Chess at Gatekeeper Games

3961 Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072

Gatekeeper Games in Berkley, Michigan is a game store with a large area of free playing space….and a bar.

On Monday nights, Chess is played. Come on in. Play some Chess. Have a beer or cider or soft drink. Enjoy. Chess at 6:30 – 9:00...ish.

Chess sets, and a few clocks, are available, but if you have a travel/tournament set, it couldn’t hurt to bring it.

Announcement: December 26, 2024

Chess will be suspended until the end of the FIRST Robotics Season.

I am heavily involved as a mentor for the Berkley High School FIRST Robotics team, Team 247, Da Bears. Our robot build season begins the first week of January, and competition will continue until at least April 1.

Please come back in spring for an announcement on the future of Chess at Gatekeeper Games.

FAQ:

How long have you been doing this?

Fall of 2022.

How many people show up?

If you show up, there will be one more. But seriously, it’s a small group. Usually 4-6. I’d like to see it grow, of course It’s a really nice venue and they don’t charge us. Of course they would appreciate it if you bought a drink, but it’s not required. If you would like to help build a Chess community, come on down.

What ratings are represented?

If you show up, your rating will be represented. Most of the “regulars” are not USCF members, but based on play level, I would say in the neighborhood of 1000 for the regulars. However we’ve had people come in at all levels, up to 2000.

Are kids allowed?

Yes. Don’t let the bar scare you. It’s a pretty mellow place.

Do you play rated games?

I’m a local TD, so I could hold rated games, but I think the atmosphere is a bit casual for rated games. The radio is usually on, and over at the next table they might be playing Dungeons and Dragons, and there are frequently video game tournaments going on in the next room. It’s not noisy, but it’s not a tournament atmosphere. If there is interest, I would hold USCF Blitz tournaments. The distractions wouldn’t be so significant for Blitz players.

So…..I’d love to see you. It’s a nice, casual, environment and the price is right.

Other Games

Did you know there are games other than Chess?

Ok. I’m making fun of Chess players a bit there. We tend to take our game very seriously, and sometimes think it’s the only game worth playing. However, on Chess night you will also find other games such as Chess variants like Shogi (Japanese Chess), Chess960, historic games like Hnefatafl, and modern games like Hive. If you’re interested, come on in. Dave, your friendly neighborhood tournament director (and author of these words) holds an interest in Chess variants, abstract strategy games, and generally “perfect information games”, i.e. games with no random or hidden information. If you want to try something different, just ask. I always have a few different games on hand available for play.