Where to find Chess and bridge in Leeds and West Yorkshire: chess and bridge clubs, plus Go, mahjong and backgammon groups.
We list 45 venues where you can play or buy chess, bridge and other classic games across Leeds and West Yorkshire, in 24 towns and neighbourhoods. Between them they run 68 regular sessions, most often on Wednesdays and Mondays. 30 of those are marked as beginner friendly. All of them have tables to play on site. Seven of the 45 are in Leeds itself, and we list them first below.
Eat Your Greens hosts a relaxed social chess club in Leeds city centre on the first Wednesday of each month, plus a second monthly night on the third Tuesday at its riverside shop and cafe Greens Grocers. Boards are provided and it is open to all abilities, from complete beginners to returning players.
Alwoodley Chess Club meets every Wednesday from 7pm at Alwoodley Community Centre in north Leeds, welcoming players of all abilities with league teams and regular social chess evenings. Visitors can try a few sessions before joining, and juniors are pointed to Leeds Junior Chess Club.
Leeds Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening at the West Riding Hotel near Leeds station, with league matches upstairs and social chess in the bar. It suits everyone from improvers to titled players and fields teams in the Leeds and Yorkshire leagues.
Leeds Riichi Mahjong meets on Sunday afternoons in Leeds city centre, recently at The Tetley, to play Japanese riichi mahjong. Beginners are very welcome, tiles and mats are provided and experienced players help with scoring.
West Leeds Chess Club plays in the Leeds Wednesday evening league and the Yorkshire Saturday league, with home matches at Chapel Allerton Snooker Club.
Leeds Bridge Club plays in its own bridge suite at Moor Allerton Sports and Social Centre, with around 60 tables a week and a strong improvers section. Beginners classes and coaching for more experienced players are on offer.
Rose Forgrove Chess Club plays at Roundhay Parochial Hall and is one of the biggest clubs in Leeds, with many teams in the Leeds Wednesday evening league and the Yorkshire Saturday league.
Olicana Bridge Club in the centre of Ilkley runs around eight face to face sessions a week at 12 Wells Promenade, including hosted guided sessions for less experienced players on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Monday afternoons. Visitors are welcome and the club fields five Yorkshire League teams.
Brighouse Bridge Club plays face to face bridge five days a week at Central Methodist Church in Brighouse town centre, from relaxed and gentle morning sessions to evening duplicate and teams. Beginners and improvers courses run through the year and visitors are always welcome.
Halifax Bridge Club plays duplicate bridge at its own premises on Prescott Street near Halifax town centre every weekday evening and on Tuesday afternoons. Visitors are welcome, most sessions earn EBU masterpoints, and the club has a kitchen and licensed bar.
Keighley Bridge Club runs duplicate pairs on most days of the week at its own clubrooms, including afternoon, evening and Saturday morning sessions. Beginners courses, seminars and Yorkshire League teams cater for all levels.
Bradford Bridge Club plays at its own clubhouse with Monday and Wednesday evening sessions, a relaxed No Fear session on Thursday evenings with a host, and lessons for learners and improvers. It suits everyone from beginners to county and international players.
Meltham and Denby Dale (MaDD) Chess Club runs three club nights a week: Mondays at the Travellers Rest in Meltham with a junior hour first, Thursdays at Denby Dale Community Library and relaxed social Fridays at the Vanilla Bean in Slaithwaite. Newcomers get a free one month trial, and teams play in the Huddersfield, Calderdale and Yorkshire leagues.
Wakefield Bridge Club plays in its own two rooms at Thornes Park, with Thursday evening pairs, weekday morning learning sessions and beginner courses. About 170 members, three Yorkshire League teams and a welcome for newcomers and returning players.
Hebden Bridge Chess Club meets on Monday nights at the Trades Club, welcoming anyone aged 16 and over, from complete beginners to experienced league players, with four Calderdale League teams. A coached junior club for under 16s meets on Wednesdays at Hebden Bridge Town Hall.
Holmfirth Chess Club meets on Wednesdays at the Stumble Inn in Holmbridge, with a junior session from 6pm led by qualified, DBS checked coaches and a club night from 7pm for adults and juniors. It specialises in bringing new adults and juniors into competitive play.
South Bradford Chess Club holds a friendly social night on Thursdays at the Field Sports and Social Club, open to players of any age or strength, including those learning to play. League matches are on Tuesdays at Great Horton Park Chapel Cricket Club, Ewart Street.
Todmorden Bridge Club offers a relaxed Monday morning session with supported play for beginners and improvers, and a more competitive duplicate club night on Monday evenings. New players are welcome as guests and a partner can usually be arranged in advance.
Boston Spa Chess Club, formerly Limewood and Scarcroft, plays at Boston Spa Village Hall and runs four teams in the Leeds Wednesday evening league, including two in the top division, plus rapid and mini league sides.
Social chess at Bradford City Library in Centenary Square on Saturday mornings, a relaxed session for casual players.
