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Los Angeles County's
Est 1937
Next Tournament, 2025 Club Championship starts, June 3rd. Email: smbchess@yahoo.com to enter.
About Santa Monica Bay Chess Club
SMBCC is Los Angeles County’s oldest chess club, continuously running for nearly a century.
For all that time our mission has been to nurture in-person competitive chess for the people of Southern California. We provide all chess players, regardless of their age, background, or ability with the opportunity to play and improve their skill. Through in-person games, we also build interpersonal relationships and the spirit of sportsmanship.
About Our Monthly Tournaments
Games Start Tuesdays from 7 PM to 11 PM.
Rated by United States Chess Federation.
4 Round Swiss and Blitz/Rapid Round Robins.
Classical Time Control (several hour long games).
Chess sets and clocks are available to use or bring your own.
Entry fee: $10 for members, $25 for non-members.
Club Membership: $75 / year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the club?
Non-club members can enter a tournament but club members pay a lower entry fee. You can become a club member for $75 annually. Participation in a tournament requires USCF membership https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess as events are rated by it. See our tournament schedule on this site. Email the club at smbchess@yahoo.com to let us know you want to enter a tournament. Come to St. Andrew's church at 7:00 PM on the first Tuesday night of the event and sign up with a $25 entry fee (cash please) or If you become a club member, your entry fee will be $10. Be sure to bring a pen, your set if you prefer, and a chess timer if you have one (preferably).
How good at chess do I need to be?
You must want to play long, rated tournament games, which can last up to three or four hours. If you're up for that kind of game, then you can be any skill level. We use the US Chess Federation's rankings to determine which group of players you play against. The club has a wide range of players rated from the hundreds to the two thousands. Cash prizes are awarded to different rating groups, so anyone can win a prize.
Do I have to play the entire tournament?
While committing to all rounds is preferred, you can miss a round with advanced notice. You can receive a half point per game not played in the first two rounds. If you can't make either of the last two rounds, you would not receive any points. Advanced notice of missing any round is required, which can be provided by emailing the club at smbchess@yahoo.com .
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