Wells Chess Club

♟️ About Wells Chess Club

Wells Chess Club is an active chess organization based in Wells, Somerset, England. Established in 2012, the club has developed from a local playing group into a growing center for competitive, junior, and tournament chess in the region. The club welcomes players across a wide range of strengths, from beginners to experienced competitors rated above 2200. Its members regularly participate in the Somerset League, regional congresses, and national events. Wells Chess Club also provides structured coaching and opportunities for players who want to improve their competitive chess. For the 2026–2027 season, the adult club is based at The White Hart Inn on Sadler Street in Wells. The club meets on Wednesday evenings, while its expanding junior program operates separately at the Portway Annexe. Wells Chess Club is also recognized as an English Chess Federation Junior Development Pathway Club, reflecting its commitment to structured junior development.

🏆 Tournaments & Competitive Chess

Wells Chess Club organizes several significant over-the-board events alongside its regular league and club activities. Its tournament program includes the Wells Chess Congress and the annual Wells Autumn Rapidplay, attracting players from Somerset and further afield. The Wells Chess Congress has grown substantially since its inaugural edition in 2024. In 2026, the club hosted its third annual congress together with the West of England Championships. The competition featured four sections, five Swiss-system rounds, FIDE-rated play, and participation in the ECF International Series. The club also organizes the Wells Autumn Rapidplay. The 3rd Wells Autumn Rapidplay, scheduled for October 24, 2026 at Wells Town Hall, features six rounds with both ECF and FIDE rating across its sections. Club members regularly compete in events such as the Frome Chess Congress, Bristol tournaments, Somerset competitions, and other regional and national events.

🌱 Junior Chess & Coaching

Junior development has become an important part of Wells Chess Club. Its junior section provides separate sessions for developing and more experienced young players, with coaching led by qualified trainers. The junior program is led by Alexander “Sasha” Matlak, a FIDE trainer and multiple Somerset champion who has also won the West of England Championship. The club was accepted into the ECF Junior Development Pathway Scheme in 2024. The program has continued to expand. ECF reporting in 2026 recorded around 38 children regularly attending Wells Junior Chess Club sessions. The club has also invested in dedicated training equipment with support from the ECF Grassroots Scheme, Somerset Junior Chess, and club members.

🏅 Club Leadership & Development

Chris Strong serves as President of Wells Chess Club and has played a central role in developing its tournament and coaching activities. He was also one of the organizers behind the inaugural Wells Chess Congress. The club’s leadership team also includes Paul Humphreys, Secretary and League Officer, and Matt Goatcher, Treasurer. Together, the team supports league participation, tournament organization, junior development, coaching, and the club’s wider chess activities. Wells Chess Club continues to strengthen the competitive chess community in Somerset by combining regular club play with rated tournaments, junior development, professional coaching, and major regional events.