The week

Which night should I come on?

Six sessions a week, one day off, and a night for almost every mood. Pick whichever sounds the most like you.

By day

Seven days at the hub

MondayNobody. Volunteers use the quiet to sort and mend the shelf, which is a satisfying job.Closed

TuesdayAbsolute beginners. One game, one teacher, two rounds, and a long wander round the shelf afterwards.6 pm

WednesdayPeople who prefer teamwork. Everyone's on the same side against whatever the box throws at you.6 pm

ThursdayPlanners and schemers. Euro games, ladder matches and the beginners' league table.6 pm

FridayThe undecided. Open tables, borrowed boxes and swapping seats as the evening goes on.6 pm

SaturdayThe patient. Long games, miniatures and a proper tea break at the halfway mark.1 pm

SundayThe unhurried. One long game, a console afternoon once a month, and a finish in time for tea.1 pm

Friday's open tables are my favourite. Nothing planned, five different games going, and somebody always swaps seats just to see how the other table's doing.

Dave, with the Mob since the shopfront

A typical evening

What does a Friday look like?

6 pmFront of the roomDoors open and the heaters get a final check

6:30 pmLong tablesFirst tables form; anyone new is introduced to a teacher

8 pmKitchen cornerTea break and a swap of seats and games

9:30 pmEverywhereLast rounds and a quick tidy as the boxes go back

A few notes

Is it ever too late to turn up?

Never really. Nobody minds if you arrive at eight, and a table will usually have a gap by then. The only thing we ask is that you let a volunteer know you're new, so they can find you a seat and a teacher before the busiest part of the night.

Times change a little in winter and around public holidays, and any change is posted on the door and in the chat a week ahead. If in doubt, ring or message before you set out.

The club room on a quiet evening with a few tables in use and the kettle steaming in the corner

Timing

Questions about the week

Do I need to book a table?

No. Tables form on the night, and there's nearly always a seat. For a long-game afternoon, a quick message to Andrea helps her plan the room.

Which night is the quietest?

Tuesday, usually, which is why it's the best night to learn. Friday is the busiest, and Saturday is the loudest, by a small margin.

Are you open on public holidays?

Sometimes. If a holiday falls on a session day, we post a note on the door and in the chat. When in doubt, ask Natalie.