A free, friendly and informal chess club at Cleckheaton Library every Tuesday morning, with all abilities welcome.
Dewsbury Chess Club is a small, friendly club meeting on Thursday evenings from September to April at Our Lady and St Paulinus Parish Hall, catering for all standards of player, with a team in the Yorkshire league.
Farsley Chess Club plays its Leeds league chess at the Deeva Restaurant on Town Street, Farsley, with a team in Division 3 of the Wednesday evening league and a mini league side.
Garforth Bridge Club is a small, friendly club playing duplicate pairs every Monday evening at Barwick in Elmet Cricket Club, east of Leeds. Non-members with partners can simply turn up, and the club can help players without a partner.
Giant outdoor chess in Bradford's City Park, next to City Hall, on Wednesday late mornings and lunchtimes, open to anyone passing.
Halifax Chess Club, founded in 1840 and one of the oldest in the country, plays on Monday evenings at Lee Mount Working Mens Club with teams in the Calderdale Chess League.
Horsforth Chess Club is based at the Town Street Tavern in Horsforth and fields a team in Division 3 of the Leeds Wednesday evening league.
Huddersfield Chess Club, founded in 1852, meets every Wednesday from 7.30pm at Lindley Liberal Club, welcoming all playing strengths including juniors. Teams play in the Yorkshire, Huddersfield and Calderdale leagues.
Ilkley Chess Centre is a dedicated chess space in central Ilkley with a social chess night every Thursday, three Bradford league teams and junior chess and coaching.
Ilkley Chess Club, playing since 1886, meets on Tuesday evenings from September to March at Ben Rhydding Methodist Church Hall, offering social and competitive chess for players of all standards. Teams play in the Bradford league and the Harrogate Evening League, with informal outdoor chess in summer.
Social chess at Keighley Library on Thursday afternoons, a friendly drop in session for local players.
Ossett Bridge Club meets every Wednesday evening upstairs at Ossett War Memorial Community Centre for relaxed, social duplicate bridge. Visitors and new members are welcome, and beginners can take 10 free lessons.
Social chess at Silsden Library in the Town Hall on Friday afternoons, a relaxed session for local players.
The 147 Chess Club meets on Tuesday evenings at The 147 on Stadium Road, south Bradford, for social chess, and runs six teams across the Bradford league divisions.
Bingley and Keighley Chess Club plays at Bingley Baptist Church and runs five teams across all three divisions of the Bradford league, so there is a level for most players.
Bradford Chess Club, also known as Bradford 1853, plays at the Latvian Club off Manningham Lane, fielding teams in the Bradford league and the Yorkshire Saturday league.
Calderdale Chess Club plays at Heath United Reformed Church in Halifax and fields two teams in the Yorkshire Saturday league.
Huddersfield Bridge Club, founded in 1936, plays daytime and evening sessions at its fully accessible premises on Merton Street, Springwood, close to the bus station. Beginners and improvers lessons run through the year and new players are welcome.
King in the North is a fantasy themed archery and chess centre at Thornes Lane Wharf in Wakefield, with a 15 table chess tournament area open for casual play and regular tournaments, plus a refreshment area. Open table chess runs during opening hours seven days a week, and pre-booking is advised.
Saltaire Chess Club plays in the Bradford and District Chess League at Fanny's Ale House, with three Division 2 and 3 teams, the Musketeers, Fannys and Llamas.
Shelley Bridge Club has met weekly at Shelley Village Hall, near Huddersfield, since 1979 and takes part in YCBA competitions.
Shipley Chess Club plays in the Bradford and District Chess League at Owlet Hall Social Club, with a Division 3 team.
Undercliffe Chess Club plays in the Bradford and District Chess League at Upper Bolton Conservative Club, with teams in Divisions 1 and 3.
Wakefield Chess Club plays at the Bowling Club House on Eastmoor Road and fields a team in the Yorkshire Saturday league.
Wetherby Bridge Club has its own premises on Crossley Street and runs regular daytime and evening sessions, competitions, teams and social events. Beginners lessons are relaxed and supportive, with teachers and directors on hand.
The weekly line-up. Times and formats can change, so check with the venue before you travel.
