CHESS this Sunday, March 19th at Carl's Jr. & Starbucks!

Hello!

Last Wednesday saw at least a dozen players enjoy an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards, with Yancy eventually solving a rather difficult chess puzzle on his first try! Among the players at our usual Starbucks venue were Sam C., another but much newer player named Sam, Yancy, Red, Steve, Matthew, Justin, Bert, Joe, Mike S., & Mike T.

More players are expected this Sunday, March 19, 2023, as we will have a USCF-rated set of chess matches starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is just across the side parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue, which is at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just up from Concord's corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center. Only current USCF members can participate in those matches; however, non-members may play chess with other non-members either at Carl's Jr. or at Starbucks this Sunday. Details regarding the USCF-rated matches are as follows:

1. Format: Quads (groups of 4 players); or, Groups of 6 or more players, with the Swiss Pairing System; 3 Rounds or Matches.
2. Time Control: G/45d.10 (Game in 45 mins.w/10-sec. delay for each player).
3. Entry Fees: $25 on Sunday; or $22 if paid or commitment made before Sunday. (Note: At least 90% of the Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes for 1st and 2nd Place in Quads; and, for 1st; 2nd, and 3rd Places for Groups of 6 players or more.) Cash Prize amounts to be determined depending on the number of entries.
4. Starting Times: 1st Round=11:00a.m.; 2nd Round=No Later Than 1:15p.m.; 3rd Round=NLT 3:15p.m. The starting times of the 2nd and 3rd rounds can be earlier than the times posted, if all players in a Quad or Group are done with their prior time's match and all agree to start at a specific, earlier time. The time between the 1st and 2nd matches allows time for lunch.

If you have any questions or need more information, just let me know. If you need to join the USCF or renew your membership for this or future rated club tournaments, you can do so online at www.uschess.org.

See you soon!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday, March 15th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Looks like good weather ahead, let's play chess over the boards! We meet this Wednesday, March 15th at our usual Starbucks venue from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, as the days get longer due to Daylight Savings Time!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place, and last Sunday saw a good handful of players enjoy the afternoon and early evening despite unpredictable, sometimes fairly wet weather! No dues, come and go anytime, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice).

We welcomed Andy, yet another new player to the club! Among players there Sunday were John S., Mike T., Myles, Donovan, Red, Yancy, Duncan, Farod, Connor, Kevin, Adrian . . . . . and this Wednesday there definitely will be a chess puzzle, with a prize of a tall Starbucks drink of choice going to the first player who solves it on the first try!

On Sunday, March 19, 2023, we will have USCF-rated Quads as described in the last email. Current membership in the USCF is required. Check our Upcoming Club Tournaments page for all details. Players who are not USCF members are still welcome to play chess at either Starbucks or Carl's Jr. that day; however, their matches can only be with other players not participating in the Quads.

Any questions or need for more info, let me know, thanks and see you soon!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS Sunday, March 12th at Starbucks, More Rain or Shine!

 Hello!

While we had about 20 players at our last Sunday's session (including Max, one of our most experienced young players), about half a dozen players came by our usual Starbucks venue  came by our usual Starbucks venue this past Wednesday.  On hand for chess over the boards Wednesday were Tony, Mike T., Matthew, Steve, Bert, and new players George and Joe!  Matthew solved the chess puzzle on his first try to win the free Starbucks drink! 

Our next session is on Sunday, March 12, 2023, same time, same place!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the Concord corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.  We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between.  Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).  Players there early usually have a chance to be the first player to solve a chess puzzle to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament Sunday, March 19, 2023

Format:  3 Rounds, Either Quads or Groups of Six; depending on number of entries..

Time Control:  G/45;d.10.  Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome!

Entry Fee:  $22 prior to 03/19/23; or, $25 if paid on day of tournament.  At least 90% of EFs are returned as cash prizes for 1st and 2nd Place in Quads, and an added 3rd Place for each group of 6 or more players.

Location:  Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the side parking lot from Starbucks).

Start Times:  1st Match 11:00am; 2nd Match no later than 1:15pm; and, 3rd Match no later than 3:15pm.  Cash prizes are given after the end of the last match (we're usually done well before 5:00 pm), and results are reported to the US Chess Federation for ratings within a week.  Players receive their new ratings by email from USCF soon after.

