Psyon Chess Junior Club, West Wickham — Beginners
Wednesdays 5–6pm · Emmanuel United Reformed Church, BR4 9JS
The beginners’ session at West Wickham is the first of the two run on a Wednesday afternoon. Children are expected to know the basic rules and how the pieces move before they start here.
Sessions combine a structured curriculum with group coaching on a large screen, interactive puzzles, tactical themes, common checkmate patterns, opening principles and practice games, so a child learns something new and then practises it in friendly games to reinforce the learning. There are regular competitions and junior-only tournaments too.
The club runs largely during school term dates.
Session details
- When
- Wednesdays, 5–6pm Term time only
- Where
- Emmanuel United Reformed Church
Hewitt room
The Grove, West Wickham
BR4 9JS - Who for
- Beginners, up to an ECF standard rating of 1200.
- Ages
- 6½ years and above
- Price
- Based on the number of sessions in the term, or the number remaining at the time of joining.
- Contact
- [email protected]
Your child's first session
Your child is welcomed by the coach and by the other children, and given time to settle. The coach explains how the club works, then matches them with a small group of players at their own level.
New members get particular attention in that first session: simple, interactive activities that build focus and curiosity, mistakes treated as part of learning so that nobody is afraid to try, and games paired so that a child has some early wins. The aim is that they enjoy the hour and want to come back for a second session.
From a parent at the club
My daughter enjoys coming to Psyon Chess and looks forward to class every week! While she’s self-taught the basics the sessions have really helped build confidence and strategic thinking. Highly recommend!