Welcome To Play! Ground
Play! Ground is a new home for face-to-face thinking
Step inside our cosy 600-sq-ft lounge and swap swipes for strategy: polished chessboards, shelves of modern Euro-style titles and classic abstractions, and a welcoming community that prides itself on real conversation—not push notifications.
Chess & Board Games
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Walk-In Play
$15 for 3 hours
Join us for our drop-in board game socials, where strategy meets fun. Dive into classics or discover new favourites as you challenge friends. Enjoy our playful atmosphere, grab a snack, and let the games begin!
Do make a reservation with us if you have more than 4 pax.
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After School Clubs and Camps
Designed to foster strategic thinking and enhance focus, our programs combine fun with learning in a nurturing environment.
Kids will engage in exciting activities like chess that challenge their minds and sharpen their concentration skills. Join us and watch them grow into confident thinkers and team players, ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way!
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Chess Lessons
Our chess lessons are designed for all skill levels. Dive into the fascinating world of chess with our expert instructors who bring a twist to classic strategies.
Learn to outsmart your opponents, develop critical thinking, and enhance your concentration—all while having a blast!
At your request, we also offer lessons for other strategic board games such as Go, Catan, Magic the Gathering.
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Communities
Games are best played togther
Here at Play! Ground, we foster communities into everlasting connections. Whether it’s Games with Strangers, our Monthly Hobby Leagues, Pre-release or tournament, we are here to connect veterans and introduce new players alike.
What We Do
Chess Lessons – Small-group classes for kids, teens and adults led by certified coaches. Students progress from opening principles to tactical vision, sharpening memory, focus and foresight along the way.
Strategy Board-Game Library – Curated picks like Catan, Azul, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne and heavyweight brain-burners such as Terraforming Mars and Ark Nova. Each session is an invitation to analyse, negotiate and problem-solve together.
Casual Play & Social Nights – Drop in after work, book a family table at the weekend or join our “learn-to-play” evenings where friendly gurus guide you through new titles. No experience needed—just curiousity.
Why We exist
Digital life is 24/7, yet attention spans are shrinking. Research shows that analogue games strengthen working memory, spatial reasoning and emotional regulation. At Play! Ground we harness those benefits while rebuilding something screens can’t replicate: shared, in-person moments of discovery.
Our Promise
Stimulate the mind – Every visit is a mini mental gym session.
Unplug with purpose – Phones stay in pockets; conversations take centre stage.
Build community – Meet neighbours, forge friendships, and celebrate each “aha!” move together.
Whether you’re a parent looking to boost your child’s cognitive toolkit, an adult sharpening strategic skills, or simply someone craving screen-free fun, Play! Ground offers a seat at the table—literally. Come make one move better with us.
Our Courses
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Pawn Pals – Early-years strategy club
Who: K – P1, max 8 learners
Duration: 8 weeks
Children explore counting, colour-matching and sportsmanship through tactile classics like Mancala and Qwirkle. Sessions end with a giant floor-chess mini-game to introduce piece movement. -
Brain Builders – Chess & Euro-game sampler
Who: P2 – P3
Duration: 10 weeks
Learners graduate to full 8 × 8 chessboards plus gateway Euro titles (Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride) to strengthen pattern recognition and map-reading.Studies show board-game clubs improve communication and critical-thinking skills in this age group.
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Mind Masters – Intermediate tactics & teamwork
Who: P4 – P5
Duration: school term (12 weeks)
Students tackle rapid-chess clocks (15 | 10), tableau builders (7 Wonders) and engine games (Splendor) to practise multi-step planning and probability maths.Cooperative scenarios (e.g. Pandemic) teach leadership and empathy.
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Strategy Specialists – Advanced multi-player strategy
Who: P6 – Sec 1
Duration: 12 weeks + optional rated league
Learners dissect classical chess openings and play negotiation heavyweights (Catan, Chinatown). -
Tactics Lab – Teen / adult master-class
Who: 13 + & grown-ups
Rolling enrolment
Evening lab for serious hobbyists: US-style rapid & blitz Swiss events plus heavyweight Euros (Brass, Arnak, Terraforming Mars).
Lesson Fees
(Group Classes)
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1 Drop-In Class
$55
Try out a sport before signing up for a package.
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4 Classes
$200
Get a taster of a sport of your choice.
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12 Classes
$480
Focus on one sport or try out different sports.
About
Play! Ground
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Ground, an academy dedicated to making sports accessible to juniors and beginner adults.
With a passion for fitness and wellness, Darren’s vision has always been to help individuals of all ages and skill levels achieve their fitness goals through engaging sports programs. He is also the founder of Play! Tennis and Play! Pickle.
By promoting a welcoming and supportive environment, he hopes to grow Play! Ground into a community where people can connect through a shared love of sports and improve their physical and mental well-being.