A Night at the LA Chess Club: A Reflection on Strategy, Competition, and Romance

LA Chess Club, Apt 503 Lounge, Los Angeles, August 22, 2024

The LA Chess Club, located in the trendy Apt 503 Lounge in Los Angeles, is not your typical chess club. With a reputation for being a place where “hot girls thrive,” the club offers a unique twist on the traditional game of chess.

For one attendee, the experience at the LA Chess Club was eye-opening. As a self-proclaimed chess prodigy in the eyes of her mother, she quickly realized that her skills were not as sharp as she thought. Despite years of playing against her parents and never losing, a visit to the LA Chess Club proved to be a humbling experience.

The club, which boasts an invite-only policy, offers a mix of chess, socializing, and even a bit of speed dating. With an open bar, a DJ, and beautiful women serving as the backdrop, the atmosphere is anything but ordinary. Men pay a steep entry fee of $100, while women play for free, adding an interesting dynamic to the mix.

During her time at the club, the attendee faced off against a variety of opponents, from friendly surfers to seasoned chess players. Each game provided a unique challenge, with lessons in strategy and openings sprinkled throughout. Despite some losses, the experience was both entertaining and enlightening.

As the night came to a close, the attendee reflected on the similarities between chess playing and romantic relationships. With qualities like thoughtfulness, wit, and patience being key in both realms, she pondered whether skilled chess players could also be true romantics.

In the end, the LA Chess Club proved to be more than just a place to play chess. It was a social hub where connections were made, lessons were learned, and perceptions were challenged. And for one attendee, it was a night to remember.

Photo by contributor.

LARB Short Takes live event reviews are published in partnership with the nonprofit Online Journalism Project and the Independent Review Crew.