Where to find Chess and bridge in Lancashire and Cumbria: chess and bridge clubs, plus Go, mahjong and backgammon groups.
We list 41 venues where you can play or buy chess, bridge and other classic games across Lancashire and Cumbria, in 25 towns and neighbourhoods. Between them they run 89 regular sessions, most often on Tuesdays and Mondays. 21 of those are marked as beginner friendly. All of them have tables to play on site.
St Annes Bridge Club runs duplicate bridge from its own club room on Allenby Road most afternoons and evenings, plus hosted morning and afternoon sessions and Saturday social bridge. It welcomes visitors and new players and runs beginners' and improvers' classes.
Poulton Bridge Club has its own two-room club house in the centre of Poulton-le-Fylde, with duplicate sessions six days a week including Saturday afternoons. New members and visitors are welcome, and a Wednesday evening improvers' session suits developing players.
Lancaster Bridge Club has its own rooms on Chapel Street in the city centre, with duplicate on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings and Tuesday afternoons. The Thursday gentle duplicate and Tuesday social bridge suit newer players, and lessons and Saturday seminars help improvers.
Lytham Bridge Club plays in its own purpose-built clubhouse on Pembroke Road, with pairs every weekday afternoon and on Wednesday evening. Several sessions have a host available, and the Wednesday afternoon session offers assistance for developing players.
Brierfield Bridge Club plays at its own premises on Clitheroe Road, with afternoon and evening duplicate on Monday and Wednesday and a Friday afternoon session. Hosted sessions help players without a partner get a game.
Broughton Bridge Club is the bridge section of the Broughton and District Club near Preston, with directed duplicate sessions on Monday evening and Tuesday and Friday mornings. Relaxed Thursday sessions with crib sheets and helpful directors suit beginners and those wanting a refresher, and visitors are welcome.
Kendal Bridge Club plays face to face at Abbot Hall Social Centre on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings, with teams nights through the month. Improver training before Monday sessions and monthly intermediate teaching on Tuesdays suit developing players.
Penwortham Bridge Club plays at Galloways in Penwortham, with duplicate pairs on Monday and Thursday and a relaxed no pressure session on Tuesday afternoons. The Tuesday session suits newer players, with no partner needed and advice on bidding and play on hand.
Preston Contract Bridge Club meets at its own club rooms at St Walburge's Gardens, Weston Street, with duplicate pairs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and a Tuesday evening session. It welcomes players of all standards and offers beginners' lessons and supervised play for less experienced players.
Barrow Bridge Club is a thriving club of around 70 members with its own premises on Drake Street, playing duplicate on Monday evenings and Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Visitors who already play are very welcome, and the club runs lessons for newcomers.
Windermere Duplicate Bridge Club meets at the Marchesi Centre on Holly Road on Monday and Friday evenings, and visitors are always made welcome. A learn to play bridge course runs on Tuesday evenings for beginners.
Barrow Chess Club meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings all year at the Navy Club on Barrow Island, with teams in the Cumbria Open and South leagues and the Whitaker competition.
Blackburn & Ribble Valley Bridge Club plays in first floor rooms at Wilpshire Golf Club, with Monday afternoon and Wednesday evening pairs. Members and visitors are welcome, and the Wednesday session helps less experienced players progress.
Clitheroe Bridge Club is a small friendly club playing duplicate bridge at the Pendle Club in Clitheroe on Monday and Thursday evenings. New members and visitors with some playing experience are warmly welcomed.
Ulverston Chess Club meets on Monday and Tuesday evenings from September to April at the Stan Laurel pub on The Ellers, with three teams in the Cumbria South League and two in the Whitaker competition.
Accrington Bridge Club meets every Saturday evening at Rishton People's Centre on School Street, the only Saturday evening bridge in the area. New members and visitors are always welcome.
Bare Village Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening all year at Bare Village Hall in Morecambe, with on-site parking. The club plays in the Blackpool and Fylde and the Lancaster, Morecambe and District leagues, with match nights on Thursdays.
Burnley Chess Club plays East Lancashire League matches on Thursday evenings at Burnley Rugby Club, with free parking. It suits experienced players with an over the board or online rating of 1600 or above.
Carlisle Chess Club meets every Thursday at 7pm from September to June at the Eden Education office on Abbey Street, running a club championship, knockout cup, rapidplay and blitz events. New members are always welcome, including juniors.
A free weekly drop-in chess session for children and families at Ulverston Library in The Coro on Tuesday afternoons in term time. All young people are welcome, including those learning to play.
A weekly chess club in the food hall at Chew's Yard in Preston city centre on Thursday evenings, with food and drink available from the traders and bar.
Clitheroe Chess Club meets on Tuesdays at the Buck Inn on Lowergate, with teams in Divisions 1 and 2 of the East Lancashire Chess Association league. Lowergate car park is close by.
