From Barnet Chess Club to ChessWorld – A Kingscrusher Perspective

Every journey has humble beginnings. For me, ChessWorld.net didn’t start with servers or code, but with a small club in North London – Barnet Chess Club. It was here that my passion for chess, community, and teaching found its first real home.

🏆 Early Days at Barnet Chess Club

Learning the Spirit of Chess

Barnet Chess Club was not just about rating points. It was about friendly games, late-night analysis, and a welcoming culture that encouraged players of all strengths.

Building Friendships

The friendships formed at the club created a sense of belonging. That same spirit later became the foundation of ChessWorld’s online community.

🌍 From Club to Online Vision

• Community First: The warmth of Barnet inspired a platform where players feel welcome.
• Correspondence Play: Slow, thoughtful games mirrored the deep analysis enjoyed at the club.
• Innovation: Bringing chess beyond the physical board to players worldwide.
• Education: Sharing knowledge and enthusiasm for the game with a wider audience.

👨‍👦 Family and Foundations

My Father’s Role

My father became ChessWorld’s first “Welcomer,” greeting new members and making them feel at home—just like the club spirit he embodied.

Kingscrusher Identity

My online persona grew alongside the platform. What began as sharing games turned into YouTube, Udemy, and ChessWorld itself.

🌐 Launching ChessWorld.net

• Early 2000s: The website went live, offering online correspondence chess.
• Global Reach: Players from dozens of countries joined the community.
• Welcoming Culture: Carrying forward Barnet’s spirit of inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How did Barnet Chess Club shape ChessWorld?

It showed me that chess thrives when players are welcomed and encouraged, not just rated.

❓ Was ChessWorld always online-only?

Yes, but it carried the offline club culture into the online world.

❓ Who were the first ChessWorld players?

Many were friends and chess contacts from London clubs, alongside early adopters worldwide.

❓ What makes ChessWorld unique?

Its roots in real community spirit, combined with innovation and educational content.

👉 From Barnet Chess Club to a thriving online community, the story of ChessWorld is one of passion, people, and persistence. Community remains at its heart—just as it was in those early club days.

🔗 Related pages: Online Chess History | The Welcomer Story | Chess Communities