News

18 juniors came along today, bravely facing the rainy weather and thoroughly enjoying a fun and engaging session of chess. Despite the damp conditions, their enthusiasm for the game was evident as they gathered to play and learn together. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos during the first session, far too busy! A warm welcome to our new and experienced 15-year-old player Jack, who, together with Kieran, faced some truly challenging and exciting games against Read more

As we continue to welcome new faces, most of whom are beginners just starting their chess journey, I’ve decided to run a short series of tactics designed to benefit everyone involved. This series will be of basic ideas to cover various strategies that are helpful for all skill levels. The Point of a Pin What is a Pin? The Pin is a powerful tactic because it restricts your opponent’s options, and it can also allow Read more

An all-time record of 21 juniors showed up today, which is absolutely amazing, but I definitely need a lie down and rest after such an energetic morning! A very warm welcome to our newest members Oscar, Jack, Monty, and Chester. It’s truly wonderful to have you all join us and become part of the club. We are also delighted to see Austin and Arthur making a return visit; it’s great to have familiar faces back Read more

We found ourselves in quite different surroundings today, as our usual room was not available for us. As a result, we settled in among the steady stream of daily library visitors, who appeared to be genuinely intrigued by everything we were doing and showed a keen interest in our activities. A remarkable group of 17 enthusiastic juniors joined us as we kicked off the latest Ladder competition. Both Jon and myself personally provided one-to-one tuition Read more

It was great to see a total of 16 enthusiastic youngsters fully engaged and thoroughly enjoying a Saturday session of Chess, marking the very first event of the year for our club. The energy and excitement they brought to the room made it a memorable and inspiring day for everyone involved. A very warm welcome to all our returning members, whose continued support means so much to us. We are also excited to extend a Read more

Simple rules to improve your chess Rule A Activate and advance your central pawns, by pushing these pawns forward you control the all important centre and help to free your Bishops. Don’t be tempted to push ‘flank’ pawns (those on files a,b, g and h) allowing your opponent to control the centre of the board. Rule B Bishops and Knights need to be deployed as quickly as possible, avoid moving the same piece twice until you are Read more

Due to a double booking at the Social club, this event has been cancelled for now, hopefully a new date will be advised in a month or so. POOLE CHESS CLUB BEGINNERS TOURNAMENT – 12TH JANUARY 2026 On Monday 12th January Poole Chess Club is running a Beginners tournament which will start at 7pm. Anyone without a September grade is eligible to play, as is anyone graded under 1400 in the September grades. Money is being Read more

I sincerely hope that each and every one of you had a truly enjoyable and memorable Christmas. As we move forward, I am excited and optimistic about the opportunities and good times that this New Year will bring to all of us. Now is the traditional time of year when people make their New Year’s resolutions, setting goals and intentions for the months ahead. With that thought in mind, let me suggest just one meaningful Read more

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to each and every one of you! I truly hope that you are all feeling joyful and satisfied with the wonderful gifts that Father Christmas brought to you this year! When you are bored with you’re presents, take a look at this puzzle:- White to play and mate in 2

POOLE CHESS CLUB BEGINNERS TOURNAMENT – 12TH JANUARY 2026 On Monday 12th January Poole Chess Club is running a Beginners tournament which will start at 7pm. Anyone without a September grade is eligible to play, as is anyone graded under 1400 in the September grades. Money is being raised for the mental health charity Dorset Mind to highlight both the benefits of chess for mental health but also the importance of mental health awareness within our Read more