Complete guide: where and how to play chess near you?
- Emilie V.
- Oct 22
- 10 min read
Updated: Nov 13
In the past few years, chess has made a huge comeback. Between the lockdowns that pushed everyone behind a screen and Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit inspiring a whole new generation, we’ve never seen so many players signing up on Chess.com or Lichess. Maybe you also (re)discovered the game during that time…but after a while, playing alone against your computer starts to feel a bit flavorless, right?
The good news is, chess doesn’t only exist online. On the contrary, the magic really happens when you play face to face: a real opponent, real exchanges, sometimes even a little tournament vibe with added stakes. But here comes the question: where can you play chess in real life, near you?
You’ve got several options: joining a club, taking part in a festival or open, enjoying a casual evening in a bar or café…or simply pulling out your chessboard in a park or with friends. Each option has its pros and cons, and it all depends on what you’re looking for: competition, community, spontaneity, or a mix of all three.
In this guide, we’ll walk through all these possibilities to help you find the way to play that best fits your style.
Why play chess in real life?
Online chess is practical, quick, and accessible…but it’s nothing like a real game across a board. Here’s why it makes all the difference:
Chess is social above all
When you play online, you see usernames. When you play chess in real life, you meet people. And that changes everything. A handshake before the game, a smile after a clever move, chatting about the match over coffee…Chess becomes a true social moment, not just a silent battle behind a screen. If you want to meet fellow enthusiasts, expand your circle, and share more than just the game, nothing beats face-to-face play.
A more natural way to learn
Every in-person game is a little lesson. You notice your opponent’s focus, you feel the pressure of the clock, you live through the emotions of winning or missing a move. You also grow by managing stress, patience, and sportsmanship. These are things no app can truly teach you. If you want to improve your play and sharpen your mindset, over-the-board chess is a real accelerator.
A more immersive experience
The magic of a tournament, the adrenaline of a ticking clock, the buzz of a hall full of boards, or simply the pleasure of playing on a real wooden chessboard…nothing can replace these sensations. It’s a mix of intensity and joy that makes every game memorable.
And of course, when you play chess in real life, no more cheating: no hidden computer, no engine assistance. Every move depends only on your mind and your focus. The result: games feel more authentic and the whole experience is more satisfying.
Playing chess in real life means rediscovering the essence of the game: social connection, growth, and real emotions. The real question is: which setting matches your style and your goals? Let’s take a closer look.
Check out our soon-to-come article Why playing chess in person is better than online?
Traditional chess clubs
When you think of playing chess in real life, a club is often the first option that comes to mind. And for good reason: clubs are the official, historical home of chess, with thousands of associations worldwide under their national federations (like US Chess, the English Chess Federation, or the German Chess Federation), all connected through FIDE, the International Chess Federation.
The structured environment of clubs
A club is a well-organized space: regular training, internal competitions, and access to rated tournaments. It’s also where you’ll meet passionate players who are deeply invested in improving and who often aim for competitive play.
Benefits
Serious and consistent weekly sessions.
Experienced opponents: ideal if you want to improve quickly.
Opportunities to enter official competitions (team matches, opens, championships).
A structured framework, perfect if you’re ready to “level up.”
Limits
Membership fees and federation license required.
The level is often high, which can feel too competitive or intimidating for beginners.
Less flexibility: not ideal if you just want to play casually once in a while.
If you’re searching where to play chess near you in a serious, structured environment with competitive play, clubs are often the first stop. But if your goal is simply to enjoy chess in a lighter, more social atmosphere, other formats may suit you better.
Check out our soon-to-come article Chess club vs. ChessBar night - which to choose?
Chess festivals and major opens
If you want to experience chess in “grand spectacle” mode, festivals and open tournaments are the place to be. All around the world, major events welcome not only top grandmasters but also ambitious amateurs who want to test themselves in a unique setting.
The intensity of major opens
Some of the most famous international chess festivals truly open their doors to players of all levels. The Reykjavik Open in Iceland, the U.S. Open and the World Open in the United States, Sunway Sitges in Spain, the Biel Chess Festival in Switzerland, and the Prague Chess Festival Open in Czechia are all examples where hobby players can sit down at the same boards as titled professionals. Many of these events include different sections based on rating, so everyone finds their place. At the London Chess Classic, the elite GM event is invitational, but the wider festival runs side tournaments open to players of all standards.
