Playing Chess in Lausanne: Clubs and History
The Grand Echiquier Lausanne was formed in 1991 from the merger of two traditional clubs, the older of which dates back to 1942 – today, with around 100 members, it is the largest chess club in the city. This guide collects what is actually accessible in today's club scene. Where something could not be verified, it is not listed here.
Chess clubs in Lausanne
The Fédération Vaudoise des Echecs (Vaud Chess Federation) runs the clubs in the region. The following selection shows clubs whose game night is publicly listed. A dash means the club does not publish the time permanently, so it's worth checking the club's website.
| Club | District | Game night |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Echiquier Lausanne | – | Monday from 7:30 pm (Avenue du Grey 1) |
| Club d'Échecs Le Joueur Lausanne | Pully | – |
The complete list of all member clubs is kept by the Fédération Vaudoise des Echecs, with further clubs in Morges, Nyon, Vevey, Montreux and Yverdon-les-Bains. Please check each club's website for current dates – game nights regularly shift during school holidays.
A note for a first visit: the Grand Echiquier Lausanne meets on Mondays from 7:30 pm on Avenue du Grey and, alongside free play, also offers adult courses and team competitions. Club d'Échecs Le Joueur Lausanne is based in neighbouring Pully and is a member of the Union des Sociétés Lausannoises.
Playing chess outdoors: chess tables and meeting spots
A municipal directory of public outdoor chess tables could not be confirmed for Lausanne. The most reliable way to find an open game remains the Monday club evening of the Grand Echiquier Lausanne.
Anyone wanting to play on the go is best served by a foldable travel set that fits in any bag and is ready to use at almost any table. In the canton of Vaud around Lausanne, it's also worth looking at neighbouring clubs such as Morges, Nyon or Yverdon-les-Bains if your own club evening doesn't suit.
Tournaments and open events
With the Championnat Open Vaudois (COV), the Fédération Vaudoise des Echecs organizes an open tournament for the whole canton, in which Lausanne clubs also regularly take part. In addition, the clubs are active with teams in the regional leagues.
Anyone entering a tournament for the first time should know beforehand what equipment is required. The dimensions are not a matter of taste but are regulated – see our article on the official tournament chess standards.
Chess for children and teenagers
The Grand Echiquier Lausanne offers its own junior courses at different levels for beginners and advanced players, with registration opening each autumn at the start of the season. For specific training times, it's worth contacting the club directly.
Getting started at home requires little at first: a board of a sensible size and pieces that smaller hands can grip well. Which square size suits which king height is covered in our article on chessboard size.
Lausanne and chess history
Lausanne's club history dates back to 1942, when the Cercle de l'Echiquier was founded. In 1975 a second club, the Grand Roque, was added, before the two merged in autumn 1991 to form today's Grand Echiquier Lausanne. With this merger, the city brought its previously separate club traditions together in a single club, which has grown steadily ever since and today has around 100 members – from recreational players to teams in organized league play.
This merger story is not unique in Swiss club chess, but it shows by example how smaller traditional clubs can grow together over decades without entirely losing their respective histories: the name Grand Echiquier still recalls both predecessor clubs today, even though the actual club work has long been organized jointly.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I play chess in Lausanne without a membership?
Most easily through the open club evening of the Grand Echiquier Lausanne on Mondays on Avenue du Grey.
Which Lausanne chess club is suitable for beginners?
The Grand Echiquier Lausanne offers its own adult and junior courses at different levels.
Are there public outdoor chess tables in Lausanne?
A municipally documented setup could not be confirmed. The more reliable route is through the city's open club evenings.
When do open chess tournaments take place in Lausanne?
The Fédération Vaudoise des Echecs organizes the Championnat Open Vaudois (COV) for the whole canton, in which Lausanne clubs also take part.
From 1942 to today: Lausanne's chess tradition at your fingertips
Anyone who has played with borrowed equipment at a Lausanne club evening quickly notices the difference to a well-made set of their own. For a regular game night, our handcrafted wooden sets are a good fit – solid wood, visible grain, pieces with noticeable weight. For children who have only just started the junior courses, a little treasure from our range of high-quality starter sets is a good choice. And for a gift to a club member after a tournament win, it's worth looking at our engraved sets: a dedication in the wood outlasts any trophy. Soho Chess is a Berlin brand. Take your time and have a look around.
Read more about chess culture in Geneva and in the capital in our articles Playing chess in Geneva and Chess and Berlin.
