When and Where

The Canberra Chess Club meets once a week at the Woden Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92-96 Corinna Street (gate io) on Thursdays at 6.45 pm. Games start at 7.00pm. Please check the club calendar for all club nights.

New Players

The club welcomes new players of all ages and all strengths. If you are interested in playing or finding out more about the club, you can just turn up on the night (please be at the club by 6.45) or you can contact us first. Players are welcome to join a tournament at any time.

The club is structured around tournament chess, which is more formal than social chess. Clocks are always used and for long time control tournaments (time control of 60 minutes plus 30 seconds per move for each player) players are required to record their game (see here for a guide). The club provides record sheets for this purpose, an example of which may be found here.

An annual membership fee applies (see below) before joining any tournament. Once you are a member you may join any tournament during the year.

Parking

Free underground parking is available at the Woden Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Equipment

The club provides all equipment.

Tournaments

Club tournaments are run continuously during the year – please see the calendar for details. Most of the club’s tournaments use a long time control of 60 minutes plus 30 seconds per move for each player.

Ratings

All club tournaments are rated as part of the Australian Chess Federation’s rating system. This means that after playing one or two tournaments, new players will receive a rating which is an indicator of their playing strength, much in the same way that a golfer’s handicap indicates their golfing strength. Ratings are revised every three months (aligned with the seasons) based on tournament results.

Fees

Club membership for 2024 is $25 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 18).