Pontypool Chess Club has been one of the most popular chess clubs in the Gwent area for decades. We meet every week for casual and league games. Members play in teams that play in a variety of Chess Leagues, locally and nationally.
You don't need to be any good, and you don't need to bring anything but yourself. Sets, boards, clocks and a warm welcome are all provided. Beginners get coaching, improvers get a game that stretches them, and league players get serious competition.
Come and play →Three ways into the club — pick the one that sounds like you.
Never played before? Come along on a club night and we'll take you through the basics. We'll pair you up with one of our experienced players, who will happily guide you through the key rules of the game
Your first visit →Know the moves but want to understand more about the phases of the game? With our coaching sessions, all included with the membership fee, our analysis nights will help you to improve by covering openings, middle game plans and tactics and endgames. You can then look forward to obtaining an official WCU chess rating.
Coaching & improvement →Want competitive chess? Our teams play in the Gwent Chess Leagues, both Classical chess and Quick Play chess. We also play in Welsh and National Chess leagues such as the Welsh Premier League and the 4 Nations Chess League. Senior players from the club, aged over 50, play in the World and European Team events every year.
Teams & leagues →Pulled straight from the league system — no manual updating, always current.
What's been happening around the board.
No membership needed for your first visit — just turn up. If you like it, joining is simple and the annual fee is a bargain for a season of chess.
Mondays at The Star for free informal coaching and friendly games.
Wednesdays at Sebastopol Social C,ub for coaching and league chess.