VISITORS PAGE
We're keen to welcome anyone who knows and likes the game, and can find friendly opponents, or serious competition, for players of most standards. We meet at The
The Red Lion at Brimington near Chesterfield every Thursday 7.30pm onwards from September to May. Try us free for a month or so; after that it’s £10 a year.
The Red Lion is situated on Hall Road near the junction of Manor Rd, on the ‘one way
system’.
Free parking anywhere after 6.00pm. Small car park on the island behind St Michael
Church.
If you're already a member of another club you're very welcome to stop by for a friendly game. No charge, glad to see you and no attempt to poach you from your regular team for the Chesterfield crowd! Before coming - maybe check the fixtures to be sure there's not a big match on, especially if you fancy a friendly against specifically our A or B team players. Any help drinking the beer/lemonade and so keeping the landlord happy would be especially welcome. This can also be done by non-players, so I'm told.
Back to prospective new members, FAQ.
How good do I have to be to join?
"Anyone who knows and likes the game". We don't teach the moves, but we're not all strong players by any means. Friendly advice given to anyone who wants to improve.
How do I get on the team?
B team's a friendly outfit and anyone gets a shot. We now run a C team too. Chesterfield A is by competition: the boards are offered initially in order of grading, or, until you get a grading, by playing the existing people and wiping one or other of us out. Plenty in Sheffield and Derbyshire will tell you that's none too hard.
Of course, on any club night when there's a match there's also the chance for friendly social chess for those not playing in the match. This is also the best chance for the stronger players to offer a bit of informal teaching.
Is there any lower age limit?
No, so long as you're there for the chess and, like nearly all keen chess playing young people, can cope with the relaxed and civilised let's-not-bother-to-swing-from-the-rafters atmosphere of a club. The landlord's OK with accompanied children, so long as they're non-chaotic. No club member is DBS checked specifically for the chess club (though some are in our day jobs as teachers, care workers etc) and parents are very welcome to stay. It's a quiet, friendly pub with plenty to do beyond chess.
Wait 'till you see the venue: I've known a few and this is a very nice place. If you have a car there is parking at the centre of the round about. If you don't have a car, get there somehow a couple of times and we've always had people happy to give lifts. When you get there, we have a large upstairs room to ourselves; downstairs there's a rear bar for friendly bar staff. Downstairs seems to be fully wheelchair accessible.
For real ale fans, regular beers and there's an ever changing choice of three or four other brews. Staff have proved very welcoming.
