Three (3) Best Places to Play Chess in Toronto, Canada

 

1. Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1)

There is a portion of Nathan Phillips Square that is dedicated to chess players. The area is near the Old Toronto City Hall where it is very accessible. The chess area or park is open depending on weather and lighting conditions. Young, old, novice, and professional chess players frequent this park for a game of chess. The area is fairly safe and open to the public. You can easily see the chess players upon entering Nathan Phillips Square coming from the Old Toronto City Hall.

The Nathan Phillips Square Chess Park is also near the Eaton Centre. After you have finished shopping, watching movies, dining, or malling at the Eaton Centre, you can drop by the chess park for a casual game of chess.

You can bring your chessboard and a clock. However, some players who have been frequenting the Nathan Phillips Square Chess Park usually have their chess equipment where you can just join to play chess.

The chess park is also near the famous Toronto Sign. If you are new in Canada, the place to be is Nathan Phillips Square. The large Toronto Sign is a famous tourist attraction in Canada. The Toronto Sign is usually lighted and decorated depending on the occasion. The Toronto Sign is very famous that you have not arrived in Toronto, Canada if you have not taken a picture of this famous sign.

Since the chess park is at Nathan Phillips Square, you can easily go and enjoy the various shows and performances being held at Nathan Phillips Square. While playing chess, you can easily hear the performances being held nearby. It seems that you are being entertained by the performances while pushing pawns and pieces. 

I have the experience while watching a game of chess, there was an art exhibition that is being held at Nathan Phillips Square. After I watched a game between two chess veterans, I proceeded to the Art exhibition. I was reminded how chess may be considered to be a form of art. Chess is like painting of your thoughts and ideas on a chessboard.

Since the chess park is located at Nathan Phillips Square, you can easily relax in the open spaces. After playing or watching an intense game of chess, you can just sit down on one of the benches and relax. Life is beautiful when you can enjoy a chess game and find entertainment at a similar venue. 

The best time to play chess at Nathan Phillips Square is during summer or autumn. This is an open area. You got to be dressed depending on the weather. Light jackets are recommended even during summer because the breeze is cool during the afternoon and evening. I always bring a jacket whenever I go to Nathan Phillips Square.  

Chess at Nathan Phillips Square reminds me of Rizal Park or Luneta Chess Plaza in Manila, Philippines. The Luneta Chess Plaza is a popular playing ground for chess masters, enthusiasts, and hustlers. Players and kibitzers who love playing chess can be seen passionately pushing pawns and pieces. From the morning until nighttime, you can see chess players of all ages playing this ancient game. 

I recall the time when I played chess with an old man at the Luneta Chess Plaza. While playing chess, I learned several lessons about life. The importance of time was also emphasized during our games. Life is short. Time is a resource that once spent can no longer be taken back. With this realization, time should always be used wisely and with a purpose. 

2. Hart House Chess Club (University of Toronto, 7 Hart House Circle

Toronto, ON M5S 3H3, Canada)

On Fridays from 4 PM to 11 PM, the Harthouse Chess Club is the place to be. Harthouse Chess Club is the official chess club of the University of Toronto (UofT). The club usually meets at the University of Toronto Reading Room. The chess club welcomes everyone, of all ages and skills, including those who are not students of the University of Toronto.  

Throughout the year the Chess Club is open for everyone. You can be a member of the Harthouse Chess Club for a fee subject to certain rules and regulations even if you are not a student of UofT.  If you become a member of the chess club, you will be entitled to several benefits that include, among others, discounted or free entry to simultaneous chess exhibitions and weekly chess lessons for novice and intermediate skill level players.

During summer, the Harthouse Chess Club organizes casual chess where everyone can play for free. This is a great opportunity for players to play chess and meet other chess enthusiasts. Competitive chess tournaments are held on certain schedules. Their website usually announces chess tournaments, rate of play, entry fees, and rules and regulations governing the tournament.

When I first visited the University of Toronto, I was reminded of the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest university in the Philippines which was founded in 1611. UofT's architecture somehow reminded me of the UST in the Philippines.

There are several places to see and explore inside and outside the University of Toronto. While waiting for the chess tournament to start, there are scenic places you can explore. You can walk to the nearby Queen's Park and the Royal Ontario Museum. You can also explore other places of interest within the vicinity of the University of Toronto.

The University of Toronto is a very appropriate place where chess is to be played. Inside the campus, it is easy to imagine how Kings and Queens defend a kingdom. The scenic and stunning architecture of the university brings back memories of medieval times when Knights and Bishops are not mere powerful chess pieces. 

I had a great experience playing in the Harthouse Chess Club. Most players are friendly. They just want to play chess. You can play chess with all skill levels. There is always a player who is within your skill level. In this manner, you can improve how you play chess.

Since the Harthouse Chess Club is located inside the University of Toronto, safety is not much of a concern. The chess club is also accessible by various forms of transportation. From the Museum or Queen's Park subway station, it is a very pleasant walk to the chess club.

3. Annex Chess Club (918 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5R 3G5)

The Annex Chess Club is around 450 meters away from the Bathurst Subway Station. The chess club is open Monday evenings. There is a minimal fee if you want to play casual chess or join chess tournaments. The fee is, of course, worth it. The venue is very suitable for playing chess. It is clean, safe, and well-lighted. Clocks, chess pieces, and chessboards are provided.

After seeing the Annex Chess Club, I wished that there would be chess clubs like this in the Philippines. A venue that is very well suited for playing chess. Chess is a game that requires focus and concentration. A chess venue that encourages players to focus on the game will be very beneficial for the development and improvement of chess players.

Casual chess in the Annex Chess Clubs starts at 6:30 PM. Competitive chess tournaments commence at 7:30 PM. If you plan to play chess at this chess club, it is a good idea to regularly check their website for updates. If you do not have a vehicle, check the schedule of subways and buses before visiting the chess club.

In-person and online chess classes are also conducted by the Annex Chess Club. If you want to improve as a chess player or learn about chess, you can seriously consider taking these classes offered by the chess club. Chess requires continuous study and practice. Attending chess classes and reviewing lessons about chess principles, tactics, and various strategical concepts can help you become a better chess player. 

I also enjoyed playing at the Annex Chess Club. There are separate rooms for casual chess and tournament play. Most of the players are friendly. It is easy to foster friendship and play chess with someone who is within your skill level. But, if you want to further improve as a player it is better to play chess with someone who is a better player than you. The more times you play with a more skillful player or a player with a higher rating, you can further improve as a chess player.

When I arrived in Canada from the Philippines in August 2022, I was looking for a venue or a chess club where I can play chess. The first that I have seen is the Nathan Phillips Square where there is a park where chess players congregate to play chess. I also searched online for other venues where I can play chess and I have discovered the Annex Chess Club and the Harthouse Chess Club.

Chess is very popular in Toronto. There are several chess clubs in Toronto where you can join and play chess. If you learn to play chess, you will not be bored in Toronto. You will always have a venue where you can play your favorite game and meet new friends. Chess is one of the most inexpensive way to entertain yourself and exercise your mind. 

In conclusion, these are the three (3) places in Toronto where you can play chess. The list is not exclusive nor exhaustive. If you are a newcomer to Canada, you can try playing chess at these venues. Before going to the said venues, it is best to check their websites for more detailed information. Plan your trip and always stay safe.