Benefits
Full immersion in the chess world.
Play in the same hall as international masters and grandmasters.
Sections for different levels, making it accessible to amateurs.
A memorable experience mixing intensity, travel, and community.
Limits
Requires time (often several days).
Travel, registration, and accommodation can add up.
A national federation membership or FIDE ID is usually required.
The atmosphere can feel intense, especially if you’re new to competitive chess.
Attending a chess festival or open means living chess on a big stage: unique atmosphere, unforgettable memories, and the thrill of playing alongside the world’s best. It’s not the most casual option, but if you’re looking for immersion and challenge, it’s hard to beat.
Bars, cafés, and social initiatives
If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, bars and cafés are a great option. More and more venues are organizing game nights or simply leaving chessboards out. You can meet fellow players in a cozy setting, with the chance to share a drink while replaying the game.
The social atmosphere of bars and cafés
Some board game bars or themed cafés host regular chess evenings. It’s the perfect chance to meet new people, test yourself against a variety of opponents, and enjoy a convivial atmosphere. You don’t need to be a strong player, just setting up the pieces often sparks curiosity and conversation.
Benefits
Relaxed, friendly vibe, perfect for mixing chess and socializing.
Open to all levels: complete beginners to seasoned players.
No long-term commitment: come when you want.
Warm setting often paired with a drink for a fun evening out.
Limits
Not every city has chess-friendly bars yet.
Hard to guarantee finding available opponents at the same time.
Less structured than clubs or festivals: no official tournaments, no progress tracking…unless you use something like ChessBar.
ChessBar: the modern and flexible option
That’s where ChessBar comes in: the app brings players together for fun, social tournaments directly in partner bars and cafés. You pick your event, sign up for free, and just enjoy the game over a drink. What’s unique is that the atmosphere stays casual and open to all levels, but you can also track your progress over time and, if you want, take part in inter-bar competitions that add a little extra challenge.
Want to try it out? Download the ChessBar app and find a chess meetup near you in just a few clicks.
Where to Play?
Today, ChessBar communities are active in several countries and cities across Europe, North America and Africa. Soon, we’ll publish city-by-city guides to help you easily find the best chess bars and meetups near you.
Check out our soon-to-come articles Best chess bars in Paris, Berlin, London, Montreal, etc.
Bars and cafés are the ideal option if you want to experience chess in a friendly, relaxed setting. And thanks to initiatives like ChessBar, this experience becomes regular, easy to organize, and open to everyone.
Informal play (parks, friends, public spaces)
Sometimes, you don’t need a club, festival, or even an app to play: just a board, some free time, and a partner. Chess also has this spontaneous, cultural side that pops up everywhere.
The spontaneity of informal play
In some cities, chess is part of the scenery. In Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg is famous for its outdoor chess tables. In New York, Washington Square Park is a legendary spot for street chess. In Berlin, players often gather at the Tiergarten or outside cafés. And of course, there are always impromptu games at a friend’s house or on a terrace. These informal moments create a unique vibe, somewhere between leisure, culture, and connection.
Benefits
100% flexible: play when and where you want.
No cost: just a board (sometimes even provided in parks).
Social: easy to meet curious passersby and share a simple moment.
Accessible to everyone, whatever your level.
Limits
Nothing guaranteed: you might have to wait for an opponent.
No structure: if you want progress tracking or competition, this won’t suit.
Dependent on weather and public space availability (tables taken, noise, not always ideal for long games).
Informal chess is rediscovering the game in its most spontaneous, friendly version. Perfect for sharing a moment with a friend or meeting other enthusiasts in the street or park. But if you’re looking for a regular, organized experience, you’ll need another option.
Which option fits your profile?
With so many possibilities, you might be wondering: “Okay, but which one is really for me?” The truth is, there isn’t a single right answer. Each option has its strengths and limits. It all depends on what you want out of your chess experience.
