Chess has made a remarkable comeback in Pembrokeshire, and we're proud to be part of it. Connect Pembrokeshire recently featured the story, written by Dan Metcalf, and it's well worth a read.

From Near Extinction to 110+ Players

Chess has always had deep roots in Pembrokeshire — clubs in Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and Pembroke once produced multiple Welsh Junior Chess Champions. Pembrokeshire Chess Club in Steynton kept that flame alive through the quieter years, and now a wave of new clubs has joined them to build something special across the whole county.

Fishguard Chess Club launched in May 2025 and rapidly grew to over 50 members, including 17 juniors. Haverfordwest Chess Club reopened in October 2025 and now has over 35 members. Narberth Chess Club started in February 2026 with 27 players on their first night. Together with Pembrokeshire Chess Club, over 110 people across the county are now playing regularly, with 35 of them juniors.

What's Next

The growth isn't slowing down. New clubs are planned for Tenby, Pembroke, and St Davids over the next year. The first non-school chess tournament in six years — the Fishguard Rapidplay — takes place in April 2026.

We're excited to be part of this county-wide revival. If you've been thinking about joining us on a Monday evening, there's never been a better time.