Brighouse Bridge Club, Brighouse. Relaxed duplicate, partner required
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Guided and hosted pairs for less experienced players, no masterpoints
Todmorden Bridge Club, Todmorden. Relaxed bridge with supported play for beginners and improvers
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Guided and hosted pairs for less experienced players, no masterpoints
Garforth Bridge Club, Barwick-in-Elmet. Duplicate pairs
Meltham and Denby Dale Chess Club, Meltham. Junior club
Brighouse Bridge Club, Brighouse. Duplicate pairs, partner required
Halifax Bridge Club, Halifax. Duplicate pairs
Todmorden Bridge Club, Todmorden. Competitive duplicate
Halifax Chess Club, Halifax. Club night and Calderdale League matches
Hebden Bridge Chess Club, Hebden Bridge. Club night, casual and league matches, ages 16 and over
Meltham and Denby Dale Chess Club, Meltham. Club night, adults
Bradford Bridge Club, Bradford. Duplicate pairs; teams on week 3 Mondays; Handicap Pairs Ladder on first Monday at 19:00
Chess Club at Cleckheaton Library, Cleckheaton. Social chess, library session
Halifax Bridge Club, Halifax. Duplicate pairs
The Eat Your Greens Chess Club, Leeds. Social chess night, drop in
Brighouse Bridge Club, Brighouse. Team bridge, partner required
Halifax Bridge Club, Halifax. Duplicate pairs
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Duplicate pairs
Ilkley Chess Club, Ilkley. Club night, social and league chess
South Bradford Chess Club, Bradford. League matches at Great Horton Park Chapel Cricket Club
The 147 Chess Club, Bradford. Social chess and league matches
Keighley Bridge Club, Keighley. Duplicate pairs
Wakefield Bridge Club, Wakefield. Improvers session, revising bidding and play (not for complete beginners)
Brighouse Bridge Club, Brighouse. Relaxed duplicate, partner required
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Guided and hosted pairs for less experienced players, no masterpoints
Giant Chess at City Park, Bradford. Social outdoor giant chess
Hebden Bridge Chess Club, Hebden Bridge. Junior club, ages under 16, coached
The Eat Your Greens Chess Club, Leeds. Social chess night, drop in
Holmfirth Chess Club, Holmfirth. Junior club, coached session
Ossett Bridge Club, Ossett. Duplicate pairs, social club night
Alwoodley Chess Club, Leeds. Club night, casual and league matches
Boston Spa Chess Club, Boston Spa. League match night
Farsley Chess Club, Farsley. League match night
Halifax Bridge Club, Halifax. Duplicate pairs
Holmfirth Chess Club, Holmfirth. Club night, adults and juniors, league matches
Horsforth Chess Club, Horsforth. League match night
Leeds Chess Club, Leeds. Club night, league matches and social chess
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Duplicate pairs, host available
West Leeds Chess Club, Leeds. League match night
Huddersfield Chess Club, Huddersfield. Club night, casual and league matches
Bradford Bridge Club, Bradford. Duplicate pairs; club championship pairs on week 2 Wednesdays
Keighley Bridge Club, Keighley. Duplicate pairs
Keighley Bridge Club, Keighley. Duplicate pairs
Bradford Bridge Club, Bradford. Lessons and supervised play with Stephen Halston
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Duplicate pairs
Keighley Library Social Chess, Keighley. Social chess, library session
Dewsbury Chess Club, Dewsbury. Club night, casual and league matches
Meltham and Denby Dale Chess Club, Meltham. Club night, juniors and adults
Halifax Bridge Club, Halifax. Duplicate pairs
Ilkley Chess Centre, Ilkley. Social chess night and league matches
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Duplicate pairs (IMPs pairs on some weeks)
Bradford Bridge Club, Bradford. Relaxed session for newer players, host available so no partner needed
South Bradford Chess Club, Bradford. Social chess, games, analysis and learning
Wakefield Bridge Club, Wakefield. Beginners and improvers learning session with play
Wakefield Bridge Club, Wakefield. Duplicate pairs
Brighouse Bridge Club, Brighouse. Gentle guided bridge, no partner required
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Duplicate pairs
Silsden Library Social Chess, Silsden. Social chess, library session
Meltham and Denby Dale Chess Club, Meltham. Social chess with food, adults and older juniors
Brighouse Bridge Club, Brighouse. Duplicate pairs, no partner required
Halifax Bridge Club, Halifax. Duplicate pairs
Olicana Bridge Club, Ilkley. Pivot teams
Keighley Bridge Club, Keighley. Duplicate pairs
Bradford City Library Social Chess, Bradford. Social chess, library session
Keighley Bridge Club, Keighley. Duplicate pairs
Leeds Riichi Mahjong, Leeds. Social riichi mahjong meetup
The venues with the most regular nights are Olicana Bridge Club in Ilkley (9 nights), Brighouse Bridge Club in Brighouse (6 nights) and Halifax Bridge Club in Halifax (6 nights). We list 45 venues in all across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Wednesdays and Mondays have the most regular sessions. 64 sessions run every week. The Leeds calendar shows what's on from today.
Yes. 30 regular nights are marked as welcoming new players, including sessions at Alwoodley Chess Club, Bradford Bridge Club and Brighouse Bridge Club. Staff at most venues are happy to teach, so mention it when you arrive.
One regular night is free to join. Where there's an entry fee it is usually between £2.75 and £3. Fees change, so check with the venue before you go.
A free weekly email of what's on in your area: tournaments, pre-releases, launch events and new regular nights. Plus a monthly round-up of new shops, clubs and game releases.
