And Junior members. The club welcomes players of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced international players. Located in Bearsden, Glasgow, the club attracts members from Bearsden, Milngavie, Glasgow, and the surrounding counties.
Bearsden Chess Club prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere, where men, women, boys, and girls are equally welcomed and encouraged to participate. Alongside competitive activities, the club organises a variety of informal events, including simultaneous displays, quizzes, lightning and allegro chess. Plenty of time is also dedicated to friendly games, allowing members to enjoy the game in a relaxed and social environment.
The club's success speaks for itself, as it has achieved numerous accolades over the years. Bearsden Chess Club was the winner of the Glasgow Chess League in the 2009/2010 and 2011/2012 seasons. This season, the club boasts three teams in the Glasgow Chess League, including a new team for juniors and recently-joined members. Additionally, the club has two teams in the Dunbartonshire League, with one in Division 1 and one in Division 2.
Bearsden Chess Club places a strong emphasis on the development and support of its junior members. Several teams within the club are dedicated to providing competitive chess opportunities for juniors, ensuring that players of all abilities, from beginners to experts, have the chance to play and grow their skills. The club conducts a Club Championship, where games are played approximately once per month throughout the season. The championship is open to all members and is structured in a way that allows players of all abilities to have a real chance of winning a prize.
All competitions are graded by Chess Scotland and contribute to players' ELO chess grading.
The club has a rich history, with its earliest record dating back to 1908 when Bearsden Chess Club was one of the founding members of the Glasgow Chess League. Although the club disbanded during World War II, it was re-founded in 1966. In 2006, Bearsden Chess Club celebrated its 40th anniversary, and in 2016, it commemorated its 50th anniversary.
For those interested in joining or learning more about Bearsden Chess Club, membership and general enquiries can be directed to the Club Secretary, Mel Burt. The club offers separate membership categories for senior members, senior concessionary members, student/under-18 members, and junior members. New members are welcome to attend club meetings for a few weeks before deciding to join.