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 01 Two instructors introduce ideas through GAMBIT® and practical examples. 02 Participants test patterns, calculate options and learn from mistakes. 03 Games create focused contact between inmates, officers and instructors. 04 Each move opens a conversation about choices, patience and consequences. 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. “I don’t hit people I have played chess with.” 31 participants Mini-survey responses 14 interviews Ten inmates and four prison officers Findings are preliminary and should not be read as proof of causality.2
90 min.
2025–26
87%
More Than A Game
What Happens In A Session
Learn
Practise
Play
Reflect
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
HomeUno Skonnord2026-07-28T10:27:58+00:00