The East Kent Alliance was established in 1983 to give a financial boost to clubs in the quieter winter period. Currently there are 17 clubs - Ashford, Bearsted, Boughton, Canterbury, Chestfield & Swalecliffe, Etchinghill, Faversham, Lydd, Sene Valley, Sheerness, Sittingbourne & Milton Regis, St Augustine’s, Tenterden, The Ridge, Walmer & Kingsdown, Weald of Kent and Littlestone Warren.

The league comprises of six events each year starting in October running through to the end of March when the Marlowe Cup is awarded to the winning club. There is also a separate singles event held at the end of the season, usually two weeks following the final pairs event.