Know the moves but want to get sharper? Coaching at Pontypool is included with membership — a friendly way to raise your game, whatever your starting point.
Our coaching and analysis sessions come as part of club membership — there's no extra charge. Whether you're finding your feet or pushing for a higher rating, there's always something worth working on.
Across the season we work through the four pillars of a stronger game:
We also run analysis evenings where we go over members' recent games together. It's often the fastest way to improve, because the lessons come straight from your own play — your habits, your near-misses, the moment it turned.
As you play, you can gain an official Welsh Chess Union rating — and, when you're ready, go on to represent the club in league chess across the Gwent, Welsh and national competitions.
Improvers and established club players get plenty out of the sessions too. Chess is a game you never finish learning, and there's always a stronger player happy to show you something new.