Option | Best for | Strengths | Limits |
Chess clubs | Passionate players who want serious progress and competition. | Structured, consistent, fast improvement, official tournaments. | Fees, license, competitive vibe, less flexible. |
Festivals & opens | Players dreaming of full immersion and big events. | Unique experience, intensity, varied encounters, travel + play. | Cost, time, high level, license needed. |
Bars & cafés (+ ChessBar) | Casual players who want fun, community, and progress at their own pace. | Friendly, flexible, free for players, progress tracking, inter-bar competitions. | Not available everywhere, less “official” structure. |
Informal play (parks, friends) | Those who love spontaneity and relaxed vibes. | Free, spontaneous, accessible, cultural aspect. | Uncertain, weather, lack of structure, public space limits. |
In the end, there’s no single “best” way to play in real life: it all depends on your mood and goals. You can seek competition and challenge, choose conviviality and flexibility, or simply enjoy spontaneous games. It’s up to you…or better yet, mix it up depending on what you feel like!
FAQ
Q1: Where can I play chess near me?
If you’re wondering where to play chess near you, here are all the main options depending on what you are looking for: you can join a chess club for structured training and official tournaments, take part in chess festivals and open tournaments for a unique experience, or enjoy casual games in bars and cafés. You can also play informally at outdoor chess tables in parks or at home with friends. And if you want something flexible and social, apps like ChessBar make it easy to find free chess meetups near you.
Q2. Where can I play chess for free?
You don’t necessarily need a club or a big tournament: you can just grab a board and play with a friend at home, or meet enthusiasts in public parks (like the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, Washington Square Park in New York, or Tiergarten in Berlin). Some cafés and bars also host free chess nights, and with ChessBar, you can join social meetups at no cost (except for what you order). In short: there are plenty of ways to enjoy chess without spending a penny.
Q3. Do I need a license or membership to play in a chess tournament?
It depends on the event. For official competitions, you usually need to be registered with your national federation (for example, US Chess in the USA, the English Chess Federation in the UK, or the German Chess Federation in Germany), which also gives you a FIDE ID for international rating. At festivals and opens, this membership is almost always required too, but some events offer temporary memberships for newcomers. For casual formats like café nights or ChessBar meetups, no license is needed: just show up and play.
Q4. Can beginners play chess too?
Absolutely! Chess is open to all levels. Clubs often welcome beginners (though the vibe can be competitive), and many international festivals have separate sections for lower-rated players. If you want something really accessible and social, bars, cafés, or informal play are perfect. ChessBar, for example, is designed to include everyone, from total beginners to seasoned players.
Q5. How long does a chess meetup last?
It really depends on the format. A quick game with a friend in a park can last 15 minutes, while a relaxed evening in a café might run for a couple of hours. ChessBar events usually last around 2 hours, with several short games against different opponents. On the other hand, big festivals and official tournaments can stretch over several days, with games lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 hours.
Q6. Can I play chess in a park?
Yes, and it’s part of the culture in many cities! Famous spots include the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, Washington Square Park in New York, and the outdoor boards in Berlin’s Tiergarten. It’s free, open to everyone, and often very lively. The only downside: you rely on the weather, luck, and table availability. But if you enjoy spontaneity, it’s a must-try.
Q7. Can I play chess without joining a tournament?
Of course! Chess isn’t only about competition. You can enjoy games casually at home, in a café, or in a park with zero pressure. Many people prefer this relaxed approach. And if you ever want to spice things up, you can try a tournament, whether in a club, a festival, or a ChessBar night. The beauty of chess is, you choose your rhythm.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to play chess in real life, and each has its own appeal. If you want to progress seriously and dive into official competition, clubs are a solid choice. If you dream of full immersion, festivals and opens offer intensity and unforgettable experiences. If you’re after conviviality, bars and cafés are perfect for mixing chess and socializing. And if you like spontaneity, nothing beats an impromptu game in a park or around a table with friends.
The key is to pick the format that best matches your style and your mood. You can even combine them: an official tournament when you want a challenge, a bar night to meet people, and a sunny park game just for fun.
And if you’re looking for an experience that combines conviviality and flexibility, with the chance to track your progress and join inter-bar competitions if you want to take it further, then ChessBar is for you. Download the ChessBar app and easily find your next chess meetup near you!