Real Life Chess Clubs

Do you have to be good to be in a real life club?

I’m thinking of taking my online chess to play on a REAL table with wooden pieces. There’s a chess club locally but I’ve never really thought of going out and meeting people etc. I usually just play in the comfort of my own home. My thoughts are, would I embarrass myself by being so bad at chess? And what should I know such as writing the game moves down with notations etc. that I haven’t needed to know to play on chess.com? is there a huge difference to playing online?  There are other possible reasons why I might not join, I just thought someone with experience may be able to prepare me.

Any ideas or help would be very welcome.

 

Thanks.

Hey Sarah,

In the past I mostly played live. These days I only play online.

With regards to your level, this really ain't a concern you should have. A chess club normally has players from all sorts of levels, but besides that, there won't be any judging on that part. Probably people are willing to help you with that if you want.

Notations are very simple. As far as I know this ain't obligated, but any chess club has those books you get (or have to buy for GBP 1 or something). I believe there is a video on chess with explanation, but this is very simple to learn. Combine the piece and the field and there you have your notation :-)

I hope this helps a bit with your concerns.

Paul

brilliant. thank you so much for your answer. I feel much better about it now. thanks FX

Most clubs have a website so that you can read up about what they do. They also usually have a list of contacts (usually committee members). You could perhaps email one one them and let them know you are interested. If they are an open minded club (not all clubs are (and not just chess clubs)) then they’ll arrange for someone to great you and introduce you to the other members.

They can also look at your profile and match you up to players closest to your playing ability.

I did try a local chess club but they were not welcoming. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to put you off. I am a member of a club but for cycling so not all clubs are cliquey.

I now recently join a chess club in school...but they not wanna help noobs like me...😢😢😢 and school closing on Friday...is there like a club on chess.com. to help beginners who now start like a day ago.

Thanks Rubicon0367. The local website wasn't very up to date but did have an email so I may drop them a call and see how theiy seem.   Thanks for your advice and I hope you find a more friendly club.