Est. 2014 · Bournemouth Central Library
Chess for every young mind.
We’re a Saturday morning chess club for ages 7–17, run by experienced, DBS‑certified coaches who care about more than just the game. We’ve been teaching kids to think, plan, and compete since 2014.
The club at Bournemouth Central Library · 2024/25 season
Our story
From the Elstead Hotel to Central Library — a decade of chess.
What started at the Elstead Hotel has grown into one of Dorset’s most active junior chess clubs, now meeting every Saturday at Bournemouth Central Library. We’ve taught hundreds of children, developed several into the local adult leagues, and produced two Hampshire county champions.
We run two sessions each Saturday — 10:00–11:00am and 11:30am–12:30pm — during term time. Pre‑booking is required and sessions cost £8.50. We ask players to commit to a regular session slot so we can plan coach allocation properly.
Our coaches draw on experience from Poole and Wimborne chess clubs, bringing real competitive play into every session. We also have excellent welfare support from Dee, who’s on hand for everything the juniors need.
How we teach
Learn. Practice. Play.
Each session is structured so kids actually improve — not just repeat the same mistakes.
Focused teaching first
Every session starts with 25–30 minutes of structured coaching — openings, tactics, endgame techniques, or puzzle‑solving. The approach is adapted to each level group.
Matched play
The remaining 30 minutes is playing time against someone of a comparable standard. That’s how lessons get reinforced rather than forgotten.
Honest progression
We move players between sections when they’re ready. No waiting — if you’ve outgrown your group, we’ll say so and act on it.
Skill levels
Three groups, one club
Both sessions run three ability sections simultaneously. We reserve the right to move players to better match their level.
Beginners — 1st level
Total newcomers learning the pieces, basic moves, and how to think a move ahead. Patience and encouragement are the foundation.
Intermediate — 2nd level
Players who know the rules and want to improve. Tactical patterns, opening principles, and recognising common mistakes.
Advanced — 3rd level
Competitive players aiming for leagues and tournaments. Deeper theory, complex endgames, and county‑level preparation.
The team
Who’s behind the board
All our coaches hold current DBS certification. They’re club‑level players who’ve been doing this long enough to know what actually works.
Eric Sachs
Club Founder & Lead Coach
Former Dorset Junior Chess Officer. Has given lessons in multiple local primary and secondary schools. Believes chess is a life skill and a catalyst for developing the mind.
DBS Certified
Tony Sanderson
Tactics & Openings Coach
The puzzle king. Firm believer that pattern recognition through puzzles is the fastest route to improvement. Brings strong theoretical openings to the advanced group.
DBS Certified · Poole CC
Steve Bailey
Beginners & Intermediate Coach
Long-standing member of the team. Extremely personable, with a track record of taking total beginners through to confident intermediate standard.
DBS Certified · Poole CC
Graham Hillman
Coach & Club Development
Retired Comms Engineer, playing since the 1970s. Chairman of Wimborne Chess Club, where he also runs a junior club. Active in the B&DCL and Dorset Chess Leagues.
DBS Certified · Wimborne CC“Chess is a battle of ideas — a great tool for developing the young thinking mind.”
— Eric Sachs, Club Founder
Ready to join the club?
Sessions are every Saturday during term time at Bournemouth Central Library. Pre‑booking is required — it takes two minutes online.