I want to join a chess club

My play so far has been limited to internet chess, I was interested in getting involved with a local club or something and start improving my chess through tournaments and stuff.

I sort of keep shying away from the idea because I don't feel good enough lol.

age?

I didn't realize that there's an entrance exam for joining UK chess clubs.

Seems like this is the reason you SHOULD join a club. I really suck at chess. And if I were able to join a club, I already would have.

I keep hearing 1700-1800 is club player level, I'm only 1400 lol. I thought if I get to around 1700 on chess.com that would give me the confidence do you know what I mean.

I think those numbers are referring to the upper level, not the median.

Dang, dude, you'll learn a lot faster if you play stronger guys in person. Plus it's more fun. Do it, man!

Most clubs have a good variety. You're likely to find players your level even if there are many 1800 and higher players. In any case it's usually the opposite. Most will be under 1800.

Also, as others have said, it's a great learning opportunity. Usually players chat about what when right and wrong after the game (so you get insight into how others think in specific situations).

One of the main reasons why I want to join a chess club is, not just for experience in tournament play but recording chess notation and board position.

I want to know every square on the board off by heart within an instant. I know the usual squares:

Typical opening pawn squares: d4, d5, e4, e5

Typical Knight squares: c3, c6, f3, f6

Typical pin squares: b4, g4, b5, g5

Typical weak defended king squares: f2, f7

So that's 64 squares minus 18 = 46 left to know off by heart within an instant.

EDIT: Damn, I forgot c4 and c5.

I've been thinkin about joining one too but haven't for the same reason OP. I'm super competitive I hate losing so I want to be really good before I go to tournaments and I don't feel like I'm quite there yet. To many openings I'm unfamiliar with still. There's just so many man lol.

You'd be surprised at how much leeway you have to just "wing it" with the opening and be totally fine.

leiph18 wrote:

You'd be surprised at how much leeway you have to just "wing it" with the opening and be totally fine.

I'm pretty serious about improving at chess. Winging it is not an option.

The English Chess Federation website has a map with all their clubs listed, you'll easily be able to find your local club(s) here.

Don't worry about not being up to "club standard", there will be others around at a similar level, and once you join a club and get involved with games and perhaps even league matches, you'll soon pick up some pointers here and there, and your game will improve from that 

I meant it as encouragement to start playing in tournaments right away. It's top 3 if not the best thing to do if you're serious about improving.

Definitely don't ignore openings, but far better to go a tournament not completely prepared than to spend a year or two at home polishing your repertoire.

And if you're anything like me, you'll never feel completely prepared. Usually it's some guy who leaves book on move 5 (or plays an ancient sideline) that reminds me I couldn't have been prepared for everything anyway.

You shouldnt wait until you think you are good enough . The first club I went to ( 1972 )  I thought I was good but everyone in the club beat me ! I couldnt win a single game !  I had a good time though and made several new friends for life and met people from several walks of life so I kept going back for many years .  When I started I was probably the weakest player in the club . I was hooked for life though and have never regretted going to and joining that club .  

Just join a club. There are all levels. There's generally a good social aspect about a club - not that that's a reason on it's own to join...

Find a good ole Irish Pub. Take your board with ya.

And if you play in a pub, just to be on the safe side, don't take en passant.

You'll have to be ok with losing. If you can accept that you will lose most of your first 50 games you play there, you will be on a road to improvement.