Atherton Chess Club

03/09/2026

♟️ Chess Tip Time!

Every piece counts

Don't ignore your rooks and bishops while you chase attacks with your queen. A game is often won by whoever gets the most pieces working together, not by one lone hero piece.

02/09/2026

🏆 UK OPEN BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP – MANCHESTER QUALIFIER ♟️

Fancy some serious blitz chess? ⚡

📅 Saturday 12th September
📍 Wythenshawe
♟️ FIDE & ECF rated

And the best bit — you don't need an official rating or membership to enter. It's open to everyone!

A great opportunity to test yourself against players from across the region and experience competitive blitz.

Please share with anyone who might be interested! ❤️♟️

Full details and entry information

01/09/2026

♟️ Chess Tip Time!

Pins aren't just for show

If an enemy piece is pinned to their king (can't move without exposing it to check), pile the pressure on! Bring another attacker onto that pinned piece and it often just falls.

31/08/2026

♟️ What's On This Week at Atherton Chess Club?

📅 Monday
♟️ Atherton Arms
⏰ Juniors from 5:30pm, club night from 7pm

📅 Tuesday
🏆 Atherton Arms - Wigan League Matches - 7:30pm

📅 Wednesday
📚 Tyldesley Library - 9am-11am

📅 Thursday
📚 Atherton Library - 3pm-5pm
🏡 Dam House, Astley - 6pm–8pm

📅 Friday
☕ Roots & Chalice, Tyldesley - 4pm-7pm
📚 Little Hulton Library - 3:15pm-5:15pm

📅 Saturday
📚 Leigh Library - 11am-2pm

Everyone is welcome, whatever your age or ability. Come along and join us! ♟️

30/08/2026

Please join a great Lichess tournament here: https://lichess.org/tournament/9FNHi2rr
Details:
* Time: Sunday 30th at noon!
* Format: 5+3 (5min plus 3s increment after each move)
* Duration: 60 min
* Arena (play as many games as you can in 1h - you get matched immediately upon finishing your game)
* Berserk is ON (symbol just underneath your clock (a man cut in half with sword)): slashes your time in half and cancels the 3s increment but you get one extra point if you win the game
* NO streak (win is worth exactly 2pts irrespective of number of wins; when the streak is ON, the player gets twice the points for win after two wins in a row)

30/08/2026

♟️ Breaking news: chess might finally get its "sport" badge! 🏆

Turns out over 100 countries (plus the Olympics!) already count chess as a sport - but the UK still isn't convinced.

Meanwhile footballers, tennis pros, and NBA stars have been spotted getting hooked on the game. Make of that what you will! 😄

Chess is booming right now, and we reckon it's about time the UK caught up. Sport or not, we already know it takes serious brainpower, nerves of steel, and the occasional dramatic sigh when you blunder your queen.

What's your verdict - is chess a sport? Let us know in the the comments 👇

Link to article:

The chess market has grown exponentially in recent years fuelled by a wave of celebrity interest.

29/08/2026

☔ Rubbish weather forecast for today? Perfect chess weather! ♟️

Join us at Leigh Library from 11am-2pm for a relaxed session - all welcome, whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned player looking for a game.

It's a relaxed setting - forget silence and seriousness. Think chatting, laughter, and friendly games! 😊

Come in out of the rain and get your chess fix!

28/08/2026

♟️ Puzzle Time! 🤔

Black to move, and there's forced checkmate on the board! Can you spot it?

Have a think and drop your answer in the comments... solution to follow later! 👇

28/08/2026

⚡ Good luck to everyone playing in tonight's Blitz Tournament at the Atherton Arms! ⚡

Fast games, fast thinking, and probably a few blunders along the way - that's blitz for you! Whoever takes the crown tonight, may your clock never run out and your calculations stay sharp. ♟️🕐

See you at the board!