The new chess season is off and running — and your Anstey Chess Club have burst out of the blocks like never before.

For the first time in our history, we’ve fielded a record-breaking eight teams across the local leagues. Eight! That’s more than ever before and more than any other club in the county — a testament to just how strong, ambitious, and united our club has become.

And that’s not all. This year, two Anstey teams are competing in the top-flight Division 1, marking a historic milestone for our small but fearless club. It’s proof that our players aren’t just showing up — they’re stepping up.

Underdogs? Maybe. Brave? Absolutely.

Let’s be honest — we’re outgraded most weeks, facing stronger opponents across the board. But that’s exactly how we like it. There’s a certain pride in being the underdog — in turning up, sitting down, and taking the fight to anyone who dares face us.

Already, 38 Anstey players have represented the club this season — another record that captures the spirit of what we’re building. Every Thursday night, you’ll find our boards packed, the air buzzing with concentration, quiet whisper, and the unmistakable click of clocks.

More Than Just Chess

For us, it’s about far more than the results table. We’re proud to continue a club philosophy that’s defined Anstey for years:

Trophies are temporary. Community is everything.

It’s not about how many cups sit in our cabinet — it’s about how many people come through our doors, feel welcome, and have fun playing this brilliant game. Win or lose, that’s the heartbeat of Anstey Chess Club.

Your Move — Join the Anstey Family

So here’s your invitation — yes, you reading this.
If you’ve ever thought about playing chess, brushing up your skills, or just meeting a brilliant bunch of people who love the game as much as you do — now’s the time.

Join us at Anstey Methodist Church every Thursday from 7.30pm. All you need is a basic understanding of the game and a love for chess — we’ll take care of the rest.

And parents — if your kids are curious about chess, we’ve got options for all ages. Check them out in our Junior Chess section. Whether they’re complete beginners or budding prodigies, there’s a place for them here.

This season is already shaping up to be one of our biggest yet — and we’d love for you to be part of it!

Anstey Chess Club held its Annual General Meeting on 19th June 2025, with strong member attendance and a lively evening of planning, celebration, and decision-making.

Key highlights included:

🟡 Club Growth & Engagement
With nearly 40 active players expected next season, the club continues to thrive. Chairman Ben Vaughan emphasised that success lies in community, not trophies – and the membership certainly reflects that spirit.

🟡 Eight League Teams Approved
Following discussion and a vote, the club will aim to field eight league teams in 2025–26 – a new record! Captains will be confirmed shortly, and members applauded the strong commitment to providing regular games for all.

🟡 Financial Health & Subscriptions
Treasurer John Robinson reported another healthy surplus. Club fees will remain unchanged for another year, ensuring chess remains accessible.

🟡 Events, Coaching & Socials
The club will once again take part in the Anstey Gala and other events, with future socials planned at Bradgate Park and other venues. Proposals for potential seminars with external coaches were warmly received, and a push for adult improvement sessions is also underway.

🟡 Presentation Night & More
Anstey Chess Club continues to be commited to host more club and open tournaments, with plans already underway!

Here’s to another exciting year ahead and another successful season behind! The future looks more exciting than never thanks to tireless work from our members!

If you want to become part of our exciting future, whether as a competitor or a social player, pop down to the Anstey Methodist Church every Thursday from 7.30pm!

Anstey Chess Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 19th June 2025 at 7:30pm, and all members are warmly invited to come along, share their thoughts, and help shape the future of the club.

The AGM is our once-a-year opportunity to come together, reflect on the season gone by, and make key decisions for the year ahead. Whether you’ve played in every round or only popped in for a few casual games, your input matters.

What’s on the agenda?

• Updates and reports from all team captains, the Chairman, Treasurer, and Webmaster
• Presentations of Trophies
• The highlight of the evening – team entries for the 2025/26 league season
• League rule changes and updates
• Election of officers (Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and team captains)
• Ideas and suggestions for the club’s future direction

If you want to discuss any particular topic at length in the A.O.B. section, send Ben an email at ansteychess@hotmail.com.

