Rhyl and Prestatyn Chess Club can be traced back to its founding in 1966. Prior to its establishment, chess enthusiasts in North Wales had to travel to the Mould club, which played in the second division of the Chester and District Chess League, for competitive play. Recognising the need for a local club, Dr. Ervin Kraus took the initiative and gathered twenty players to form the Rhyl Chess Club.
Dr. Ervin Kraus was elected as the club's first chairman, and the club began meeting on Thursday nights from September to May at the Morville Hotel. The club was welcomed into the first division of the Chester and District Chess League, with a second team competing in the league's second division. The team boasted strong players like Ervin Kraus and Hungarian migr Jo Jarvis, who could hold their own against top players in the league.
They were supported by a group of dedicated players, including team captain Derek Mount, club secretary Neville Layhe, and Lithuanian Einar Ligema.
The club's success in the league came in the 1972-73 season when they won the League's first division championship. Surprisingly, it took another 20 years for Rhyl to win the championship again in the 1992-93 season, which also marked Harvey Curtis' final year as the First Team Captain. Rhyl has also claimed victory in the league's Team Handicap Knock-out Trophy four times. Additionally, the club has achieved success in the second and third divisions, with the third team winning the division six times during Elwyn Thomas' tenure as team captain from 1978-79 to 1992-93.
Just two years after its formation, the Rhyl Chess Club launched the first Rhyl Spring Chess Congress in May 1967. The event, held at the Rhyl Town Hall over a long weekend, received support from the local council, and Councillor John Conway donated a silver cup. The congress was a major success, and the outstanding play of Ervin Kraus and Jo Jarvis, who finished as joint winners of the top section, was celebrated. The Rhyl Chess Congress has since become an annual fixture in the British chess calendar, attracting players from overseas and across the British Isles.
The top section of the congress, now known as The North Wales Open Tournament, often sees victories from renowned grandmasters such as Tony Miles, Nigel Short, Matthew Sadler, Mark Hebden, Nigel Davies, George Botterill, and Keith Arkell.
In 1969, Rhyl was selected as the venue for the annual British Chess Championships, solidifying the town's reputation as a chess destination. The event was held at Ysgol Llewelyn in Rhyl and received strong support from the members of the Rhyl Chess Club. Notably, Dr. J Penrose emerged as the winner of the major section, becoming the British Chess Champion for the tenth and final time.
Over the years, Rhyl and Prestatyn Chess Club has cemented its place in the chess community, attracting players of all levels who are eager to challenge themselves and improve their skills. The club's dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching environment has contributed to its ongoing success. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting to learn the game, Rhyl and Prestatyn Chess Club welcomes you to join their weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm at Festival Church Prestatyn, 200 Victoria Road, Prestatyn, LL19 7TL.