Thinking of coming along? You'll be very welcome. There's no need to book, no need to be a member, and no need to be any good — just turn up on a club night and we'll take it from there.
Our club night is every Wednesdays from 7:15pm at Sebastopol Social Club, or Mondays from 7:15pm at The Star Inn, Old Abergavenny Rd, Pontypool NP4 0JF . Come along whenever suits — you don't need to tell us in advance, and your first visit is free, so you can see whether the club is for you before committing to anything.
Sets, boards and clocks are all provided. Bring yourself — and maybe your reading glasses. That really is it.
If you've never played, or only played at school a long time ago, just say so when you arrive. We'll pair you with one of our experienced members who'll happily walk you through the rules over a friendly game. Nobody gets thrown in at the deep end.
Walk in and ask for the chess club — someone will make you welcome, introduce you around, and get you a game at roughly your level. Expect a relaxed, friendly evening: some serious games, some casual ones, and plenty of people happy to talk chess.
We also meet informally every Mondays at The Star Inn, Old Abergavenny Rd, Pontypool NP4 0JF, Mamhilad, from 7:15pm — a relaxed game over a pint, and an easy way to get your first game in without the club-night bustle.
Younger players are welcome too. If you're thinking of bringing a child along, please get in touch first so we can talk you through our arrangements for junior players and our safeguarding policy before you visit.