Welcome to the Steinitz Chess Club
Join us in celebrating the rich legacy and vibrant future of chess. Discover our club’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the love of chess in our community.
see us in action
Member game of the month
In this fine display of classical attacking chess, Steinitz junior member Callum Lau produced a confident and well-calculated victory over Bianca Hagan in the Scotch Game: Lolli Variation. Playing with White, Callum demonstrated excellent understanding of open-game principles — rapid development, central control, and timely aggression. His play was mature and precise, balancing positional pressure with tactical awareness. The hallmark of the game was Callum’s seamless conversion of initiative into a full attack, culminating in a picturesque checkmate on move 27. It was a model performance for a player still in his junior years, showcasing composure and creativity under tournament pressure.
- Smooth opening execution: Callum handled the Scotch Game with textbook accuracy, establishing central dominance and mobilizing his forces harmoniously.
- Strategic foresight: His early queenside expansion with b4 and a4 showed a clear plan to open lines against Black’s castled king.
- Tactical precision: The sequence from 21. Rae1 to 27. Qxc7# demonstrated crisp calculation and confident exploitation of open files.
- Composure and finishing flair: Callum’s final combination, forcing Black’s king into the open and delivering a clean checkmate, reflected both creativity and calm under pressure.
Recent news
We are proud of Steinitz co-founder and President Andrew Talmarkes, our esteemed yet humble Community Builder!
- He received the Community Builder award on behalf of EDU-CHESS, in association with The Foundation for Sustainable Future.
- This is Andrew’s 3rd Community Builder award, having been previously lauded by ChessWP and WP Sports.
- The Foundation sponsors Andrew’s coaching at five schools for three hours per week per school.
- This programme focuses on disadvantaged communities where chess is used as intervention medium for learners with autism and ADHD.
Steinitz Festival
Save the date: 20-22 March 2026
- This annual festival is a highlight within the CTCF calendar.
- Fairbairn College has graciously offered to host our club’s marquee event.
- Event details and entry form will be available closer to the time.
The Top Reasons to Choose Steinitz as your Chess Club
At the Steinitz Chess Club, our core values are the foundation of everything we do. We believe in fostering a spirit of inclusivity, where everyone, regardless of background, can find a place to learn and grow. Our commitment to excellence drives us to continually improve and challenge ourselves, both on and off the chessboard. We value integrity, ensuring that all our interactions are characterized by honesty and respect. Lastly, we promote community engagement, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us through the game of chess.
- A legacy of 50 years of chess excellence
- Our club has produced junior, adult and senior SA champions
- Many of our players and coaches have competed internationally
What’s Included in Your Club Membership
Our annual club membership gives you access to the following benefits:
- A social community of chess enthusiasts
- Guidance from some of the most experienced chess coaches in the country
- The ability to play in the annual Cape Town club league
What people Are Saying About Steinitz Chess Club
We are proud of our achievements and the people who have supported us.
…Steinitz Chess Club - the most successful chess club in South Africa.
Dr Lyndon Bouah
Chief Director for Sport and Recreation - Western Cape
In essence, the Steinitz Chess Club exemplifies chess excellence and inclusivity.
Shaheed Tobias
Cape Town Chess Federation Technical Portfolio
…Steinitz chess club undoubtedly the most professional club in the country…
Reuben Salimu
Former Chess Development Officer - Western Cape