Welcome to Tunbridge Wells Chess Club

Whether you are an experienced player, returning to chess after a break, or looking for your first opportunity to play over the board, you’ll find a warm welcome at Tunbridge Wells Chess Club.

Our club nights

We meet every Monday evening during the season, which runs from September to the end of June. The date of the next club night is at the top of every page on this site — and if that date has passed, tell us, because it means something here needs fixing.

Our home is:

Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club 40 London Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1DL

Play usually begins at 7.30pm and continues until around 10.30pm. We do not meet on bank holiday Mondays or over the school half-terms and Christmas — the Events page lists every Monday we are closed this season, so you can check before setting out.

Players of all standards are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced competitors. The club provides boards, sets and clocks, so you only need to bring yourself.

Thinking of joining?

New visitors are welcome to come along for a free introductory visit. There is no need to arrange a game in advance: introduce yourself when you arrive and we will help you find an opponent.

Membership costs £80 for adults and £40 for juniors (under 18), with an option to pay in two instalments. See our Join Us page or contact us if you have any questions.

Last season’s highlights

The 2025/26 season was an enjoyable and eventful one at the club:

• Our seven-round, ECF-rated Club Championship brought players together for monthly long-play games from October to May.
• We introduced a Quickplay Time-Handicap competition, creating entertaining contests between players of different strengths.
• Members enjoyed casual games, analysis and friendly competition throughout the season. You can catch up with announcements and results on our News page.
• Tunbridge Wells welcomed a five-round FIDE Congress at our London Road venue in June.

Details of this season’s Club Championship, quickplay and other events are published on the Events page and in the news as the club confirms them.

What you can play at the club

Club Championship Our main long-play competition, with games submitted for English Chess Federation rating.

Quickplay Faster games using time handicaps to give players of different ratings an interesting challenge.

Friendly and league matches Opportunities to represent the club and meet players from elsewhere in Kent.

Casual chess Relaxed games for anyone who simply wants to play, practise or improve.

Chess near you

Our members come from Tunbridge Wells and surrounding communities including Southborough, Pembury, Hildenborough, Paddock Wood and Wadhurst.

• Explore our Chess in the Area guide.
• Based in Tonbridge? See Tonbridge: Where to Play.
• Looking further afield? Explore Chess in Kent.

Keep up to date

Check our News page for club announcements, competition details, results and events.

Prefer it by email? Subscribe to our newsletter — results and what’s on, roughly monthly. You don’t need to be a member.

Whether you have been playing for forty years or have never started a clock, we look forward to welcoming you over the board.