Frequently asked questions

We're active in competitions run by the Merseyside Chess Association. This sees us play matches as a team against other clubs from across the region, with between 5-7 players on each team. These are played under quiet conditions, at classical time controls (typically lasting 2-3 hours) and games are rated by the English Chess Federation.

Casual chess, by contrast, is exactly that - just turn up and play a few games of chess. You're likely to find people comparing tasting notes on the guest IPAs or bemoaning the football results alongside the post match analysis.

Coming along for casual chess is completely free, although we do encourage members and guests to use the bar in return for their hospitality.

Members who play in the leagues pay a small annual subscription of £25 for the 2026-7 season to cover our expenses such as competition entry fees.

Children are welcome to attend, but we do ask that a parent or guardian accompanies them. As the club is based in licensed premises and runs until late in the evening, the children's chess club in Crosby library after school might be a more suitable alternative for many.

An adult's chess club is also in operation on Monday afternoons.

Not at all. We've welcomed players rated 200 on chess.com, an International Master with a peak FIDE rating of over 2400, and everything in between.