Where to find Chess and bridge in Southampton, Portsmouth and Hampshire: chess and bridge clubs, plus Go, mahjong and backgammon groups.
We list 49 venues where you can play or buy chess, bridge and other classic games across Southampton, Portsmouth and Hampshire, in 37 towns and neighbourhoods. Between them they run 73 regular sessions, most often on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 25 of those are marked as beginner friendly. All of them have tables to play on site. Three of the 49 are in Southampton itself, and we list them first below.
Meets on Tuesday evenings from September to May at St Denys Community Centre for ECF rated club championship games and Southampton League matches, with informal monthly Saturday meet ups at the Mitre pub in Portswood. Newcomers of all abilities are welcome; under 16s must come with an adult.
Duplicate bridge every Thursday morning at Chilworth Village Hall in a friendly and welcoming setting. Visitors are welcome and the club will try to find a partner if asked in advance.
A friendly group playing duplicate bridge on Wednesday afternoons in the Large Hall at Lordshill Community Association. Caters for a mixed standard of players and welcomes visiting guests.
Hampshire's largest bridge club, with its own clubhouse at Maydene on Sherborne Road and face to face duplicate on five days a week. Gentle duplicate on Monday evenings and beginner and improver courses make it a good choice for newer players.
Afternoon duplicate pairs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the club rooms in St Thomas Street, with a host available. A supported Thursday morning session suits less confident players.
Duplicate bridge at Winchester Racquets and Fitness on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday afternoons, plus a gentle duplicate on Wednesday evenings for newer players. Welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experts.
Meets on Wednesday evenings at the Basingstoke Bridge and Chess Club on Sherborne Road, with casual and competitive games for players of all abilities. A junior section for ages 5 to 15 meets before the main club during the season, and a Saturday morning junior club runs at the same venue.
A friendly club founded in 1969, playing at Petersfield Community Centre with gentle duplicate on Monday, duplicate on Tuesday and teams once a month. Welcomes all players from complete beginners to experts, with teaching sessions for beginners and improvers.
Two weekly sessions at Brockenhurst Village Hall: duplicate bridge on Monday evenings and friendly, non-competitive bridge on Thursday afternoons.
A friendly club meeting every Tuesday evening, all year round, in the lounge bar of Chandlers Ford Central Club, with teams in the Southampton Chess League and several internal tournaments. A junior club meets on Wednesday evenings in term time.
Meets on Tuesday evenings at the Duke of Connaught's Own Club in Fareham, with internal tournaments at a range of time controls and teams in both the Portsmouth and Southampton leagues. Potential new members are very welcome, and a junior club meets on Saturday mornings.
Duplicate bridge on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in the clubhouse of Milford Tennis and Squash Club, overlooking the tennis courts. A friendly club welcoming new members; bring your own partner.
Meets for social chess on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons at New Milton Conservative Club, and runs teams in the Bournemouth and District Chess League. Beginners, returners and league players are all welcome; the club has a smart casual dress code.
Duplicate bridge at Greyfriars Community Centre in the heart of Ringwood, with a gentle duplicate and host system on Monday afternoons and duplicate pairs on Friday evenings. New members and visitors are welcome, with lessons for beginners and improvers.
A friendly club playing duplicate bridge on Monday and Thursday afternoons at Sway Village Hall. Visitors are always welcome.
Duplicate bridge on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Titchfield Community Centre, with a programme of club cups and team events. Visitors are welcome.
A friendly club for social duplicate bridge at Sacred Heart Church in Waterlooville on Tuesday evenings and Friday afternoons. Players of all abilities, visitors and new members are welcome.
A weekly Tuesday chess session for over 50s at the Age Concern Cafe in Shanklin. A relaxed way to enjoy a game in good company.
Duplicate pairs on Monday evenings at Beech Village Hall near Alton, usually 24 boards. Visitors are welcome by prior arrangement.
Meets on Tuesday evenings at Andover Central Club, with three teams in the Southampton Chess League. Beginners and experienced players are welcome and equipment is provided.
A happy band of players meeting on Tuesday evenings at Awbridge Village Hall for a 24 board duplicate with electronic scoring, coffee and biscuits. Visiting pairs are always welcome.
A friendly Thursday morning chess session at Brading Community Centre, open to all ages and abilities with boards provided and refreshments on sale. Complete beginners are welcome and there is no need to book.
A small, friendly club playing duplicate bridge on Thursday afternoons at Fryern Pavilion, with a large car park and wheelchair access. Suits players with some club experience, and visitors are welcome.
Chess by the sea every Saturday at Café de Ryde on the Esplanade, with indoor play if the weather turns. Everyone is welcome, and chess sets can be borrowed from the café at any time.
