5:50pm · term time
Junior Hour
Mainly for beginners and young players: a 15-minute interactive lesson, then games and chess activities, run by club volunteers with parents helping out.
New here
Your first club night
Complete beginners, returning players and visitors from other clubs are all welcome. Here’s everything you need for your first Tuesday.
When and where
- When
- Every Tuesday
- Junior Club
- 5:50pm–7:00pm
- Senior Club
- From 7:15pm, finish varies with the tournament
- Where
- Downstairs at the Howick Bowling Club, Howick, Auckland — map
No Junior Club during school holidays. Senior tournaments continue during school holidays.
How your first night works
Email us first
Tell us which Tuesday you plan to come, and whether you want to join the Junior Club or the Senior Club.
Arrive a little early
Juniors: please come at 5:50pm to help set up. Seniors: the session starts at 7:15pm and clocks start promptly at 7:30pm.
Play
Juniors are paired by the club’s system after a short lesson. Seniors play in the current club tournament — you’ll need to keep score (chess notation).
Help pack up
At the end of the night, please help pack away boards and clocks and put the chairs back where they belong.
Which session is for me?
From 7:15pm
Club night tournament
For players of all abilities who know how the pieces move. Rated tournaments run all year — commit to the rounds you enter.
Quick answers
Can I just turn up?
Please email us first to let us know when you are planning to visit, and whether you want to join the Junior Club or the Senior Club. Then come along on a Tuesday — new and potential members are always welcome.
Which session is right for me?
Junior Hour (5:50pm) caters mainly for beginners: a 15-minute interactive lesson, then games. The 7:15pm club tournament is for players of all abilities who know how the pieces move and can keep score (chess notation is required).
Is there chess during the school holidays?
There is no Junior Club during school holidays. Senior club tournaments continue through the holidays.
Do I need a separate form for each member of my family?
Yes — please complete a separate membership form for each family member joining the club.
Does my annual fee include NZCF membership?
Yes. HPCC is affiliated to the New Zealand Chess Federation, and NZCF membership is renewed annually along with your club membership.
Am I allowed to join other clubs?
Yes. If you have already paid your NZCF membership through another club, you can deduct $20 from your HPCC membership fee — just let us know.
Can I get a refund or transfer my membership?
Membership subscription fees are not refundable or transferable if you change your mind. Our volunteers will be unable to process or transfer your request.
Rating questions are answered on Club nights; membership questions on Join.
Ready to join?
Come and try a night first. When you’re ready, membership covers club tournaments and your annual NZCF membership.
Membership options