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EnglishWhat is BCA – Bringing Chess To Visually Impaired People?
Updated
BCA (Braille Chess Association) is a UK-based organisation that brings chess to visually impaired people. According to its website, it currently supports over 150 visually impaired players and learners, plus more than 70 members without a visual impairment who help in a variety of ways. The name includes "Braille" because braille was a major part of its activities when it was founded in the 1930s — but the site states clearly that using braille is not a requirement to take part.
Who it is for
- Visually impaired players and learners — the core group the organisation supports.
- Sighted supporters — over 70 members without a visual impairment assist the organisation in various roles.
- Anyone curious about how the game works without sight — the site answers this directly rather than assuming prior knowledge.
The key point for a newcomer: you do not need to read braille to join in. Braille is part of the organisation's history and one available medium, not an entry requirement.
What the website offers
The homepage functions mainly as an introduction and a signpost to further material. From the page evidence, the main resources are:
| Resource | What it is |
|---|---|
| "How We Play" link | A detailed written description of how visually impaired people play chess |
| Short video | "How Visually Impaired People Play Chess – Introduction" |
| Chess Notes for Beginners (audio) | Beginner instruction in audio form |
| Chess Notes for Beginners (Word file) | The same beginner material as a downloadable document |
So if your first question is "how does this actually work?", the site points you to two formats — a written explanation and a video — before you need to commit to anything.
News and activity
The homepage also carries items showing the organisation is active rather than archival, including:
- The 2026 Graham Lilley Award
- A match against the Parliamentary Chess Club
- BCA at Chess Fest
- A new BCA British Champion
- Brandan Read winning the inaugural New Year Cup
These are headlines on the landing page; treat them as signals of current activity rather than full reports.
How to use the site
- Start with "How We Play" if you want the mechanics explained in text.
- Watch the short introduction video if you prefer a demonstration.
- Download or listen to Chess Notes for Beginners if you are new to chess itself, not just to playing it without sight.
What the page does not tell you
The available page evidence does not include membership fees, joining requirements, event calendars, or contact details. If you need those, they would have to come from other pages of the site — the homepage alone does not answer them.