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.

Summer update: club nights return on 7 September

The club is currently taking its summer break. Our regular Monday club nights will resume on Monday 7 September 2026.

Looking for a game before then? Lemons Bar has your Monday-night chess fix covered, with informal chess every Monday evening from 5.00pm to 9.00pm.

Find out more about Monday chess at Lemons Bar

Our regular club nights

From 7 September, we meet every Monday evening at:

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

Play usually begins at 7.30pm and continues until around 11.00pm.

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 details for the new season will be published before club nights resume. Please see our Join Us page or contact us if you have any questions.

Highlights of our 2025/26 season

It has been another enjoyable and eventful season 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.

We’ll publish details of the 2026/27 Club Championship, quickplay and other events after the summer break.

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.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the board on Monday 7 September.

Welcome to Tunbridge Wells Chess Club