Newcomers

You can find new starter guides here:

Essential Guide

OTB Playing Guide

Please download these guides
and have a read!

Once you have had a read, please
feel free to get in touch.

Juniors

For juniors, please refer to the following
local club, that runs a very active
and thriving juniors group:

Swindon ChessMax GoogleSite

Why choose Swindon Chess Club?

Swindon Chess Club is one of the largest chess clubs in Wiltshire. We play both friendly and rated games throughout the year at two superb venues.  We are a friendly crowd of mixed abilities.

We are also affiliated to the Wiltshire County Chess Association (WCCA) and the English Chess Federation (ECF).

Please feel free to contact us if you are considering joining - we will be glad to help and answer any questions you may have.

Why Play Chess?

Chess is a game unaffected by chance.  Unlike card or dice games, it involves no randomness - every move and every outcome, lies entirely within the player's control.

As a battle of intellect, chess offers a level playing field.  It is a game for competitors of all ages, sexes and physical abilities, relying solely on mental acuity rather than physical prowess.

Originating in India around 600 AD, chess evolved from ancient war game tactics and strategy.  Over the centuries, it has been refined, globally standardised and deeply analysed by both humans and computers, yet it remains unsolved.  Although the number of possible games is finite, they exceed the number of atoms in the known universe.

More than a pastime, chess is a workout for the brain.  It can be a useful exercise for helping to sharpen memory, enhance concentration and strengthen internal visualization, making it not just a game but a tool for cognitive health.