From the North: A619 Chesterfield to Sheffield road at the Little Chef Roundabout take the Baslow / Bakewell road. This is DUNSTON ROAD. After a mile or two at the T junction go right and then immediatly left. Signposted Baslow. The Three Merry Lads is a mile up the road on the RIGHT.
From the South: 100 yards North west of the famous Crooked Spire is the big "Doughnut Roundabout". Its North West exit forks almost immediately. Take the left fork (signposted Barlow and Newbold). Three miles along this road take the left turning signposted Baslow and Cutthorpe.
Click on map above. When Google Maps appears type in :- Chesterfield Chess Club in the address bar.
The Map will appear showing the exact location.
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 Three Merry Lads every Monday 7 30 onwards from September to May. Try us for free for a month or so; after that it's £10 a year membership, £5 concessions.
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. Once we have enough players, maybe we'll go for a C team. 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. One room has no bar; the landlord's OK with accompanied children in the other room too, so long as they're non-chaotic. No club member is CRB 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.
Isn't Cutthorpe a bit far out?
Wait 'til you see the venue: I've known a few and this is a very nice place. 3.6 miles from the centre of Chesterfield, already out in the country. 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 games and analysis. They're already used to games here: there are sets for games like Scrabble and draughts. This and the front bar have a very relaxed lounge or common room sort of feel; big sofas as well as tables and chairs, and books you can take down from the shelves. Downstairs seems to be fully wheelchair accessible.
If you're coming a distance straight from work to a match, they do evening meals, which look a bit special and come in just under £10 a head; they're doing a lunchtime promotion of two for a tenner if you're ever there earlier in the day, maybe figuring out exactly where the pub is. This lunchtime option I've tried and it's very good. For real ale fans, regular beer's Jennings and there's an ever changing choice of three or four other brews. Staff have proved very welcoming: some of us knew and liked this place before thinking of it as a possible venue.
Parking's no problem: big car park and an overspill car park which probably won't be needed on a chess night.