Three new clubs launched in nine months as more than 110 players join the game
CHESS in Pembrokeshire is enjoying a remarkable revival after years of decline that saw almost every club in the county close its doors.
Once a thriving participation sport, the game previously boasted strong clubs in Haverfordwest, Fishguard and Pembroke, with Haverfordwest producing several Welsh Junior Chess Champions. But around five years ago the local scene dwindled, leaving just one surviving club — Pembrokeshire Chess Club in Steynton, Milford Haven.
In April 2025, a decision was taken to revitalise the game across the county — and the response has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Fishguard leads the resurgence
On May 1, 2025, Fishguard Chess Club (FCC) officially opened. Within just six weeks, such was the surge in interest that the club was forced to move to a larger venue in the town.
It now boasts more than 50 members, including 17 junior players, with club nights regularly attracting over 25 participants. From a standing start, it has grown into the largest chess club in Wales west of Llanelli.
FCC is also competing in the Dyfed Chess League and has already made its mark — becoming, so far, the only club to take points from reigning champions Cardigan Chess Club.
To help develop players, the club runs internal competitions and recently organised the first Fishguard Rapidplay Chess Tournament, held on Saturday, April 25. The event marked the first non-school chess tournament to take place in Pembrokeshire for six years — a significant milestone in the game’s resurgence.
Looking ahead, organisers have announced plans for the Pembrokeshire Junior Rapidplay Chess Championship, set to be held in Fishguard on August 15, 2026 — another first for the county.
More clubs follow suit
The revival did not stop in Fishguard. In October 2025, Haverfordwest Chess Club was re-established and has mirrored that early success. Now with over 35 members, it too has had to relocate to larger premises due to demand. The club has already played its first competitive match — against Fishguard — and is hoping to arrange further fixtures in the near future.
Narberth Chess Club became the third new addition, opening on February 5 this year. Despite being in its infancy, it has already attracted 27 members — a promising start that underlines the appetite for chess locally.
Further expansion is already in the pipeline. Tenby Chess Club is planned for May 2026, followed by Pembroke Chess Club in September 2026 and St Davids Chess Club at the turn of the year.
Over 110 new players in nine months
In just nine months, the three newest clubs have attracted more than 110 new players, including 35 juniors — clear evidence that interest in the game remains strong across Pembrokeshire.
Organisers hope this resurgence marks the beginning of a sustained revival, restoring chess in the county to its former prominence.
Anyone seeking further information about the new or proposed clubs, or wishing to get involved in chess in Pembrokeshire, can contact Kevin Heady at [email protected].
