How a Vancouver café became a hub for chess lovers
In chess, there’s a move called en passant, French for “in passing.” It’s a sneaky way a pawn can capture another pawn that’s just zipped forward.
And in passing, if you wander into Bean Around The World on Main Street on a Saturday afternoon, you’ll find the Vancouver chess meetup filling the café with players and conversation.
What started with just two people playing a casual game more than three years ago has grown into a weekly ritual, drawing everyone from high school teens to retirees in their 90s.
Some come to learn, some to compete, but mostly, they come to connect.
The weekly meetup began when Kerry R., a Mount Pleasant local, was spotted playing chess at the café.
Another customer mentioned they knew someone looking for a playing partner, and just like that, the first game was set.
Word soon spread, a few ads went out in chess magazines, and people walking by started joining in.
“Now there are about 20 people who play fairly regularly,” Kerry told Daily Hive during a Saturday meetup at the café.
“Not everyone shows up every week, but on a busy Saturday, we’ve had close to 18 players squeezed into the café. My dream is for the place to be so full of chess players we’ll need a sign on the door saying, If you don’t play chess, go away.”
Kerry R. and a local enjoying a Saturday chess meetup over coffee and conversation (Bhagyashree Chatterjee/Daily Hive)
It’s not all serious strategy.
Kerry admits he’s lost more than a few matches to beginners he once taught. But for him, the games are only part of the draw.
“There’s the social aspect,” he said. “You get out of the house, talk with people you wouldn’t normally meet, and share ideas. Last week, someone recommended a book I ended up loving. It’s more than just chess… it’s community.”
The atmosphere reflects that.
The café’s modern, cozy vibe, with free Wi-Fi and a steady stream of lattes, makes it less intimidating than a formal chess club.
Conversations flow easily between moves, and laughter often punctuates the clink of cups and the shuffle of pawns.
A space for everyone
Players range from a talented 15-year-old high schooler to folks in their 90s, with everyone in between.
Kerry and others are especially hoping more women join in.
“Chess is still way too male-dominated,” he said. “We’d love to see more women at the tables… it makes the group better, more balanced.”
That openness is what keeps people like Ilan K. coming back.
“It’s casual and fun,” Ilan said. “The coffee’s great, the music’s good, and the group is welcoming. I’ve been playing since I was four years old, but here I can relax and enjoy the game.”
Like Kerry, Ilan says chess is about more than capturing pieces.
“It helps me de-stress, take my mind off the world. It teaches patience and focus… and that definitely carries over into life,” he said.
And yes, he’s watched The Queen’s Gambit.
“Excellent series,” he admitted, though he laughed at some of the less-realistic game portrayals.
“Still, it got people playing, and that’s what matters.”
When asked about Vancouver’s reputation for being a tough city to make friends in, Ilan was thoughtful.
“It depends. If you find a group that meets regularly, like this one, it’s easy. For me, most of my friends are chess friends.”
As Kerry put it, “If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing. And this? This is fun.”
So, join in. The group meets on Saturdays around 1 p.m. at Bean Around The World (Main Street). All levels (including beginners) are welcome.
Bring your curiosity — they’ll find you a board.
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