A casual chess meetup at De Balie on Leidseplein. Bring a board, order a drink, play whoever sits down across from you — beginners very much included.
We play chess and get to know other people who like chess. We also drink beer (or any other beverage) while we chess. All skill levels welcome — from total beginners to experienced competitors. Nobody's keeping score of your rating at the door.
It's BYOB — Bring Your Own Board. The more sets that show up, the more games happen at once, so grab one if you have it.
We're guests at a bar/café — please don't bring your own booze. Order from De Balie like everyone else there.
The group is kept going by a rotating cast of regulars who volunteer to host. Started on Meetup, now mostly organised over WhatsApp.
Café-Restaurant De Balie
Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10
1017 RR Amsterdam (Leidseplein)
Every other (alternate) Sunday
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Exact dates are posted under Upcoming events — the cadence sometimes shifts, so check there rather than assuming every second Sunday.
Best way to reach the group is the WhatsApp chat — organisers post there and answer questions.
Dates get added here by the current host as they're scheduled.
Turn up on the day — no sign-up needed. If you want a heads-up before each session, join the WhatsApp group; an admin approves join requests.
Enter the admin password to manage the site.
Manage upcoming events.