Looking to join a club? Here's how

There are currently four teams in the Borders League: Selkirk, Galashiels, Kelso and NHS Borders, so if you think you would like to join any of these clubs then please head to our Clubs Page for further details.  It should be said, however, that at the time of writing only two of those clubs meet on a regular basis:  Selkirk and Galashiels.

Possibly the best way to start is by contacting the Editor of this website at , who can pass on your query to the proper contact.

Getting started: brush up your chess

Is your chess a bit rusty?  If so, we have some short introductory pages to help.  Starting with a refresher on the moves themselves, here is a list of pages to help you.   You may also want to check out our own guide to chess websites on our webchess page, which will point you towards playing sites and online tuition.

The moves of the pieces

An illustrated guide to how the pieces move, and explanations of special moves like castling, en passant captures, and promotion.  A PDF file is also available for downloading.

The moves of the pieces...

Notation

Sooner or later you may want to read chess books or to record your own games. Here is what you need to know to understand chess notation.

Chess notation...

Clocks

Though you might not be using clocks in every game, it still does no harm to know what it's all about.  An introduction to clocks.

Chess clocks...

Tactics

Pins, forks, skewers... there are all sorts of tricks to baffle your opponent and force an advantage in your games.  Here are half a dozen of the most common ones.

Basic tactics...