Tea, coffee, and friendly debate guaranteed – so whether you’re keen to speak or just want to listen in, pop down and have your say. No matter your level or experience, every voice counts.

As customary in the last few years, following the AGM we will have dinner in Passage To India, next door to our venue. Give Ben a shout if you want to come and socialise with us while enjoying some delicious curry!

See you all there!

Anstey Chess Club is proud to host another Chess Jamboree—an evening of friendly but competitive chess bringing together clubs from across the region.

📅 When: Thursday 22nd May, 7.30pm
📍 Where: Anstey Chess Club, Anstey Methodist Church

We’ll be welcoming teams from Nuneaton, Radcliffe and Bingham, Rugby, and for the first time ever, Grantham Chess Club. With two home teams representing Anstey, it’s set to be a lively evening packed with engaging games, good-natured rivalry, and the usual warm Anstey hospitality.

This event is a fantastic showcase of club-level chess and a great chance to see players of all styles and strengths compete across multiple boards.

Come along, soak in the strategy, and enjoy a great night of chess!

As the year winds down and the holiday season takes hold, the Anstey Chess Club invites you to join us for one last hurrah before we close the books on 2024. This promises to be an evening of pure enjoyment—no league matches, just a celebration of chess and good company.

The highlight of the night will be our Christmas Tournament, where players will battle it out on the board in either a rapid or blitz format. (The final decision is still up in the air, but rest assured, it’ll be fast-paced and festive!)

Once the final moves are played and the victors crowned, the festivities continue next door at Passage to India, where our members will be able to discuss our successful calendar year while picking on the restaurant’s delicious cuisine. There’s no better way to wrap up the year than with great food and even better company!

Key Details:

• The tournament kicks off promptly at 7:30 pm, so please arrive by 7:15 pm to secure your spot and get settled.

For those who can’t make it, we’ll miss you! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We’ll see you in 2025 for more games, more laughs, and maybe a few more victories.

Mark your calendars, bring your holiday cheer, and let’s make it a night to remember!

The Leicester ‘Atkins’ Congress will take place from the 27^th to the 29^th of September 2024 at The Cedars Academy in Birstall, Leicester. Whether you’re a seasoned chess player or an enthusiastic beginner, this 5-round ECF-rated Swiss tournament offers competitive sections for all skill levels.

For entries, visit 2024 Atkins Congress homepage.

Tournament Overview

• Dates: September 27^th – 29^th, 2024
• Venue: The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leics LE4 4GH
• Format: 5-round Swiss system, ECF rated
• Entry Fee: £35 (£25 for juniors)
• Late Fee: £5 for entries after September 21^st
• Entry Deadline: September 26^th, 2024 (no on-the-day entries)

Sections and Prizes

The tournament is divided into five sections, catering to different rating levels:

• Open Section
• Major U1950
• Intermediate U1750
• Minor U1550
• Improvers U1300

Prizes for each section are as follows:

• First Prize: £250 (Open), £200 (Major, Intermediate, Minor), £100 (Improvers)
• Second Prize: £125 (Open), £100 (Major, Intermediate, Minor), £50 (Improvers)
• Third Prize: £60 (Open), £50 (Major, Intermediate, Minor), £25 (Improvers)
• Grading Prizes: £40 (Open), £30 (Major, Intermediate, Minor)

Time Controls

Each player will have 90 minutes per game, with a 30-second increment per move, ensuring a balanced and competitive environment across all sections.

Schedule

• Friday, September 27^th:
  • Round 1: 19:00
• Saturday, September 28^th:
  • Round 2: 10:00
  • Round 3: 15:00
• Sunday, September 29^th:
  • Round 4: 10:00
  • Round 5: 15:00

Accommodation

A special rate has been secured with the IBIS Hotel Birstall, just a short walk from the venue. Call 0116 2674904 and quote ‘CHESS24‘ to book your room by September 8^th for a discount. Limited availability.

Feeling ready to take the next step? Or just finally stepping up your game? Come and join us in the 2024 Atkins Congress tournament!