Requirement:  Current membership in the US Chess Federation.  To join or renew, the website is www.uschess.org

Let me know if you have questions or need more info!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6014746

CHESS this Wednesday, March 8th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Last Sunday, we welcomed about 6 new players to the club, and three of them were kids by the name of Mateo, Cadeo, and Santiago, who were with their Dad Antonio! Young Myles and Donovan were there to welcome them and enjoy games with them as well as with several adults. We also welcomed new players Farbod and Adrian! Along for the fun of the afternoon and evening at our usual Starbucks venue were John S., Kevin, Sam, Red, Tony, Joe, Julia, Vin, Vin Sr., Andreena, . . . and Mike T. --- that's 19 players, did I miss anyone?

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the Concord corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. Our next session is this Wednesday, March 8, 2023, same time, same place!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early usually have a chance to be the first player to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our next USCF-rated club matches will be on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
Format will be either Quads or 3-rd Swiss group(s) depending on number of entries;
Time Control G/45;d.10; Players of all skill levels welcome, including beginners.
Entry Fee of $22 prior to March 19,or $25 if paid on day of tournament.
Prizes: At least 90% or EFs returned as cash prizes for 1st and 2nd Place in Quads, and an added 3rd Place for each group of 6 or more players.
Location: across the side parking lot from Starbucks, at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, where we've been hosted many times for past club tournaments (there's more space, it's quieter, and still fun!).
Start Times: 1st match 11:00 a.m.; 2nd no later than 1:15 p.m.; and 3rd match no later than 3:15 p.m. Cash prizes are given out immediately after the last match (we're usually done well before 5:00 p.m.), and results are reported to the US Chess Federation for ratings adjustments within a week.
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew, the website is www.uschess.org.

Let me know if you have questions or need more info, see you soon!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Sunday, March 5th at Starbucks, Rain or Shine!

Hello!

At least a dozen players got their chess fixes over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue despite the chilly weather this past Wednesday; and, at our session last Sunday, despite the stormy weather, nearly 20 players of all ages and skill levels dropped by for the fun and challenge of the game! We meet again this Sunday, March 5, 2023, from 3:00 p.m.through to closing time, with players able to come and go anytime; and, players arriving early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday, March 1st at Starbucks!

Hello!

We meet again this coming Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at our usual Starbucks venue, at our usual time of 3:00 p.m. on through closing time! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place, and early arrivals usually have a chess puzzle to see who can be the first to solve it on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Last Sunday's puzzle was quite difficult, but it was finally or eventually solved by Ranen! This Wednesday's puzzle will be much, much easier!

Last Sunday's gathering saw at least 18 players enjoy the rainy afternoon playing chess over the boards. We welcomed 3 more players new to the club: Joe, George, and Stephan! Myles hung in there quite well with the adults, and Julia's game is getting noticeably stronger! Several close contests were played by and among all players that included Reza, Mike T., Olaf, Tony, Duncan, Patrick, Vin with Vin Sr., Red, Steve, Ranen, Connor and Diego, as well as Myles, Julia, George, Stephan and Joe! Did I miss anyone?

As mentioned in a previous email, we'll have USCF-rated Quads on Sunday, March 19, 2023, with details to be confirmed soon. Also in the works for anytime 4 to 6 players can get together --- an unrated Blitz tournament! Let me know if you're interested.

See you soon,

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Sunday, Feb. 26th at Starbucks Rain, Snow, or Shine!

Hello!

Last Wednesday's session saw at least 14 players enjoy chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Concord's Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. We welcomed Ihauk, our newest player! There to welcome him were Matthew, Julia, Steve, Albert, Bert, Tony, Mike T., Ernie, Mike S. and Ernie -- and there were 4 or 5 players who seemed like high school students who came in and kept to themselves playing blitz chess!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. There are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players arriving early have a chance to be the first player to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! While no player solved last Wednesday's puzzle on the first try, Tony did outscore 5 other players to win a special chess contest!

Our club will have USCF-rated matches (either Quads or 3-rd Swiss; G/45;d.10) on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Entry Fee = $25; with 95% or entry fees returned in cash prizes. Players must be current members of the US Chess Federation to participate. However, if unrated Blitz Quads are held, anyone can play!

See you soon!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate ClubID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday, Feb. 22nd at Starbucks!

Hello!

