Welcome to the University of Bath Chess Society!
Welcome to the University of Bath Chess Society, winner of the SU Best Regular Activity 2023/24! Whether you're a novice looking to learn or a seasoned player, Chess Society is the perfect place to sharpen your skills and share your passion for this centuries-old game. Everyone is welcome! Whether you just fancy a quiet game with a friend, the hair-raising excitement of blitz chess, or a competitive challenge with our tournament sessions! We can cater to all abilities and interests and are happy to teach new players or offer advice to players who would like to improve their game.
Chess Tournaments:
Beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions!
Our tournament sessions are open to members of all skill levels and backgrounds. These events offer a thrilling opportunity to put your strategic prowess to the test and engage in spirited competition. What sets our tournaments apart is our unique league system, where participants earn points throughout the semester, leading to exciting prizes at the end of term and to a Spring Cup at the end of the year! These sessions are our biggest and most exciting events, consistently drawing the largest attendance. We use a Swiss-style pairing system. This ensures that everyone gets ample opportunities to play, facing off against opponents of similar skill levels.
Join us and let your competitive spirit shine!
Spring Cup:
The Spring Cup is our end-of-year tournament where we crown a yearly Champion! The top 3 from each year are posted below.
2024:
1st: James Golding
2nd: Matthew Dishman
3rd: Lucy Buckley
Chess Training Sessions:
Our training sessions represent our commitment to learning and improvement. These are interactive sessions where any member can step up and share their expertise on a specific chess opening or concept. Open to everyone, our training sessions provide a unique opportunity to expand your chess knowledge and improve your game. The topics of these sessions are chosen based on interests and preferences of the members – decided in advance on request.
We also run simultaneous chess events where we invite some of the best chess players in the UK to play against students! This is a great opportunity to play and learn against titled players!
If you have any queries or would like to submit a lesson request, please feel free to get in touch with our Training Officer George Plummer at ghp29@bath.ac.uk.
Casual Chess Sessions:
We also routinely run casual sessions, where you can come pick up a board and make some new friends! With these sessions, there's no pressure to show up on time or stay for the whole session, just come and go as suits you! These sessions regularly have themes, with variants such as Chess 960 or Bughouse. Come along on a Tuesday evening to the Chancellors Building!
Come and Meet Us:
Chess Society Weekly Schedule:
- Mondays (Weekly Tournaments in 1W 2.101):
- Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Location: 1W 2.101
- Tuesdays (Casual sessions, which every other week start with a Training session):
- Odd Tuesdays (Training leading into Casual):
- Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Location: CB 3.1
- Even Tuesdays (Only Casual):
- Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Location: CB 3.1
Team Competitions:
For those seeking the thrill of competitive chess, our Chess Society proudly boasts a competitive team led by our team captain, Kai Mattinson. Examples of tournaments that we participate in include BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) and the Collegiate Chess League. If you have any inquiries or wish to learn more about our team competitions, please feel free to contact us at su-chess@bath.ac.uk.
Trips and Competitions:
In addition to our team chess pursuits, our Chess Society goes the extra mile by organizing frequent trips to various tournaments and venues. These excursions encompass a wide range of events, from congresses to rapid and blitz competitions, promoted by the ECF (English Chess Federation). Among our most anticipated journeys is the annual summer trip, which takes us to the British Chess Championships or other International Chess Competitions such as the Pula Chess Open in Croatia! This trip is not just about the competition; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of chess, test your skills against some of the strongest players in the UK, and witness grandmasters in action. It's a chance to forge connections and deepen your passion for this timeless game!
Reasons To Join Us:
Chess isn't just a game; it's a captivating intellectual pursuit that enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and fosters friendships that last a lifetime. Join us to explore the fascinating world of chess, challenge your mind, and be part of a passionate community of chess enthusiasts!
Follow our social media pages to find out about our Socials, Session Times and to get the latest updates!