For many of us who have played chess from a young age, playing over-the-board is associated with tournament halls with hundreds of boards or small rooms of local chess clubs. But in 2023-2026, we’re seeing a “chess bar boom” in many major cities. In this series, Rookreview will tell you about places around the world where you can have a fun time playing over-the-board chess. In this first article, we’ll visit Europe’s most famous chess-themed cafes and bars.
Blitz Society, Paris
Famous Chess bar, in the 6th district of Paris, Very close to Cite University and 20 minutes walk from Louver. Very popular place among Parisians and tourists, including Jules Moussard and MVL. Dina Belenkaya and other content creators adore this place to film content. Rookreview founder Alex couldn’t play once, as they had a private chess event, so It’s worth checking if the club is open to the general public.
Food: Sandwiches, Hotdog, Soups, Charcuterie and Cheese
Drinks: Soft Drinks, Coffee, Tea, Beer, Wine
Chess: 5€
Peshka Club, Moscow
This is a third club opened this summer in Moscow. Hip and fun place for millennials to play and enjoy sunny weather. The bar is located in the heart of Moscow, close to Bolshoi theatre by a famous and very active community Rep.Chess, which hosts daily tournaments in different bars in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Food: hot-dogs, main courses, deserts
Drinks: Wine, Beer, Tea, Coffee
Chess: FREE
Gambit Café, Madrid
Gambit Cafe was the first chess bar opened in 2026. They offer amazing food, drinks, and what’s more important, frequent chess tournaments for all levels. For those who like to meet new people and play chess often the membership price is very attractive, just 25EUR per month. For those who want to study chess, they have the Academy membership with weekly group lessons and free chess games and tournament discounts. Tunde Onakoya played there with chess photographer David Llada.
Food: Appetizers, Cheese & Charcuterie, Hummus & Dips, Desserts
Drinks: Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Spirits
Chess: 3 EUR, or 25/m
De Laurierboom, Amsterdam
Very cozy and unpretentious place in Amsterdam welcomes all the boardgame lovers and especially chess players. They host mini Blitz tournaments at some nights. It’s a traditional to Amsterdam “brown cafe”. They offer cheap drinks of huge variety, but don’t serve food but you can bring your own.
Food: No. Bring your own food
Drinks: Beers, Spirits, Soft Drinks
Chess play: FREE
Svarta Hästen, Stockholm and Gothenburg
The Svarta Hästen chess bar provokes “traditional” chess approach with colorful red and yellow boards and frequent visits by content makers. Levy Rosman played with Pia Cramling in Stockholm Location. Andrea Botez, Anna Cramling, Judit Polgar and other famous artists played here. They emphasize quality of the interior, curated wine list, but still managing to keep the atmosphere friendly and open. Since 2025 they have opened the second bar in Gothenburg and Stockholm.
Food: No
Drinks: Good Wine, Beer
Chess play: 100 SEK (roughly €9board/hour)
Svarta Hästen
Biblioteksgatan 21, Stockholm, Sweeden
Dicksonska Palatset, Parkgatan 2, Gothenburg, Sweeden (Temporary closed15.07.2026 according to Google Maps)
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