Crusaders Blackburn Chess Club meets every Monday at 7pm at St Paul's Working Men's Club. Over 30 members of all ages run five teams in the Central Lancashire and East Lancashire leagues, and beginners and children are welcome.
Grange over Sands Bridge Club meets every Tuesday evening at the United Reformed Church Hall, playing teams on the first Tuesday of the month and pairs on other weeks. Beginners' lessons run on Wednesday evenings at Grange Institute.
Great Harwood Chess Club meets on Tuesdays in the upstairs room at the Victoria Hotel, with teams in Divisions 1 and 2 of the East Lancashire Chess Association league.
Kendal Chess Club meets every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm, September to April, at the Abbot Hall Social Centre on Dowker's Lane. It is a friendly club for all comers from beginner upwards, playing in the Cumbria and Lancaster and Morecambe leagues.
Keswick Bridge Club plays duplicate pairs every Tuesday evening at St Herbert's Social Centre on High Hill. It suits club players in the North Lakes looking for a weekly game.
Keswick Chess Club meets on Tuesday evenings at the Quaker Meeting House in Elliott Park, with a team in the Cumbria Open League.
Lancaster Chess Club meets on Tuesday evenings all year round at the Lancaster Bridge Club in the city centre, welcoming players of all ages and abilities for casual and competitive chess. Juniors receive tutoring on club nights, and the club plays in the Lancaster and Morecambe and the Blackpool and Fylde leagues.
Lancaster Go Club meets on Tuesday evenings at Lancaster University and is open to everyone, not just students. It is free to attend, equipment is provided, and the club is always happy to teach beginners.
Leyland Chess Club meets on Tuesday evenings in the upstairs room at the Broadfield Arms, with parking in the pub car park. The club plays in the Blackpool and Fylde and Central Lancashire leagues.
Lytham Chess Club meets on Thursday evenings at the Lytham Ex-Servicemen's Club on Chapel Street. It plays in the Blackpool and Fylde League and runs a club championship and a summer tournament.
Maryport Chess Club meets on Tuesdays from 6pm to 9pm at Ewanrigg and Netherton Community Centre, running three teams in the Cumbria Open League.
Morecambe Chess Club meets on Wednesday evenings at Morecambe Cricket Club for adult players, with teams in the Blackpool and Fylde and the Lancaster, Morecambe and District leagues.
Ormskirk Chess Club meets on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 10.30pm at the Aughton Institute, offering friendly social games alongside two teams in the Warrington and District League. Players aged 10 and over who know the rules are welcome with a parent or guardian.
Penrith Bridge Club is a small friendly club of around 40 members, playing face to face duplicate on Tuesday afternoons at Penrith Golf Club. It suits players looking for a relaxed weekly afternoon game.
Penrith Chess Club meets on Wednesday evenings from 7pm at the Crown Hotel in Eamont Bridge, open all year and busiest during the September to April league season. It offers league and social chess, and juniors are welcome with a parent or responsible adult.
Poulton Chess Club meets on Monday evenings at Carleton Bowling Club, with teams in Divisions A and B of the Blackpool and Fylde League.
Preston Chess Club meets every Wednesday evening at New Meadow Street Labour Club, five minutes' walk from Preston bus station. Newcomers can play casual games free for a few weeks, and members play in the club championship and the Blackpool and Fylde and Central Lancashire leagues.
Rossendale Chess Club, recently reformed, usually meets on Tuesdays at the ABD Centre on Burnley Road in Bacup, with news and events shared on its Facebook page.
Westhead Bridge Club plays face to face duplicate every Wednesday evening at St Michael's Church Hall in Aughton, near Ormskirk. It suits club players looking for a friendly midweek game.
The weekly line-up. Times and formats can change, so check with the venue before you travel.
