Getting started with chess may seem difficult. Children, however, learn the basic moves and how to set up the board (see piece profiles) very quickly. Its never too early (or too late) to start. Once the basic moves have been mastered, each game provides countless variations and slowly skill and expertise develop.

Chess clubs or chess activities may be held in local schools in Bucks and where possible these activities can be used to develop the game and to play different opponents. BYCA encourages all children to take part in chess activities at school.

BYCA holds chess sessions at its Hazlemere Centre on Friday evenings.

A Beginners / Intermediate Level session with John Hankinson is held on Fridays (5:15pm to 6:00pm) at the Hazlemere Sports Association Pavilion and is by invitation only.  The Beginners Level allows those who have played some chess and learnt the basic moves to further develop their game.  The Intermediate Level aims to raise the standard of play to that required for membership of the Advanced Level and inclusion in Bucks County Teams.

An Advanced Level session with Paul Basham is also held on Fridays (7:20pm to 8:30pm) at the Hazlemere Sports Association Pavilion and is by invitation only. The Advanced Level aims to raise the standard of play to that required for participation in adult chess competitions and inclusion in England Mini and Junior Squads.

Scheduled dates are included in the forthcoming events page.

Bucks juniors are able to attend the Adult sessions at Hazlemere Sports Association on Wednesdays (7:30pm to 9:00pm) when they have attained the appropriate standard of play.

Following the successful coaching by International Master Andrew Martin last season a further series of sessions have been booked for keen BYCA members from Sep 2003.  The sessions will be at the Hazlemere Sports Association Pavilion once a month on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.  Scheduled dates are included in the forthcoming events page (Contact Angela Stockwell 01494 520656 for further details).

Andrew Martin can provide individual coaching sessions to those who are ambitious to further their chess (Contact Andrew Martin on 01252-870235 or Email andrew@martin.3115.freeserve.co.uk for further details.

Gary Kenworthy can provide teaching/coaching sessions in schools or in after school clubs (Contact Gary Kenworthy on 01908-371918 or Email gary.kenworthy@btopenworld.com for further details.

County team squad coaching has been organised from Sep 2003 this year by tba to be held monthly, on a Sunday afternoon at HSA.  Aimed at beginner to advanced level this is to be held in two sessions (U9/U11 2:00pm to 3:30pm and U14 3:30pm to 5:00pm).  In addition, Paul Basham will run an experimental Sunday Funday for chess beginners session at 1:15pm to 2:00pm.  This will continue through the year depending on demand.  Scheduled dates are included in the forthcoming events page

Attendance at the sessions is by invitation only. If you would like your child to develop their chess, further information can be obtained by contacting Paul Basham (01494 51275), Angela Stockwell (01494 520656) or by email at byca@supanet.com.

Players with some experience who would like to attend one of the above will be assessed to determine which level is appropriate.