Welcome to Good Knight: Oslo’s Premier Chess Pub and Trivia Haven
Experience the perfect blend of chess and camaraderie at Good Knight, where the spirit of the game comes alive amidst a vibrant atmosphere and occasional visits from world champion Magnus Carlsen.
Good Knight: Oslo’s Chess Pub Where Strategy Meets Spirits
Oslo, Norway — Nestled in the heart of the city, Good Knight is not just a pub; it’s a chess lover’s paradise. With kegs shaped like rooks and knights, built-in chess boards on tables, and walls adorned with chess books and memorabilia, the venue captures the essence of the game. But it’s not just the decor that draws patrons; the occasional appearance of world chess champion Magnus Carlsen adds an extra layer of excitement.
Over the next two weeks, Good Knight will serve as the vibrant backdrop for the Norway Chess Open, an event that runs parallel to the main tournament. Among the participants are rising stars like Indian grandmaster siblings Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali, as well as reigning champion Gukesh. Co-owner Krisotoffer Gressli, who also organizes the Open, decided to host the tournament at his pub after struggling to find suitable venues in Oslo. The event is split into two tournaments of seven rounds each, ensuring that chess enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.
Gressli’s journey to opening Good Knight was born out of necessity. Initially considering a store selling chess books and sets, he quickly realized that the high rents in Oslo made that impractical. “Why don’t we open a chess pub? Then we can be open twice as long,” suggested his friend and Grandmaster Torbjørn Ringdal Hansen. Five months later, Good Knight opened its doors, with Carlsen making a surprise appearance on the inaugural night.
The pub has since become a hub for chess fans, especially on significant nights like when Carlsen clinched the world title in London. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering as if they were at a football match, and Grandmaster Johan-Sebastian Christiansen serving drinks behind the bar.
“Fifteen years ago, if you brought a chess set to a pub, you’d be told to put it away,” Gressli recalls. “But with Magnus becoming a world champion, chess has become cool.” This cultural shift has made Good Knight a welcoming space for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Norwegians, often seen as introverted, find solace in socializing over activities like chess. “After a couple of beers, we aren’t that introverted anymore,” Gressli notes. The pub can accommodate up to 100 players, and the blend of chess and camaraderie has proven successful.
Good Knight is one of the few places where Carlsen can enjoy a night out without being swarmed by fans. “Here, he can be himself with his friends,” Gressli explains. Trivia nights often feature topics like countries and capitals, tapping into Carlsen’s childhood interests. “When he doesn’t win, everyone loves it because they can say they beat Magnus at Good Knight!”
The pub’s name, a nod to chess terminology, was chosen after Gressli and Hansen scrapped their initial idea of “Bad Bishop,” which could have been misinterpreted. “I’m comfortable calling this the world’s first chess pub,” Gressli asserts, though he acknowledges the rise of similar venues worldwide.
As for any dramatic moments involving Carlsen? Gressli smiles, hinting at the playful atmosphere. “In a place like this, where the shoulders are a little bit lower, it can happen. So maybe, maybe not. I never tell the stories that happen after dark.”
With its unique blend of chess and socializing, Good Knight is not just a pub; it’s a community where strategy meets spirits, and every game is a chance for a new story.