Frequently Asked Questions

Are kids/teens allowed?

Yes! We welcome players of all ages. Every venue we frequent is child-friendly with the exception of GWARbar, which is 21+ after 9 pm.

I’m new to chess. Will there be other beginners at events?

Players of all skill levels are welcome! At any given event, there is usually a wide range of skill levels. We’re all here because we love playing chess, and we enjoy welcoming new players to the game.

If you’d like to learn more about chess and to play specifically with other beginners, then you’d probably enjoy our beginner classes. We also have a beginners-only meetup every other week. But again, even if you’re new to the game, you’re absolutely welcome at all of our events.

My rating is XYZ on Chess.com/Lichess. Does that make me a beginner?

Some things we do are set up with beginners in mind. When we talk about beginners, we’re thinking of those with an Elo of less than 1000 or so. If you can beat Jared, you’re probably not a beginner.

Saturday classes at the Public Library are targeted for beginners, but you’re welcome to join even if you’re not a beginner. On the other hand, our beginners-only meetups are intended only for beginners. On Discord, the #beginners-only channel is a discussion hub strictly for beginners to hang out amongst themselves. We want to give beginners the chance to learn and play with other beginners, but beginners are more than welcome at all of our events. If you’re not a beginner, you can join us at one of our many other events.

I used to coach Magnus Carlsen. Can anyone at RVA Pieces give me a challenge?

Come find out! Some of us are pretty tough.

Do I need to become a member?

Nope! Just show up and bring your A-game. Please also take a look at our code of conduct.

Do I need to preregister for events?

It depends on the event. There’s no need to register for our casual game nights, beginner classes, or Gallery5. For our USCF rated ladder, we encourage you to preregister online, but you can also register in person. If you plan to come out to Backyard Blitz, DM @Spenser (the only Spenser) on Discord or message us on Instagram, even if you’ve been before and have the address.

When do people usually arrive? Should I show up right on time?

It depends on the event. For casual game nights, feel free to drop by whenever works for you. Often there are a few players right at the start, with more joining throughout the evening. For tournaments and classes, we try to start those events promptly, so please arrive on time.

How do I know whether an event has been canceled?

We almost always meet for our regularly scheduled events. There are always folks who want to play chess! That said, we do skip events that land on certain holidays. Outdoor events are canceled or rescheduled when there is inclement weather. When we cancel an event, we try our best to mark it on the calendar. If you have a question about an event, the fastest way to get in touch with us is Discord.

Do I need to bring anything?

We usually have enough boards, but it’s never a bad idea to bring one. When we have a crowd, it’s nice to have extras on hand. Even more so than boards, it helps to bring a chess clock if you have one. However, it’s always possible to use a phone as a chess clock using the Chess.com or Lichess apps. It’s also OK if you don’t want to play with a clock (see below).

Is it OK if I’ve never used a chess clock before? What if I play slowly?

Chess can be played at different speeds, and we enjoy playing it at every speed. The most important thing is that you and the other player agree on a time control that you’re both comfortable with. Most of our casual games are 5 minutes per player with a 2-second increment per move. However, it’s also common for games to be 10 minutes or 15 minutes per player. If you’ve never used a clock before, we promise you’ll pick it up quickly. That said, players can also decide to forego a clock entirely and play leisurely.

I’ve heard about touch/move before. Do I have to move a piece if I touch it?

If you’re playing an unofficial game, even during a Backyard Blitz tournament, then the touch/move rule does not apply. A player’s move is over once they hit the clock. Be careful though! If you’re playing a blitz (AKA fast) game, and you don’t notice that your king is in check when you hit the clock, club rules say that your opponent has the right to capture your king. 💀

Our biweekly USCF rated ladder is an official tournament, and in that setting, touch/move does apply. If you touch a piece, and you can legally move it, then you must do so.

Does RVA Pieces offer lessons?

We do! Visit one of our beginner classes, or get in touch with one of the chess coaches we recommend.

I like what you’re doing here! Is there a way I can help?

We are enormously grateful for support, including all donations. Among other things, donations help us buy boards, rent spaces, and pay our teachers.

We’re also greatly appreciative of our volunteers, who help keep things running smoothly. If you’d like to learn more about volunteering, please get in touch.

I have another question. How can I get in touch?

The community chats among itself on Discord. It’s easy to sign up if you don’t already have an account. Come say hi! You can also message us on Instagram or Facebook or email us. Check out our contact page for details.