A visit gives you the chance to see whether the club suits you and gives us the chance to make sure we can give you a proper welcome and the chess you're looking for.
Chess at the club
We're a competitive club. Club nights and league matches assume you already know the rules and are comfortable playing a full game with a clock.
New players are always welcome to come and visit us, and we're happy to point you in the right direction so you get the most out of joining the club.
If you're just starting out
Learning the game is genuinely worth doing first, and it costs nothing: Chess.com, Lichess and ChessKid (for younger players) will all get you playing regular games. Come back to us once you've some games behind you — you'll get far more from the club, and you'd be welcome to get in touch again then.
How joining works
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Tell us about yourself
Fill in the enquiry form. It takes a couple of minutes and asks only who you are, whether you're asking for yourself or for your child, and roughly how much chess you've played. You'll get an email straight away confirming we have it.
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Let's talk chess
We'll review your enquiry and get in touch. This gives us a chance to learn a little more about your chess experience and what you're looking for from the club. Please note that our junior programme is aimed at players who already know the rules and are comfortable playing a complete timed game.
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Visit the club as our guest
If a visit is arranged, your first evening is free and without obligation. Come along, play some chess, meet our members and coaches, and get a feel for the club. It's the best way to see whether Watford feels right for you. Visits are by prior arrangement only.
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Membership application
If you'd like to join after your visit, you can apply for a suitable membership tier. Members can attend club nights regularly and, where appropriate, represent the club in league and competition play. Applications for memberships are confirmed by the club committee and you will receive a registration link - rates are on the fee table.
Junior places
Our junior programme is an English Chess Federation Centre of Excellence, and what limits it is coaching capacity rather than enthusiasm. We keep the ratio of coaches to young players where it needs to be, which means junior places are limited and there is sometimes a waiting list.
Adult places are more readily available.
A note on ratings
You don't need English Chess Federation membership to visit or to play socially on a club night. You will however need it before playing in ECF-rated games, which covers most of our league chess.
Most players opt for Bronze for county and league chess, or Gold if they also compete in congresses. You can sign up for a free 1st year membership with the English Chess Federation if you are a new junior, student, or eligible participant.
Ready to start?
Send us an enquiry and we'll take it from there. We aim to reply within a few days, learn a little about your chess experience, and arrange the next steps.
If you'd rather write to us directly, inquiries@watfordchessclub.org reaches the same people. The form is quicker, and it means your enquiry can't be missed.
Once you have been accepted
The committee confirms your membership you will receive a registration link by email including payment details.