Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These are the questions we frequently hear being asked in the club, so we thought a FAQ page on the website would be helpful. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please speak to one of the Club Exec and we'll do our best to help you.
How much does it cost to join the club?
Annual membership rates are shown in our Pricing page.
How do I join the club?
Either fill in the Application Form, or speak to a member of the Club Exec directly and we'll help you join.
I like chess but I'm worried I'm not good enough to play in a club...
Come along anyway! Playing over-the-board chess with likeminded chess lovers is way more fun than playing online. You will make loads of new friends in a chess club and your chess will improve quickly by learning from other clubmates with different abilities and styles. Even if your chess never reaches the point where you're comfortable playing in the league, our Social Chess nights are not to be missed.
How do I know what's going on at the club?
There is a list of upcoming events on the Home page, which should be reasonably up-to-date.
Can I come to the club for Social Chess if there is a league match on that night?
At the moment, yes (accurate as of 2025-26 season). In future if we end up with more teams we may have to start alternating between Social nights and Match nights. If in doubt, check out the list of upcoming events on the Home page.
How do I sign up to play in the league?
To play in the league, you need to follow these simple steps:
1. Join the club and pay the annual club membership fee. See our Application Form and Pricing page for further details.
2. Join the English Chess Federation (ECF) and pay the annual ECF membership fee. See our Pricing page and the ECF website for further details.
3. Create or activate an account for the members only area of the North Bristol Chess Club (NBCC) website.
4. Click on the ‘Match Dates & Info’ page and Login.
5. ‘RSVP’ to the matches you would like to play in.
The Webmaster or Team Captain can email you the detailed instructions for creating a login account.
If you need a bit more help, speak to the Webmaster or Team Captain and they will take you through the process and get you set up as a league player.
How do I know if I'm in the team?
The captain will confirm the team a few days before the match using the NBCC Match Org WhatsApp group.
Where and when are the league matches held?
All home games are at Little Stoke Social Club (LSSC). Away games are always at other clubs. The event page will show the address, and also any helpful tips about the venue. You can synch the event to a personal calendar. All league games start at 19.30. If you are running a bit late, you have until 20.00 before the game will be forfeited to your opponent.
How long are the league matches?
Standard time controls are 80 minutes each plus a 10 second increment per move (80+10). Junior time controls are 55 minutes each plus a 10 second increment per move (55+10). If you don’t know how to use a chess clock, ask one of the league players and they will help you.
Do I need to write the moves down in league games?
Yes, you need to record the game. Don’t worry – there are plenty of YouTube videos and websites that explain algebraic chess notation. If you’re still unsure, ask one of the club’s league players before your match and they’ll be happy to help you. If you make a mistake on your scoresheet during the match, you can ask to borrow your opponent’s scoresheet to see where you went wrong. If you have less than 5 minutes left, ask a clubmate to write your moves for you.
I know the rules of chess, but what about the unspoken rules?
We've put together a Code of Conduct and Chess Etiquette guide which will hopefully help you.
I want to play in the league but I'm worried I'll lose and will let my clubmates down.
Don’t worry, it’s just a game of chess like any other. Play your natural game and have fun.
If you win, great. If you lose, just think of it as an opportunity to improve for next time. Everybody loses sometimes, and nobody from the club will ever think less of you for losing so long as you have tried your best.
If there’s ever anything you’re unsure about, just ask any of the club’s league players and they’ll help you. We are all here to help and support each other. Come On North Bristol!!!
See the club’s Code of Conduct page for more useful information, hints and tips.