Casual games
The heart of the club. Find an opponent, set up the pieces and play as many games as you like — fast and fun, or slow and thoughtful.
Hull · East Yorkshire
Where everyone gets a game
St Andrews Chess Club is a friendly place to play, learn and improve — whether you last played at school or you’re chasing your next rating point. Pull up a board, make your move, and you’re one of us.
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Marist Hall, Hull
- First month free
All agesjuniors to veterans, side by side
Every standardnever-played to seasoned competitor
Casual & leaguea quick game or serious matches
Free to tryyour first month is on us
Club nights
Every week, the door is open and the boards are out
Our club night is the same simple promise every time: turn up, get a game, and enjoy the best game ever invented in good company. Whether you stay for one quick blitz or play all evening is entirely up to you.
Mondays & Wednesdays · 7:00pm – 10:00pm · Marist Hall, Hull
Plan your first visitTournaments & matches
Play graded games and our internal tournaments, and represent St Andrews in friendly and competitive league matches when you’re ready for more.
Coaching & improvers
Want to get better? Members happily share openings, tactics and endgame know-how. Bring a game you lost and we’ll work out why.
Who it’s for
One club, every kind of chess player
You don’t need a rating, a strategy book, or a single ounce of confidence to belong here. If you want to play, you’re in the right place.
Complete beginners
Never moved a pawn in your life? Perfect. We’ll teach you the rules, the names of the pieces, and the little tricks that make the game click.
Returning & casual players
Played at school, or fancy a relaxed game and a chat? Pull up a board. No pressure, no jargon — just good games at your own pace.
Juniors & families
Chess is brilliant for young minds — focus, patience and problem-solving. Juniors are warmly welcomed, with friendly faces to play and learn from.
Competitive players
Looking for a serious game, internal tournaments, or league chess? You’ll find opponents who’ll test you and help you sharpen your game.
A typical night
Never been to a chess club? Here’s how it goes
Walking into somewhere new is the hardest move. So here’s exactly what happens when you arrive — no surprises, no pressure.
- 1
Walk in & say hello
Push the door, and someone will greet you. Tell us it’s your first time — we love a new face and we’ll make sure you’re looked after.
- 2
Grab a board
Sets, boards and clocks are all set out and ready. We’ll pair you with a friendly opponent at roughly your level.
- 3
Play your game
Casual or timed, one game or ten — your call. Win, lose or draw, there’s always another board free and another opponent keen for a game.
- 4
Talk it through
The best bit: going back over the moves with your opponent, swapping ideas, and picking up something new every single week.
Play it out
Scroll through a game
The Italian Game — one of chess’s oldest openings. Keep scrolling to play it move by move.
Ready
Both armies lined up. Let’s begin.
Find us
When & where we meet
We meet in the heart of Hull. Come a few minutes early for your first visit so we can say hello and get you set up with a game.
- When
-
- September – May Mondays & Wednesdays · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- June – August Mondays only · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
- Where
- Marist Hall
Cottingham Road
Hull, East Yorkshire HU5 2DH - what3words
- Car park: ///complains.tens.clots Venue entrance: ///nerve.yard.vague
- Cost
- Adults £65 per year, juniors £4 per month. Your first month is free.
- Getting started
- No need to book — just turn up. Or drop us a message and we’ll look out for you.
Marist Hall, Hull HU5 2DH Open in Maps
Good to know
Your questions, answered
I haven’t played since school — can I still come?
Absolutely. Most of our members play purely for fun, and plenty came back to chess after years away. You’ll always find a relaxed game at your level, and someone happy to shake the rust off with you.
I’m a complete beginner. Will I be out of my depth?
Not at all — beginners are some of our most welcome visitors. We’ll teach you the moves, give you gentle games, and never throw you in against a club champion unless you ask for it.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself. We provide sets, boards and clocks. If you have a favourite set you’re welcome to bring it, but there’s no need.
How much does it cost?
Adult membership is a flat £65 per year — that’s it, however many nights you come. Junior membership is just £4 a month. Either way, your first month is completely free, so you can try the club before you join.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Just turn up — no booking needed. Come a little before the start if you can, say hello, and we’ll find you a game.
Are juniors and children welcome?
Yes — junior members are welcome from age 8. For now they play alongside our main club night, and we’re setting up a dedicated junior hour focused on learning and practice. We have a safeguarding policy and a designated safeguarding officer, and a DBS-checked organiser oversees our junior chess. You’re welcome to stay or simply drop off.
Do you play competitive or league chess?
Yes — we field several teams in the Hull & East Riding Chess Association leagues, and we run our own internal tournaments through the season. Whether you fancy a relaxed game or competitive league chess, there’s a place for you.
Is the venue accessible?
There’s just a small step at the entrance to Marist Hall (no stairs), and there’s plenty of parking on site. If you have any specific access needs, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Your first move is the easy one
Come along on a Monday or Wednesday evening, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, at Marist Hall in Hull. Your first month is on us— no booking, no experience and no pressure required.