Preston Contract Bridge Club, Preston. Duplicate pairs
Blackburn & Ribble Valley Bridge Club, Blackburn. Duplicate pairs
Poulton Bridge Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Duplicate pairs
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Lytham Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Brierfield Bridge Club, Brierfield. Duplicate pairs, hosted
Kendal Bridge Club, Kendal. Improver training session before the evening game
Crusaders Blackburn Chess Club, Blackburn. Club night: league, club championship and rapidplay chess
Broughton Bridge Club, Preston. Directed duplicate pairs
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Brierfield Bridge Club, Brierfield. Duplicate pairs
Lancaster Bridge Club, Lancaster. Handicapped duplicate pairs
Barrow Bridge Club, Barrow-in-Furness. Duplicate pairs
Kendal Bridge Club, Kendal. Duplicate pairs (teams on the third Monday)
Windermere Duplicate Bridge Club, Windermere. Duplicate pairs, visitors welcome
Poulton Chess Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Club night: league and social chess
Ormskirk Chess Club, Aughton. Club night: social and Warrington League chess
Barrow Chess Club, Barrow-in-Furness. Club night: social and league chess
Ulverston Chess Club, Ulverston. Club night: social and league chess
Broughton Bridge Club, Preston. Directed duplicate pairs
Penwortham Bridge Club, Penwortham. Relaxed bridge with advice on bidding and play, no partner required, open to all
Lytham Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs, host available
Lancaster Bridge Club, Lancaster. Duplicate pairs
Lancaster Bridge Club, Lancaster. Social bridge
Barrow Bridge Club, Barrow-in-Furness. Duplicate pairs
Penrith Bridge Club, Penrith. Duplicate pairs
Chess Club at Ulverston Library, Ulverston. Drop-in chess for children and families
Maryport Chess Club, Maryport. Club night: social and league chess
Lancaster Go Club, Lancaster. Social go, beginners taught
Lancaster Chess Club, Lancaster. Club night: casual and competitive chess, junior tutoring
Preston Contract Bridge Club, Preston. Duplicate pairs, with supervised play sessions for less experienced players
Poulton Bridge Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Duplicate pairs
Kendal Bridge Club, Kendal. Duplicate pairs for intermediate players
Grange over Sands Bridge Club, Grange-over-Sands. Duplicate pairs (teams on the first Tuesday of the month)
Keswick Chess Club, Keswick. Club night: social and league chess
Leyland Chess Club, Leyland. Club night: league and social chess
Ulverston Chess Club, Ulverston. Club night: social and league chess
Windermere Duplicate Bridge Club, Windermere. Beginners' course
Great Harwood Chess Club, Great Harwood. Club night: league and social chess
Clitheroe Chess Club, Clitheroe. Club night: league and social chess
Rossendale Chess Club, Bacup. Club night: social chess
Preston Contract Bridge Club, Preston. Duplicate pairs
Poulton Bridge Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Duplicate pairs
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Lytham Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs with assistance
Brierfield Bridge Club, Brierfield. Duplicate pairs, hosted
Blackburn & Ribble Valley Bridge Club, Blackburn. Duplicate pairs, members and visitors welcome
Penrith Chess Club, Penrith. Club night: social and league chess
Poulton Bridge Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Improvers' session with help on hand, no partner required
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Lytham Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs, host available
Westhead Bridge Club, Ormskirk. Duplicate pairs
Brierfield Bridge Club, Brierfield. Duplicate pairs, hosted (seeded teams on the last Wednesday of the month)
Lancaster Bridge Club, Lancaster. Duplicate pairs
Bare Village Chess Club, Morecambe. Club night: social and league chess
Preston Chess Club, Preston. Club night: social, club championship and league chess
Morecambe Chess Club, Morecambe. Club night: adult social and league chess
Barrow Chess Club, Barrow-in-Furness. Club night: social and league chess
Broughton Bridge Club, Preston. Relaxed duplicate, up to 15 boards, no partner required, suits beginners
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs, hosted
Lytham Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs, host available, all welcome
Chew's Yard Chess Club, Preston. Social chess in the food hall
Carlisle Chess Club, Carlisle. Club night: club championship, cup and league chess
Kendal Chess Club, Kendal. Club night: Swiss tournament, knockout and league chess
Broughton Bridge Club, Preston. Relaxed duplicate, up to 15 boards, no partner required, suits beginners
Poulton Bridge Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Duplicate pairs
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Clitheroe Bridge Club, Clitheroe. Duplicate pairs
Lancaster Bridge Club, Lancaster. Gentle duplicate pairs
Burnley Chess Club, Burnley. League match nights, rated 1600 and above
Lytham Chess Club, Lytham St Annes. Club night: club championship and league chess
Broughton Bridge Club, Preston. Directed duplicate pairs
Poulton Bridge Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Duplicate pairs
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs, hosted
Lytham Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Brierfield Bridge Club, Brierfield. Duplicate pairs, hosted
Barrow Bridge Club, Barrow-in-Furness. Duplicate pairs
Preston Contract Bridge Club, Preston. Duplicate pairs
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Duplicate pairs
Lancaster Bridge Club, Lancaster. Duplicate pairs
Windermere Duplicate Bridge Club, Windermere. Duplicate pairs, visitors welcome
Poulton Bridge Club, Poulton-le-Fylde. Duplicate pairs
St Annes Bridge Club, Lytham St Annes. Social bridge, no partner required
Accrington Bridge Club, Rishton. Duplicate pairs, new members and visitors welcome
The venues with the most regular nights are St Annes Bridge Club in Lytham St Annes (9 nights), Poulton Bridge Club in Poulton-le-Fylde (7 nights) and Lancaster Bridge Club in Lancaster (6 nights). We list 41 venues in all across Lancashire and Cumbria.
Tuesdays and Mondays have the most regular sessions. 89 sessions run every week. The Preston calendar shows what's on from today.
Yes. 21 regular nights are marked as welcoming new players, including sessions at Preston Chess Club, Lancaster Chess Club and Crusaders Blackburn Chess 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 and £3.50. 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.
