Bangor Chess Club welcome players of all abilities ranging from complete beginners to grandmasters, or even world champions alike. Yes indeed Ding, you are most welcome to join us!
Ages currently range from 16-70, but we have had members as young as 8. With juniors (under 16), we do require a parent or guardian, or other legally responsible adult, to attend meetings with their charge/s (you don’t have to play too – one parent brings his laptop & works in a corner!), to comply with safeguarding legislation.
We have a wide range of abilities within the club, and no-one need feel intimidated. Informal coaching is usually possible – while we’re not big enough to have a formal coaching structure, we have several players who enjoy coaching and helping other players.
Anyone interested in coming along are more than welcome to contact the club secretary Peter Coutts (not a welsh speaker) at (bangorgwyneddchessclub@gmail.com) first.
Please note that we now leave the choice of wearing a mask at the board up to each individual, but ask that you respect the wishes of your opponent if they would like you to wear one (we have some members who are potentially vulnerable).
Meetings are on Monday Evenings from 7:30pm-10:30pm at Bangor University (Room G1, Main Arts Building). Please note that the club only runs during University terms.
Mondays meetings are mostly social chess, but we (Bangor City) also compete (rated games) in the Gwynedd League (against Caernarfon, Bangor University, Colwyn Bay and sometimes Rhyl & Prestatyn).
Some of us also participate in the Gwynedd Individual Championships (5 rounds across the whole season), and weekend congresses at Llandudno and Rhyl (lifts usually available). All competitive chess is entirely optional.
We hope to see you soon!
Peter (in green) vs Barrie Wells on board three, in the game Dinas Bangor vs Colwyn Bay of the Gwynedd League Team Competition on Monday the 29th of November 2023.