Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Ocean Grove Chess Club offers a relaxed and welcoming environment to enjoy the game of chess. Each week, local enthusiasts gather at Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club to play, learn, and share their passion for the game.
“It’s a very inclusive, all-ages, welcoming group,” one of the club’s organisers Stan Rusiniak said.
“You never know who you’re going to run into, particularly during the summer and school holidays. Having a game, or something to bond over and start a conversation with, enables deep connections from the very beginning.”
“I’ve always found that it’s a really nice way to meet people in the neighbourhood,” long-time member John Griffiths said.
It’s not just about chess – it’s really about community. There’s a kind of mechanism for making instant friends, because no two chess games are ever the same.”
The club said it was especially proud of the growing number of women who are discovering the game. Inspired in part by the hit series The Queen’s Gambit, more women have taken up chess worldwide, and Ocean Grove is no exception.
Local member Dawn McInerney joined to improve her game and connect with like-minded people.
“I love that it’s both challenging and social,” she said.
“You come for the chess, but you stay because the group is so supportive and welcoming.”
Tom Nicholson, the club’s current top player and also a member of the local Chord Club, encourages anyone curious to give it a try.
“It’s relatively easy to learn the basics, like how the pieces move,” he said.
For many, that first step quickly becomes a lifelong interest. Some members come to improve their skills.
“Competing against others who are better than me motivates me to become a better player,” John Corlett said.
Others value the challenge of friendly competition.
“I really enjoy being part of the club and playing competitive games,” Tony French said.
“Chess is a great outlet for that.”
Wayne Harris’ passion for the game extends well beyond the clubrooms. He recently travelled to Iceland to pay his respects at the grave of World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer at Laugardælir Cemetery.
“Yes, we play chess, but we also discuss tactics and analyse the games,” he said.
“But most importantly, we have a good time.”
