Benefits Of Chess

Read some of the research explaining about the mental benefits of chess.
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New To Chess

If you are completely new to chess, or if you are thinking of joining a chess club for the first time, it is sometimes difficult to find a useful starting point, when searching for information on 'chess' or 'chess clubs'.

Here at Brentwood Chess Club, we recognise that you may have a number of initial questions about our Club, or about 'chess' in general. On these pages, we hope to provide a some answers to a few of the questions you may have. Should you have any further questions that are not explicitly answered here, please feel free to contact our Club directly.

Click Here for Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions...

  Question Answer
1. What nights do you meet? We meet on Tuesday Evenings between 7.30pm-11.00pm
2. Where do you meet? We meet at the Brentwood Baptist Church, 91 Kings Road, Brentwood, ESSEX. CM14 4DR
3. Map/Directions? The venue is a short walk from Brentwood Station. By car from the M25 drive to Brentwood High Street at the traffic lights turn right down Kings Road and the Baptist Church is about 1/2 a mile down on the right.
There is a small car park at the venue. Further parking is available on the street or Chatham Way Car Park about 5 min walk from the venue. This is free after 7pm and located off Kings Road.
The club is located upstairs, entrance at the side on Kings Chase, please contact before if the stairs are going to be an issue for disabled access (no lift).
4. How much is it to join the Club? Initially, no charge is levied on visitors to the club. The club offers a significant period of grace to allow vistors the time to decide whether or not they feel suited to the club.

However, the Club does incur a fee for any player who registers to play in league matches and so Club Membership would be required before a vistor is able to play in any 'match' competition.

For 2019/20 Annual Club Subscriptions are as follows (Annual fee before 30th September in brackets):-
Adult Subscription - £45.00 (£35.00)
Junior Subscription (U18) - £22.50 (£17.50)
Family Subscription - £65.00 (£50.00)
FIDE Titled Player (GM,IM,FM) - No charge

To take part in competitions you must be a member of the English Chess Federation (ECF) which you can pay for directly or through the club :-
ECF Membership (Bronze) - £18.00 (Junior: £6.00)

It is also possible to setup a monthly standing order - please ask at the club.
5. Do I need to bring a Set/board? No, Brentwood Chess Club is able to provide all necessary playing equipment.
6. Who should I Contact if I wish to come along? You may simply 'turn up' on the night, However, it is always helpful to know know if a guest is due visit the club. Sending an email to the Club Secretary will help to ensure someone is expecting you on the night.
7. Will the chess club teach me the rules/teach me how to play chess? Having a reasonable understanding of the basic rules of chess is advised before joing any chess club. Club members will generally offer advice to lesser experienced players and within the club there are players of all strengths and ages. For those who are completely new to Chess we recommend that they begin by studying the rules of the game.
8. Is Coaching/Tuition available? At the present time Brentwood Chess Club does not provide any Coaching or Tuition. This may change in the future.
9. Will I be a good enough Standard? Brentwood Chess Club welcomes players of all strengths and ages. In total, the club has five teams and is able to cater for the needs of all players, irrespective of strength. Should they wish, all Club members are afforded the opportunity to play competitive chess.
10. Do I need to know how to use a chess clock? No - Clocks are used in chess to ensure that a particular game is completed within an agreed time limit. They are used in formal match play but are quite simple to operate. A Club Captain will always be available to explain chess clock procedures to new member, prior to a match.