Meets on Thursday evenings in the Garden Room at Cosham Community Centre, a short walk from Cosham station. Players of all ages are welcome, and the club runs teams in the Portsmouth and District Chess League and the Cole Cup.
A relaxed Tuesday afternoon chess club at Cowes Library, supported by Chess in Schools and Communities. Beginners are welcome to learn from other players, and there is no need to book.
A small club playing duplicate bridge on Friday evenings at Hayling Island Community Centre in a no fears, friendly atmosphere. Visitors and new members are welcome.
Match point pairs every Tuesday evening in a private room at Emsworth Sports and Social Club. A host system means anyone can turn up without a partner, and improving players are welcome.
Meets on Thursday evenings at Emsworth Sports & Social Club and plays in the Portsmouth and District Chess League.
A very friendly duplicate club meeting on Thursday afternoons at St John's Church, Rowlands Castle. An ideal first step into club bridge for players beyond complete beginner level.
Friendly, competitive duplicate bridge every Tuesday evening at St Mary's Church Hall, Everton, near Lymington. Guests and visiting players are welcome, and a host system helps single players find a game on most evenings.
Meets on Monday evenings in the clubhouse at Cody Sports & Social Club in Farnborough. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome, from beginners to seasoned league players.
Meets every Monday evening at Freshwater Conservative Club for relaxed, social chess. Players of all ages and abilities from across West Wight are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced players.
Competitive yet friendly duplicate bridge every Thursday evening at Hayling Island Community Centre. Visitors and new members are welcome after a call to the chairman.
Friendly duplicate bridge every Monday evening in Room 1 at the HEDCA community centre on Coombe Road. New members are encouraged, with or without a partner.
A relaxed, social game of duplicate pairs on Wednesday evenings in Milford on Sea. Experienced and new players are welcome, and those who know the basics can be introduced to duplicate.
Friendly duplicate bridge on Tuesday afternoons at Boldre War Memorial Hall, with a game guaranteed even without a partner. A good basic standard of duplicate is expected.
Duplicate bridge every Friday afternoon at the Parish Hall on Castle Street, Portchester. Visitors are welcome.
Meets on Thursday evenings at the Royal British Legion Club in Portsmouth and plays in the Portsmouth and District Chess League. Players of all standards are welcome.
A friendly duplicate club playing on Monday afternoons at St Wilfrid's, Cowplain. An ideal first step into club bridge for players beyond complete beginner level.
Meets on Monday evenings at Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood, playing in the Southampton, Dorset and Bournemouth leagues and offering casual games. Beginners and experienced league players are both welcome; contact the secretary before a first visit.
Casual daytime chess every Monday in the clubhouse at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, with free parking. A relaxed session for anyone who enjoys a friendly game.
Duplicate bridge every Wednesday afternoon at the Genesis Centre in Locks Heath, with visitors welcome. A beginners course starts in November 2026.
Duplicate bridge on Tuesday afternoons at The Crofton Club in Stubbington, with refreshments at half time and free parking. Visitors are welcome.
Duplicate bridge every Thursday evening in the Ann Rose Hall at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood. Visitors and prospective members are welcome, and the club runs learning sessions for beginners and improvers.
Friday afternoon bridge at St Margaret's Hall in Ventnor. New members and visitors are welcome with a partner.
Face to face duplicate bridge every Wednesday afternoon at the Community Hall in Yarmouth. New members are welcome with a partner.
Meets on selected Wednesday evenings from September to April at Badger Farm Community Centre, with casual games, mini tournaments and Southampton League matches. New members of all levels are welcome and the first three visits are free.
A junior chess club meeting on Sunday mornings at Badger Farm Community Centre, led by a FIDE Chess Instructor. It suits children who want to learn the game, improve their play or start entering tournaments.
The weekly line-up. Times and formats can change, so check with the venue before you travel.
