones3772]

cool games! Thanks for sharing Hikaru.

[@Jackjohnjay]

Really like the blue and white display board over the tan and green. Much easier on the eyes. Also, hikaru, is that the jankiest board you’ve ever played on? 😂

[@nickychimes4719]

Russian Paul is a sickster! That's hikaru that he had in a positionally weaker formation, pawns doubled up, pieces more activated, going into endgame, if he could have been more patient in the first game...

[@williamstokes2312]

First game, simply stop the clock and claim a draw. Years ago I saw GM Susan Polgar neglect to do this vs the rook pawn and she lost to the then US Champ. Great show!

[@matusmarcos]

Russian Paul is a real kick in the balls, that man is really strong, I really like watch his games.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

Hikaru always comes through at the end

[@milkytech2466]

the mini Grey Goose bottle on the table, that's my kind of player!

[@bflippsytrance]

Dude holds his ground, I'm not into trashtalking you see with some which often seems very forced and plastic but don't mind the kung-fu action of this legend playing endgame.. :)

[@dannylaw7367]

A brilliant game by two masters.

[@eadamic17]

The grunting while moving the pieces makes me laugh so hard

[@jackblad4047]

i feel bad for the guy in the background just tryna play a game with someone

[@914Rocky]

Stunned that Hikaru didn’t win that first game. He looked way up.

[@carsten-giese]

At 4:41 it was so close - Qd6 and Qd4 and the A-Pawn can run because of the back rank mate.

[@mediamannaman]

Not sure if I counted right as fast as they played, but looked like Hikaru was up 7 at one point before the challenger closed in at the end. Maybe his grunting threw Hikaru off! 😂

[@valentinjaeger2201]

Tjay in background goes crazy

[@TheCagedLion]

Wow thats impressive, he had hikaru on the ropes !

[@DonTrump-sv1si]

That was Monica Seles level grunting there.

[@machinelike]

No.1 bullet vs No.1 street hustler. Great entertainment.

[@8kw7mx9]

Hahahah 1:38 Hikaru's got that uncle laugh

[@EssenceOfKapok]

Hikaru can't slip under the radar like Pia Cramling did. Everyone recognizes him

[@asumamonsta]

Pia would probably lose at blitz against russian paul

[@KlingonPrincess]

Unless he's wearing the can 😁

[@teeed7927]

"hikaru vs trash talker" doesn't do this player justice - very strong play for chess in the park

[@soakedbearrd]

Yeah put some respek on his name, Russian Paul. 😂. NYC legend.

[@anfalnemo]

Bravissimo! Well done Vidit! From Italy lot of admiration 4 u and Vaishali!

[@Rocharlzzz]

This guy is really strong. Wow.

[@el6285]

Hikaru in my hometown nyc.??.. nice!

[@niltonromeu9173]

Amazing, we never saw this before. Hikaru in normal tshirt.

[@bretthufnagle9726]

While that was fun to watch, it would be nice to not randomly arrive at a position in the middle of the game, and being able to see the clocks would be nice too!

[@blamtasticful]

Is it just me or did all these games seem way more interesting then we normally see? These lines were interesting.

[@davidmbonu9089]

Russian Paul gives me 2400 USCF vibes when I play him (I'm around 2200 USCF for reference). He's truly a New York legend. He was literally talking trash in Game 1 lmao and didn't lose.

[@eclipse1161]

That’s definitely the strongest street player I’ve seen.

[@Elfutbol59]

he actually got two draws vs hikaru

[@benzinc]

Big props to Hikaru for wasting his time on this guy.

[@dongziwu636]

I like that one guy always saying anybody can play: anybody can play, just not as good as hikaru :)

[@steveyankou4144]

Paul has destroyed me a few times. t's heartening to see him nearly beat a super GM, even with the clock advantage.

[@Sifo_Dyas]

Didn't Paul win the last game?

[@userac-xpg]

@@Sifo_Dyas no he resigned because he was crushed by hikaru's last move.

[@Sifo_Dyas]

@@userac-xpg I'll have to re-watch. Thanks.

[@natt73]

Paul is the man. Not surprised by his performance here.

[@Aj-of9my]

0:34 "yeah yeah" - randy marsh (lorde)

[@TheQuickunderstander]

Hikaru is a BEAST 🔥🔥🔥

[@SigmundFreud187]

👊👽👊 THAT BAG ON THE TABLE HE GOT THAT AT TARGET.

[@scottm8579]

Came close to mating Hikaru in the first game. But time ran out. Impressive for a NY street player no one heard of.

[@h1a8]

He's a great trash talker lol

[@heavymetalrox268]

Hikaru is the Top G of chess, that d4 move at 14:26 is such a power move, and to think he thinks of it in milli seconds around a noisy crowd. Truly the goat.

[@allthings5757]

Hikaru roasted him in one picture 🖼️

[@REASONvsRANDOM]

Town square NPC in the background “Come on over guys”

[@kylemendezrivas3271]

Eres grande maestro nunca cambies❤

[@GoldenWill]

Even with 5 to 1...the granppaa is stroooooong

[@habibimemes]

I play people like that guy. Best move is to not talk to them while you are playing the game because he has rhe advantage of knowing what you are thinking

[@zjayt]

love these

[@pputnam100]

God, must be wild playing one of the top 3 players in the freakin world!! Wow....

[@Nobody-df4is]

Those balck peices. Thy're purple and blue! 🤣

[@spikerzombie]

2:13 bishop to h4 then knight onto the pawn under his queen

[@corkystorky]

0:16 I've read 'Hikaru vs Trash Talker', then later 'Hikaru vs Trash' hahaha

[@JSARogers]

@gmhikaru Russian Paul is not a hustler. He’s a wise human being who has taught young and old the game of chess.

[@ptrblz]

He played well, the russian guy, I like when the credit is given when it's earned. Hikaru was having trouble with the time odds, it means the russian guy was stronger than Hikaru thought he'll be.

[@DaaimShabazz]

He's known Russian Paul for decades.

[@IDKLOL-vw9yy]

you cant even trashtalk hikaru if ur 5-1 odds

[@the_REAL_Pearl_]

Damn those were some great games!

[@chrisbueno3311]

Hopefully one day Hikaru will visit the Hawaii chess scene when he’s visiting

[@dimkadimon]

This dude is strong. Is this the biggest street challenge Hikaru had?