Where a beginner can play chess in Madrid 5

A newcomer's first worry is being the weakest person in the room. These entries are the ones whose own pages say beginners are welcome. The Friday get-together at Academia de Ajedrez Chamberí, also announced by the Madrid Chess Meetup group, means friendly games with no membership, and the academy teaches adult groups from beginner level too. Octava Casilla in Hortaleza describes its Friday evening as friendly games and small tournaments.

Gambit Café in Malasaña lists quick-learning sessions on its programme alongside tournaments, and Ajedrez en el Parque has combined classes with a rapid tournament at its public afternoons. None of these asks for a rating or a federation licence. If you have never used a chess clock, say so when you sit down; in casual play people are usually glad to explain it.