Chess is a game of wits, wills, and determination. It is also a very sociable game and has resulted in the set up of a chess club here and there. With the advent of computer science, the game of chess quickly moved into the realm of computer-generated strategy, with players attempting to outsmart artificial intelligence. However, nothing beats a good game of chess with other like-minded enthusiasts in a communal setting like Brighton.
Thankfully, Brighton and Hove have a small yet vibrant selection of community chess clubs where players can hang out, play a game or two of chess, and catch up, proving chess clubs aren’t as clandestine in nature as you may think. Here are the best clubs that Brighton and Hove have to offer.
Brighton and Hove Chess Club
Brighton chess clubs have a long and rich history. The first recorded chess club in Brighton was founded in the 1840s, and its members were afforded the luxury of playing chess out of the Royal Pavilion‘s south lobby. The grand, palatial surroundings of the Pavilion became a mainstay for the Brighton and Hove Chess Club until the Second World War.
Nowadays, the club can be found operating out of Ralli Hall in Hove. The club’s somewhat itinerant nature means that finding a new home for meetups is an integral component of its history, and as such the club will be moving in July 2023 to its new home at The Queen’s Hotel on King’s Road. Venues may come and go, but the Brighton and Hove Chess Club is here to stay.
The club meets every Monday from 7-11 pm, and more information on how to join can be found on their website.
Address: Sandringham Suite, The Queen’s Hotel, King’s Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1NS
Avenue Bridge Club
Established in 1951, The Avenue Bridge Club, situated in Hove, is the perfect place for aspiring chess masters to hone their skills in an encouraging and competitive environment. The club is an ambitious yet welcoming place where beginners can seek tutelage from their seasoned members and aspire to rise up the ranks with an eye to competing in various tournaments and competitions.
The club has a busy calendar of events with Pairs evenings operating on both Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Check their website for more information on how to join and what events the club is hosting.
Address: Avenue Bridge Club, The Sussex, 17 St Catherines Terrace, Hove, Brighton and Hove, BN3 2RH
Brighton Pub Chess
Away from the more studious surroundings of the more established chess clubs in Brighton and Hove, this friendly meet-and-greet club has been set up with an emphasis on the laid-back elements of playing chess. With such a wealth of pubs in Brighton and Hove, sitting back with a pint and a casual game of chess sounds like the perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening.
Unsurprisingly, the location for the meetups changes from week to week, but the friendly atmosphere remains unchanged. Whether you are an established veteran of the game or a complete rookie, the Brighton Pub Chess Club is a great place to meet like-minded strategists in a vibrant setting.
Brighton Pub Chess takes place every Tuesday evening at 6 pm. The club encourages members to bring their own chess set to the meetups.
Address: Changes weekly
Brighton Chess and Lego Club
Learning chess from a young age is a great way to learn strategy and make some new friends. The Brighton Chess and Lego Club was founded in 2022 to cater for young minds interested in the two games.
Weekly sessions are organised for children between the ages of 6-12, and signups can be made through the club’s website.
Address: Cornerstone Community Centre, Church Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN3 2FL