Purbrook Bridge Club, Cowplain. Duplicate pairs
Ringwood Greyfriars Bridge Club, Ringwood. Gentle duplicate with host system
Lymington Bridge Club, Lymington. Duplicate pairs with host
Freshwater Chess Club, Freshwater. Casual social chess for all ages
Basingstoke Bridge Club, Basingstoke. Gentle duplicate
Brockenhurst Bridge Club, Brockenhurst. Duplicate pairs
Petersfield Bridge Club, Petersfield. Gentle duplicate
Ringwood Chess Club, Ringwood. Casual games and league matches
Titchfield Bridge Club, Titchfield. Duplicate pairs
Fleet & Farnborough Chess Club, Farnborough. Club night and league matches
Age Concern Shanklin Chess, Shanklin. Casual chess for over 50s
Stubbington Bridge Club, Stubbington. Duplicate pairs
MOS Bridge Club, Milford on Sea. Duplicate pairs
Cowes Library Chess Club, Cowes. Casual chess for adults, beginners welcome
Pilley Bridge Club, Pilley. Duplicate pairs
Everton Bridge Club, Everton. Duplicate pairs with host system
Waterlooville Bridge Club, Waterlooville. Duplicate pairs
Andover Chess Club, Andover. Club night and Southampton League matches
Awbridge Bridge Club, Awbridge. Duplicate pairs
Emsworth Bridge Club, Emsworth. Duplicate pairs with host system
New Milton Chess Club, New Milton. Social chess and league matches
Southampton Chess Club, Southampton. Club championship and league matches, ECF rated
Petersfield Bridge Club, Petersfield. Duplicate pairs
Chandlers Ford Chess Club, Eastleigh. Friendly games, club tournaments and Southampton League matches
Fareham Chess Club, Fareham. Club night, internal tournaments and league matches
Basingstoke Bridge Club, Basingstoke. Duplicate pairs
Lordshill Bridge Club, Southampton. Duplicate pairs
Basingstoke Bridge Club, Basingstoke. Duplicate pairs
Sarisbury Bridge Club, Locks Heath. Duplicate pairs
Winchester Bridge Club, Winchester. Duplicate pairs
Lymington Bridge Club, Lymington. Duplicate pairs with host
West Wight Bridge Club, Yarmouth. Duplicate pairs
Basingstoke Chess Club, Basingstoke. Junior club with tuition, ages 5 to 15
Chandlers Ford Chess Club, Eastleigh. Junior club
Milford-on-Sea Bridge Club, Milford on Sea. Duplicate pairs
Winchester Bridge Club, Winchester. Gentle duplicate for less experienced players, about 15 boards
Titchfield Bridge Club, Titchfield. Duplicate pairs
Winchester Chess Club, Winchester. Casual games, club tournaments and Southampton League matches
Basingstoke Chess Club, Basingstoke. Casual and competitive games, Southampton League matches
Chilworth Bridge Club, Southampton. Duplicate pairs
Lymington Bridge Club, Lymington. Supported session for less confident players
Brading Community Centre Chess, Brading. Casual chess, all ages and abilities
Chandler's Ford Bridge Club, Chandler's Ford. Duplicate pairs
Emsworth Thursday Bridge Club, Rowlands Castle. Duplicate pairs
MOS Bridge Club, Milford on Sea. Duplicate pairs
Sway Bridge Club, Sway. Duplicate pairs
Brockenhurst Bridge Club, Brockenhurst. Non-competitive social bridge, no scoring
New Milton Chess Club, New Milton. Social chess, all welcome
The Bickerley Bridge Club, Ringwood. Duplicate pairs
Hayling Island Bridge Club, Hayling Island. Duplicate pairs
Winchester Bridge Club, Winchester. Duplicate pairs, teams usually on the last Thursday
Basingstoke Bridge Club, Basingstoke. Duplicate pairs
Cosham Chess Club, Portsmouth. Club night and Portsmouth League matches
Petersfield Bridge Club, Petersfield. Teams of four
Emsworth Chess Club, Emsworth. Club night and Portsmouth League matches
Portsmouth Chess Club, Portsmouth. Club night and Portsmouth League matches
Basingstoke Bridge Club, Basingstoke. Duplicate pairs
Portchester Friday Afternoon Bridge Club, Portchester. Duplicate pairs
Waterlooville Bridge Club, Waterlooville. Duplicate pairs
Lymington Bridge Club, Lymington. Duplicate pairs with host
Ventnor Bridge Club, Ventnor. Duplicate pairs
Eastoke Bridge Club, Hayling Island. Duplicate pairs
Ringwood Greyfriars Bridge Club, Ringwood. Duplicate pairs, bring a partner
Basingstoke Chess Club, Basingstoke. Junior club on Saturday mornings
Fareham Chess Club, Fareham. Junior club
Chess at Café de Ryde, Ryde. Casual chess, all welcome
Southampton Chess Club, Southampton. Friendly casual chess at the Mitre pub, Portswood Road
Winchester Junior Chess Club, Winchester. Junior club with coaching, for children learning and improving
The venues with the most regular nights are Basingstoke Bridge Club in Basingstoke (5 nights), Lymington Bridge Club in Lymington (4 nights) and Winchester Bridge Club in Winchester (4 nights). We list 49 venues in all across Southampton, Portsmouth and Hampshire.
Tuesdays and Thursdays have the most regular sessions. 70 sessions run every week. The Southampton calendar shows what's on from today.
Yes. 25 regular nights are marked as welcoming new players, including sessions at Andover Chess Club, Basingstoke Bridge Club and Basingstoke 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. Fees change, so check with the venue before you go.
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