ON Saturday, June 13, Pembrokeshire saw its first county chess match in over 50 years.

A combined Ceredigion/Pembrokeshire invitational team faced a Carmarthenshire team at Narberth Chess Club as 28 adults, 30 juniors and 13 clubs all played fiercely competitive chess matches in one room.

There were clubs from Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Narberth, Steynton, Tenby, Newport and Cilgwyn representing Ceredigion/Pembrokeshire, and teams from Llanelli, Carmarthen, Llandovery and Ammanford representing Carmarthenshire.

What makes this even more remarkable is that of the 13 clubs, eight didn’t exist just over a year ago and for 14 of the 30 juniors this was their first ever match. Five of the adults had their first ever experience of competitive chess.

A notable achievement was the participation of two members from the newly established Tenby Chess Club: Noah and Dylan Bambrick became the first members of the club to play in a representative match. Both went the day unbeaten!

And the result? Doesn't matter. But for those who just must know, an honourable draw.

There are more events on their way throughout 2026 and into 2027, with many ‘firsts’ for chess in the county:

Did we mention the Dyfed League starts in September? Chess is on its way back in the west! 

For more information about clubs in your area or how to get involved email Kevin on [email protected] .