Gawler has a new chess club, 155 years after the first club was established on 19th November 1866.

Club co-ordinator, Mr Ryen Archer said the Netflix show Queens Gambit has created a massive resurge in popularity for chess.The club meets on Tuesday from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, people from all ages come to TableTop Warfare, in Murray Street, Gawler, to learn and to play chess.

Mr Archer said the club is a fun and engaging environment with an emphasis on learning. “I have been playing chess for 12 years, and I had a thought with the Netflix series being such an amazing hit and bringing the game to a new audience, that now was the right time so start up a new club,” said Mr Archer.

“In the 6 weeks that we have been running the chess sessions individuals who have had little to no previous chess experience are now having in-depth and complex games, whilst still in a fun and exciting environment full of laughs and lessons.”

“For approximately 45 minutes of each session, I run through a series of important chess lessons where people learn some of the basic and more advanced chess strategies.”

“For example, in the past we have looked at en passant (in passing), forks, pins, many different openings and even castling.”“We not only look at lessons as our point of learning as we encourage players to talk about their games whilst playing and to help each other to learn.”

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said he became aware of the club when the co-ordinator approached him to support for the club.“Ryen was keen to make participating in the club as low cost as possible so I donated a couple of chess boards to help those who may not own one,” said Mr Piccolo

.“Gawler has had a chess club on and off for over 150 years, so it is great to see this new club providing people, and in particular young people an opportunity to meet and play safe games together.”

“The original cub established in 1866 was so successful that in the following year, games were played via telegraph between Gawlerites and residents of Port Adelaide.”

All enquires about the club can be directed to Mr Ryen Archer on 0434 027 964 or call into Tabletop Warfare (next to Tony Piccolo’s Electorate Office).