Pool and darts have been longtime bar activities—the competition further fueled by booze. But lately, there’s a new bar game on the scene. And it’s one you might not expect: chess.

Andrew James, who founded the Charles Village Chess Club in 2023, believes the passion for playing is a result of the pandemic. “People found chess through playing online,” says James. “And once the world opened back up, they saw it as a way to be social instead of reclusive.”

If you have a hard time making new friends, the checkered board has become an icebreaker, especially at a bar.

“A lot of times you’ll go to chess clubs and it will be serious,” says James, “whereas if you’re just at a bar and interested in playing, that’s the perfect time to [go] over and say ‘hi.’”

What started as a blitz tournament at Tambers in Charles Village has grown into three weekly open Chess Club events at Peabody Heights Brewery in Abell, Max’s Taphouse in Fells Point, and Vision House in Old Goucher. At Max’s alone, some 30 players—a mix of regulars, returners, and first-timers who wander over from a barstool—show up weekly to play.

In addition to the Charles Village Chess Club, Rocket to Venus holds informal chess games every other Wednesday, and Bmore Queenside—a chess club for women and gender minorities—gathers at Red Emma’s in Waverly.

The 600-square-foot backroom at Vision House hosts a dedicated area for James’ Friday-night chess nights, a staple since the bar first opened in spring 2023.

As for mixing alcohol and chess? “It adds to the game,” says James. “You’re not so worried about the mistakes you make. And there are a lot more laughs over the board.”

Turns out, a bar with chessboards was the perfect opening move.