Making (Chess) Club night more attractive

[Roger de Coverly]

an afternoon club aimed at players who aren't keen on going out at night, particularly during the winter months.

Unlike the Bridge world, that's infrequent. But it's something to consider if there were ever a shortage of retired people playing chess. Perhaps existing leagues could contemplate going afternoons. That would cut them off from those of working age. Probably those of school age as well, unless it was a late afternoon start.

[J T Melsom]

Afternoon chess clubs may be rare, but I understand the late Brian Lacey made efforts to organise one at the request of the University of the 3rd Age. The effectiveness or otherwise of this initiative are unknown.

[Nick Burrows]

I was told that league chess in Germany is played on the weekend (?).
I have stopped playing this season for the first time in many years as it is too disruptive to my routine (sleep 21.30/up at 5.30).
I for one would welcome weekend league chess.

[Adam Raoof]

Afternoon chess clubs may be rare, but I understand the late Brian Lacey made efforts to organise one at the request of the University of the 3rd Age. The effectiveness or otherwise of this initiative are unknown.

Good point. I ran one for U3A in Finchley for a while and I believe it still meets. I also know it spawned another daytime club at the Sobell Centre in Golders Green. Many of our clubs older members said travelling (especially home) in the dark was an issue, not so much for fear of personal safety but also driving at night, fatigue and family commitments.

[Adam Raoof]

I was told that league chess in Germany is played on the weekend (?).
I have stopped playing this season for the first time in many years as it is too disruptive to my routine (sleep 21.30/up at 5.30).
I for one would welcome weekend league chess.

This was one of the motivating factors behind the creation of the 4NCL along the lines of the Bundesliga, and other European leagues.

[Roger de Coverly]

I for one would welcome weekend league chess.

In a British context, county chess has long been organised that way.Teams may have a few "unattached" players who play in the county team, but not in the local league or at a local club.

There's the 4NCL as well.

The Yorkshire League takes place at weekends. Any others?

[Simon Rogers]

I think the Cumbrian league is played at weekends.
Possibly the Bradford & District League aswell.

[IM Jack Rudd]

The Devon League takes place at weekends, not that there are all that many teams in it.

[Andrew Zigmond]

an afternoon club aimed at players who aren't keen on going out at night, particularly during the winter months.

Unlike the Bridge world, that's infrequent. But it's something to consider if there were ever a shortage of retired people playing chess. Perhaps existing leagues could contemplate going afternoons. That would cut them off from those of working age. Probably those of school age as well, unless it was a late afternoon start.

I have quite frequently had enquiries from people looking to join a chess club but who preferred an afternoon rather than an evening. Generally these were older beginners although it does include people with school age children as well.

As with all these suggestions about attracting new players to chess it's about complementing the existing structures rather than replacing them.

[Nick Ivell]

I for one don't want to play after a day's work. My brain is far too frazzled.

I'm not saying I'll play a good game at the weekend, but there's more chance.

[Matt Mackenzie]

I think the Cumbrian league is played at weekends.
Possibly the Bradford & District League aswell.

There is a weekend league covering the whole county, and a weekday one that contains just the southern clubs.