Epsom Chess Club & Junior Club at The Haywain Brewers Fayre in Epsom, NZ is a vibrant and inclusive chess club that welcomes players of all ages and abilities. Established in 1929, the club was revived in 2018 and has quickly become one of Surrey's most ambitious and fastest-evolving chess clubs.
The club meets every Monday evening from 19. 30 onwards at The Haywain Brewers Fayre, located at 2 And 4, Off St. Margaret Dr, Dorking Rd, Epsom KT18 7LB. The venue has a car park at the front and rear, and visitors are required to input their car numberplate using the electronic screen upon entering.
Epsom Chess Club is dedicated to achieving a more equal gender balance and provides women and girls with numerous playing opportunities in a supportive environment. The club's long-term goal is to win Division 1 of the Surrey Chess League. However, they also prioritise supporting all members, including beginners and young players, in becoming active participants and even captains of the club's teams.
The club regularly organises ECF-rated blitz tournaments, allowing new members to integrate quickly and challenge themselves alongside more experienced players and friends of the club. Alongside their promotional video, they also have a Junior Club that was launched in November 2019. Led by the club's founder and 29-year-old president, Marcus Gosling, the Junior Club is aimed at intermediate-level juniors aged 7-15. Two back-to-back sessions take place on Thursday evenings at Epsom Methodist Church's Upper Lounge area.
The club's history dates back to 1929 when it existed until 1967 under the leadership of Surrey chess legend Hector Marshall. However, due to competition from other clubs and difficulties in finding a permanent playing location, it ceased to exist in the late 1960s. In 2018, Marcus Gosling and Ravi Sharma decided to revive the Epsom Chess Club, with Marcus serving as its youngest-ever president.
Epsom Chess Club now boasts the most adult teams in the Surrey League for the 2023/24 season, providing ample opportunities for members to represent the club in matches and competitions. The club nights are held at The Haywain Brewers Fayre on Monday evenings, where members can enjoy friendly games over a drink in a cosy and well-kept pub just a few minutes' walk from Epsom town centre.
Membership at Epsom Chess Club is open to players of all abilities. Serious players have the chance to represent the club in Surrey league and cup competitions, while casual players can enhance their skills by playing against other members. Annual membership is available, and the club offers private tuition for those looking to improve their chess skills.
Visit Epsom Chess Club's website for more information on how to join, their contact details, and directions to their meeting venue.
