Chess clubs in Barcelona and nearby towns 44

Chess clubs are spread across Barcelona's districts, from Gràcia, the Eixample and Sants-Montjuïc to the Poblenou, Horta-Guinardó and Nou Barris, and the towns around the city keep their own, from Badalona and L'Hospitalet to Castelldefels and Viladecans. Their names mix Catalan forms such as Club d'Escacs or Penya d'Escacs with Spanish ones such as Club de Ajedrez.

Several are the chess section of a wider society, an ateneu, a choral society or a cultural centre, and meet in its building. A usual evening mixes free games, an internal tournament and classes for children or adults, often in groups by level. Access differs from club to club: a room may be open to anyone on set evenings, welcome visitors or be kept for members, so a message before the first visit is the safer step.