Club Etiquette

St Albans Chess Club is your club

Remember that the club belongs to all its members and therefore we share the responsibility for ensuring that the club offers an environment that is pleasant, welcoming and conducive to playing good games of chess.  Please observe the letter and the spirit of a few simple guidelines.

When you arrive

Turn off your mobile phone or a least put it on silent.

If you arrive early then offer a junior a game – they like playing against the seniors and some of them are good. If in doubt as to which one to play then ask the adult in charge.

Chess sets

We have different sets for Juniors, normal play and match play. When you start, please do not use the Junior sets, which might have been left out. If any have been, then please check that they are complete, put them away in the Junior Cupboard and take a set from the Club Cupboard. Matches have priority over the wooden sets, but if they are not needed then they can be used for serious games, eg the Silver Rook competition.

During the evening

Keep the door to the room shut to keep out the noise and draft. Keep the noise down and do not talk near anybody playing a serious game. When you have finished playing set up the set and, if it is late, put it away.

New members

New members are the lifeblood of any club. If you see somebody that you do not recognise, please introduce yourself to them because they might be a new member and we want to encourage them.

If you are playing a match

Arrive no later than 7:30 and help your captain set up the sets. Offer your opponent a drink at some time during the game. When your game is finished, put the pieces and the clock away – quietly! Please remember to turn off the digital clocks to save the batteries. If you want to analyse the game with your opponent do so away from the match area. Remember that there is often more than one match being played on an evening; your match may be finished but others might still be playing.

Follow these simple rules for the use of clocks

Always use the same hand to make your move and press the clock.

Do not make your move before your opponent has pressed his clock (even if you are in time trouble).

Do not bang the clock.

When you leave

Take your glasses back to the bar.

Put your set and clock away; if the session is nearly finished help put the rest of the sets and clocks away. Remember that the shelves in the equipment cupboard are labelled; return equipment to its proper place.

Throw your litter in the bin or take it home.

Would you like to do more for your club?

We always need more members to do the jobs that are required to make the club run smoothly. If you would like to be on the Committee then let the President know.

Even if you cannot afford to make a significant commitment to time, there are still plenty of things that need doing.  Please speak to the President or Secretary if you are willing to volunteer.