The Tiny Story of Lisbon Gambit

Hi, I’m Giuseppe Berlanda Beppe, the founder of Lisbon Gambit, a chess community based in Portugal, and I’d like to share with you the story of our unique journey. This article not only tells the story of our In real life / Over the board chess community, but also aims to inspire others to embark on a similar journey.

Inception

When I founded Lisbon Gambit in 2022, my vision was to create a chess community that broke away from the traditional, often rigid image of chess clubs: I wanted a place, a community characterized by a laid-back, youthful, and casual atmosphere, welcoming players of all ages, genders, and skill levels. Traditional clubs can sometimes feel intimidating and overly competitive, so my goal was to show that chess can be social and inclusive, fostering connections and friendships beyond the game itself.

I'm genuinely amazed by how many wonderful people have shown up and the number of friendships that have formed!

Our logo perfectly encapsulates this vision: a knight submerged in a pint of beer, with eyes that are a mix of astonishment and wonder. This image conveys the social and relaxed nature of our chess events, highlighting that they are as much about the fellowship and fun as they are about the game itself.

From the start, I wanted to highlight that chess players are much more than just analytical minds: our members are musicians, artists, writers, and scientists, among other things. This mix of diverse interests has created a unique environment where intellectual curiosity and social engagement go hand in hand.

The Role of Location: Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, with its rich mix of young expats and local community, provides the perfect setting for our community. The city’s dynamic atmosphere and cultural diversity have been instrumental in attracting a varied and enthusiastic membership. While not every city may offer the same conditions, understanding and leveraging local demographics can significantly impact the success of similar initiatives.

Importance of Venue

Partnering with the right venues has been crucial for Lisbon Gambit’s success. Cozy rooms and good food create a welcoming environment that encourages social interaction and enjoyment. Currently (August 2024), we are partnered with Pizzeria Māteria, and I must say, their pizza is the best I, an Italian foodie, have ever tried in my life. This partnership not only provides a comfortable setting for our events but also ensures that our members have a great dining experience.

Leveraging Modern Platforms: MeetUp and Instagram

Central to our growth has been the systematic use of social media like MeetUp and Instagram.

MeetUp has been crucial for organizing events, attracting new members, and maintaining engagement. The platform’s ability to connect like-minded individuals has helped Lisbon Gambit flourish.

Our Instagram presence has also played a significant role: with over 1300 followers, getting closer to the 1700 followers of the Portuguese Chess Federation every month, our Instagram updates, event photos, and highlights keep our community engaged and attract new members.

Key to Success: Consistency and Hospitality

Consistency has been a cornerstone of Lisbon Gambit’s success. From our very first event, we have maintained a fixed schedule, holding gatherings at the same time each week. This consistency has helped members integrate "chess time" into their routines, ensuring regular attendance and fostering a sense of community.

The welcoming nature of our events has been equally important: every newcomer is personally greeted, introduced to the community, and helped to feel at ease. This personal touch ensures that new members feel valued and are more likely to return. Matching newcomers with players of similar strengths or interests further enhances their experience, creating bonds that now extend beyond the chessboard.

A Unique Approach to Promotion

Interestingly, I have deliberately chosen not to reach out to local chess clubs to promote our activities. This decision stems from a desire to attract a young, more diverse crowd that views chess as a fun, social game rather than a highly competitive sport. This approach has been successful in creating a relaxed atmosphere where music, drinks, and casual conversations are just as important as the game itself.

I also take a thoughtful approach to admission fees: keeping them low ensures that the events remain accessible to all, reinforces the value of the event, and helps to cover the costs...with some margin for the hosts.

Diverse Event Formats and Pop-Up Gatherings

To meet the needs of different preferences and keep things exciting, I offer a variety of event formats. From a monthly Ladies Night that promotes gender balance to Tournament Editions for those seeking a competitive edge, I ensure that there is something for everyone. Open Games Nights allow players to mingle, play casually, and enjoy the social atmosphere.

Additionally, occasional pop-up events at different locations help us reach new audiences and keep the community dynamic. These events, held on weekdays different from our main weekly gathering, leverage the venues’ social media platforms and word-of-mouth promotion to attract participants.

Last but not least, I also use our events to support meaningful causes: I have held events to collect donations for various initiatives, mostly focusing on pacifism and stress relief for refugees. This not only provides a contribution to the NGOs we support but also strengthens the sense of community among our members.

Celebrating Creativity: Annual Photography Contest

I also organize an annual chess photography contest, which has become a highlight for our community. This year, the contest featured an international panel of four judges: David, Niki, Stev, Anna. This gender-balanced panel ensures diverse perspectives and fair evaluations, celebrating the creativity and talent within our community. By the end of August, I should be able to announce the winners!

Entering New Territory: Separate Rankings for Women

In our quest for inclusivity, I’m about to venture into the sensitive and sometimes divisive topic of having a separate ranking for women at our Tournament Editions. The idea is to acknowledge and address the gender disparities that exist in chess, promoting greater participation and recognition for female players. While this move may spark debate, I believe it is a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable chess community.

A few months ago, we welcomed WGM Qiyu Zhou, aka Nemsko, who wished to stream live during one of our events! If you could have seen my jaw drop when I read her first message...
Not surprisingly, she congratulated and cheered the large number of girls attending!

As we speak of visitors, we have also had the pleasure of being visited by Jens Hirneise (FM and Lichess Bundesliga & Rapid League organizer) and by GM Luka Draskovic !

Building a Lasting Legacy

The story of Lisbon Gambit is one of innovation, inclusivity, and community. By redefining what a chess "club" can be, we have created a model that resonates with modern audiences.

I witnessed tons of friendships blossom during these years. I welcomed more than 4000 people to 150+ events and I took over 400 portraits of newcomers. I've seen people getting better at playing chess, enjoying tournament editions as well as laid-back events. But I know players who quit attending due to stress or because losing was too hard. Also, I'm aware of some folks facing inner demons just by showing up, and I do my best to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for them.

I received a lot of criticism, both constructive and not, and I have treasured both.

As Lisbon Gambit continues to grow and inspire, it stands as a testament to the power of reimagining traditional clubs and creating spaces where people can connect, share, and enjoy their passions. The success of Lisbon Gambit is a reminder that with creativity, dedication, and a focus on community, even the oldest of games can find new life in the modern world.

I hope our story inspires you to start your own journey and create a chess community that brings people together in your city, just like Lisbon Gambit.
Feel free to contact me!

Beppe.

PS: Surprisingly, when I had to "Select the topics my post is about" here on Lichess... I couldn't find "community" :)