By Mark Laturno
San Diego, CA - What started as a simple Reddit post has grown into one of San Diego's most welcoming and lively social clubs. Beers by the Bay (PB Chess Club) will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Friday, October 17, at Tavern in Pacific Beach from 7:00PM to midnight.
The club was founded by Mark Laturno, Aidan Ryan, and Julia Gale, who wanted to create a casual, friendly space for people to connect through games and conversation. It began when Aidan posted on Reddit looking for someone to play chess with in person. Mark replied, and the two started meeting weekly at local bars. Curious patrons began asking to join, and soon the small meetup turned into a thriving weekly community.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Invisible moves
The club draws up to 70 players each week, with a mix of ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Some are seasoned players, others are total beginners, and many come simply to enjoy the vibe. While chess is at the center, tables often fill with Connect 4, Jenga, Uno, and Yahtzee, adding to the inclusive, lighthearted atmosphere.
In its first year, the club hosted over 40 weekly meetups and welcomed nearly 500 unique participants. Over the past year, Beers by the Bay has become a "third place" - not home, not work, but a welcoming, social environment where people gather to relax, connect, and unplug. Many members say the club has helped them meet new friends and feel part of the city again after years of remote work and online living.
"People come for the chess, but they stay for the friendships," said co-founder Mark Laturno. "Every week, strangers walk in and end up laughing over a game with someone they just met. It's simple, social, and it feels real."
"A lot of people love chess but don't want the pressure of a tournament setting," said co-founder Aidan Ryan. "Here, it's about having fun. You can grab a beer, play a few games, and meet new people - that's the whole idea."
"We've built something that feels relaxed and inclusive," said co-founder Julia Gale. "Whether you're playing chess or another game, everyone's welcome. It's a night where people actually talk, laugh, and connect."
Beers by the Bay has grown alongside a national chess resurgence fueled by pop culture and streaming platforms. The success of The Queen's Gambit, popular chess streamers, and a growing appetite for unplugged activities have drawn new audiences to the game. The club offers a local, in-person version of that excitement - without the intimidation.
Beyond chess, the group has hosted casual tournaments, welcomed visiting Grandmasters, and introduced dozens of first-time players to the game. The focus remains on connection and belonging, not competition.
Event details:
- What: Beers by the Bay 1-Year Anniversary Party
- When: Friday, Oct 17 | 7:00PM – 12:00AM
- Where: Tavern, 1200 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach
- Membership: $8/month or $80/year (open to all skill levels)
- Regular Meetups: Thursdays, 6:30–10 PM
For more information, visit https://beersbychess.com or follow @beersbythebaychess on Instagram.
In this video course, GM Surya Ganguly joins IM Sagar Shah and drawing from his colossal experience, shares some uncommon endgame wisdom. The material mostly features positions with rook against rook and a pawn, and starts by covering the fundamentals.
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