To find a local chess club, search online for "chess club near me", check your national chess federation's website, and ask at your local library or community centre. Clubs are often more welcoming than people expect, and most are happy for a returning player to turn up and have a casual game. Here's how to find one and what to expect.
This is part of our complete guide to returning to chess after decades away.
Where to look
- Search online. Try "chess club near me" and add your town
- Your national federation. Most national chess federations list clubs on their websites. The English Chess Federation and US Chess both do
- Libraries, community centres, and cafes. Many host an informal chess afternoon or evening
- Local groups. Community notice boards, social media groups for your area, and meet-up sites often list chess gatherings
- Retirement and social groups. Some run their own chess sessions
- Ask a friend or neighbour. Someone you know may already go
Casual vs competitive clubs
Clubs vary a lot. Some are relaxed meet-ups with a few boards and a pot of tea. Others enter teams into leagues. Both are fine. If you want to start gently, look for words like "social", "casual", "all levels", or "beginners welcome". You can ask the organiser before you go.
Before you go
- Contact the club first if you can, to confirm the time and place and ask if they welcome newcomers
- Ask whether you need to bring a set and clock. Many clubs provide them
- Check if there's a small fee or table money
- Refresh the rules and have a couple of practice games first. See the rules you've probably forgotten
What to expect when you turn up
- A warm welcome. Most clubs are keen to see new faces
- A handshake before and after. It's the polite way to start and end a game
- Quiet concentration. People talk less during games, so keep chat for after
- Touch move. If you touch a piece, you must move it, unless it has no legal move. Move carefully
- Clocks. Some games use a chess clock. If you're not used to one, say so and ask for a slower setting. See Rapid, Blitz, Bullet, and Daily explained
- Ratings are optional. You don't need one to join, and you can usually play casual games
- Write down moves. In league games you may be asked to record your moves, but casual games rarely require it
If you're nervous
That's normal, and everyone has been the new person. A few things help:
- Remember you're there for fun. Nobody is judging you
- Tell the organiser you're returning after many years. They'll usually pair you with someone suitably friendly
- Go with a friend, or visit once just to watch
- Play some games online first to shake off the rust. See how to set up your first account
Win or lose, say thank you
"Good game" goes a long way. Losing is part of it, and early games are for remembering, not for winning.
No club nearby?
There are plenty of ways to find company without one. You can play friends or family over a real board, or play online. See Lichess vs Chess.com for returning players and can you play chess without a computer?
Get match-ready first
Back To Chess: The 30-Day Comeback Plan eases you from your first game back to playing real people in Week 4, so you arrive at the club confident and warmed up. It's £3.47, with no subscription and no pressure.
Or take the free Chess Openings Quiz to find an opening to try at the club.
