Surviving the game clubs

Go

Go, a traditional Chinese abstract strategy board game has niche fan following in Europe. “It’s a great game to learn, it’s intellectually challenging and the best mind sport there is. And, if you’re new in Delft, it’s a good way of meeting other people and having a good time,” said Bart Vergouwe, of Go Club Delft. The group meets every Thursday, at Bierhuis De Klomp. While it may take some time to master the game, Vergouwe says he can teach you the rules in five minutes. To keep things even, the game even has a handicap system where the weaker player gets a few free moves. They are always looking for new members and membership is free.

goclubdelft.nl

Chess

Founded in 1895, the chess club of Delft (Delftse Schaaksite) has around 160 members from the age of 6 to 85. About 60 of them meet every Monday evening at the DUWO Denksportcentrum and players are divided into groups depending on their proficiency. After a game, opponents usually go together to the canteen and discuss strategy (and get to know each other). “Not only do you get acquainted with the members fast, given the number of players we have, you’re always likely to find someone you have something in common with, either someone who’s been to your country or someone with the same interests,” said Arno Wiersma, a member of the club. Membership costs 90 euros a year. On June 4th, the club celebrates the 14th edition of the Delfts Kroeglopertoernooi (pub chess tournament), where players can go from bar to bar and play a game of chess.

delftseschaaksite.nl

Draughts

Draughts or checkers is a two player strategy game that is reportedly based on a game that developed in the Middle East around the 10th century. The draughts club in Delft, Damclub DOS, currently has 25 members and they are looking to bring on board new members. They meet on Wednesday evenings at the DUWO Denksport Centrum and usually play until midnight. “Anyone who is interested is welcome,” said Johan Pronk. Besides the regular evening, they also organize a beginner’s level course, which costs 10 euros for five sessions. While annual membership costs 120 euros per year, visiting players can pay 1 euro per evening. Recommending the game, Pronk added, “In our experience, if you learn the game at a younger age your concentration improves, even in other disciplines. You learn about tactics, strategy and technics and how to combine them. Things are really good for those in operations and management later”.

damclub-dos-delft.acdbv.nl

Board games, miniature wargames and more

Founded in 1989, Murphy’s Heroes is a gaming club with a large collection of games and miniatures, such as Infinity, that are popular world over. “Ours is a very friendly club, you can walk in, pull up a chair and join a game. If you have a favourite game that you play online or back home, continue playing it with us,” said Peter Schulein, the secretary of the club. The group regularly meets at a club room in Delftstede (Phoenixstraat) on Saturdays through the day and in the evenings on Fridays and Wednesdays. “We also have a forum where people can get together and meet up in person for multiplayer games,” said Schulein. Membership costs 100 euros, which also gets you a 10% discount at the local game shop. If you’re just curious, you can visit them thrice for free.

murphysheroes.nl