Open prisons Every week Pilot period Highly recommend it The Programme Prisonchess brings inmates, prison officers and trained instructors together around one shared activity. The voluntary sessions combine learning, practice and play. Chess becomes a structured meeting place where participants can slow down, make decisions, handle setbacks and connect across familiar divisions. A Weekly Rhythm From Board To Everyday Life Focus Chess exercises concentration, patience and the ability to consider consequences. Connection The board creates a common language and a constructive reason to spend time together. Transfer Reflection connects each session to choices, cooperation and self-control beyond the game. Dynamic Security At the chessboard, inmates and staff meet around clear rules and a shared task. That everyday contact creates room for observation, humour and trust. We presented Fængselsskak® at the Nordic Research Council for Criminology’s annual research seminar in May 2026. Read more about the programme and dynamic security in our article on NSfK.org.
2
90 min.
2025–26
87%
More Than A Game
What Happens In A Session
Skills For The Board. Skills For Life.
Pause Before You Move
Meet Across Roles
Carry It Beyond The Board
Safety Is Also Built Through Relationships
Prisonchess at NSfK
