Fells Point Chess

For novices who want to learn how to play chess or sharpen their skills, this is a great place to go to be beaten over and over and over again. You will certainly improve your skills, but your self esteem will be shattered unless you go in prepared to lose, because lose you will. These guys take chess seriously.
True chess players who have been rated and compete regularly will quickly make this club home. There are tournaments held on the weekends, and sometimes during the week. If you want to learn details about the players that frequent the club, the USCF ID is A6018660.
The last I knew, dues to join the chess club were $ 20/​month, but if you prefer, you can pay $ 3 per day to play. Basically, if you don’t think you’ll play more than 6 times month, it’s a better deal to pay the daily rate.
The inside of the chess club is fine, with fluorescent lighting and folding tables and chairs, which is what you’d expect. The place doesn’t have the income to support a more attractive design scheme. Considering it’s a bunch of guys who spend a lot of time playing chess, it doesn’t smell so great, especially if it’s too hot or cold outside to keep the door open.
My favorite way to experience the chess club is during warm weather, when they set up boards on tables outside on the sidewalk. Sometimes, they even bring out the life size board, with pieces that stand 3 feet tall.
Ask for the kind, patient manager of the chess club, Wilbert. But don’t let his friendly smile and easy laugh fool you, he’ll whoop your ass in about 6 moves, if you’re lucky!
*I have seen exactly 2 women in this place, I wish more would come to play. Come on ladies!