About 27 players of all ages and skill levels came by for the fun and challenge of chess over the boards over our last two sessions, and it was more fun with kids in the mix along with their parents! We welcomed Steve, a new player; and we welcomed back after a long, long time away, Justin! Along with Justin and Steve were Sam, Tony, Mike T., Ernie, Dan, Matthew, Mark, Red, Morgan, Julia, Mike S.,Bert, Kevin, Meredith, Duncan, Vin, Vin Sr., Roman, Myles with Mila, Ly, and Thomas; and Sabina, Jackson and mom Susie! Did I miss anyone? (A few regulars were away on trips.)

Our next session is this coming Wednesday afternoon at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Players there early will have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a tall Starbucks drink of choice! Sabina once again helped with the solution to this past Sunday's chess puzzle; and, Vin won a drink credit by outscoring 5 other players in a contest that required predicting a master's winning chess moves!

Our club will hold USCF-rated Quads on March 19, 2023, more details to follow!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon starting at 3:00 p.m., and players can come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). We're located at the Starbucks at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just a couple driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., on the border of Concord and Clayton, Ca., in the Clayton Shopping Center.

See you soon!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Sunday, Feb. 19 at Starbucks!

Hello!

Just a quick note to say there's the usual fun, challenging chess over the boards this Sunday, February 19, 2023, at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3pm through to closing!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS today, Wednesday Feb. 15th at Starbucks from 3pm!

Hello!

Just a quick note to confirm we meet as usual today, as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, at our usual Starbucks venue from 3pm on through closing time. Chess players there early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues, players come and go anytime, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS Tomorrow, February 12, 2023? On Super Bowl Sunday?

Hello!

Yes, for players who prefer to play chess instead of watching the Super Bowl!

Our regular Starbucks venue is available as usual every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time as chess players can come and go anytime. I'll probably drop in at halftime and/or after the championship contest.

Our chess club will have USCF-rated Quad Tournaments March 5th, a Sunday. Four players to a Quad, grouped by skill level. At least one Quad will play Blitz or Rapid. Other Quads to play the classic game, with Time Control at G/45;d10. First matches start at 10:30 a.m. Location and Entry Fees to be determined (figure $25; location across lot from Starbucks). Current membership in the US Chess Federation is required. Let me know if you are interested, or if you have any questions.

Our Wednesday, February 15, 2023 session will feature a chess puzzle to challenge players to be first to solve it on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice. Winners of the last two challenges: Yancy and Tony! Last Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen players enjoying chess over the boards despite some rather damp, chilly weather: Sam C.,Tony, Red, Duncan, Morgan, Bert, Mike T, Mike S., Trenton, Zachary, Yancy, and Diego!

See you soon,

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday, February 8th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Several chess players (about 20 or so) dropped in for fun, challenging chess over the boards this past Sunday, including another new player, and a couple of players we haven't seen in a long, long time! The chess puzzle was a rather difficult one, and it took some time before it was solved, after several tries. (Yancy solved it, eventually!)

There to enjoy the coffeehouse atmosphere as well as all that chess had to offer (including Kevin's "Stealth Chess" version of the game), were: Rich P. and spouse; Donovan and Andreena; Meredith, Red, Yancy, Vishwa, Nando, Mike T., Kwaku, Vin Sr. and Vin Jr., Sam C., Sam N., Ron Z., Dave T., Tony, Connor, Mike O., and . . . Kevin! Did I miss anyone?

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players there early usually have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We'll have a fun USCF-rated tournament soon, stay tuned for details!

See you soon,

-- Mike T
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Sunday, February 5th at Starbucks!

Hello!

At least 18 players enjoyed chess over the boards this past Wednesday, including at least three more new players and at least a couple players we haven't seen in quite a long time! They all are: Tony, Bert, Eric Z., Albert, Matthew, Ernie, Zachary, Sam M., Mike T., Mike S., Meredith, Vishwa, Nando, Red, Ty, Morgan, Duncan, and Julia! Did I miss anyone?

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, in the Clayton Shopping Center, at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just up from the Concord corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. . . . We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, there is no purchase required (but it would be nice), and players come and go anytime. To play rated club tournaments, however, entry fees are in order, and players must be members of the US Chess Federation.

We meet again this Sunday, February 5th, same times, same place, and players there early have a chance to compete to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbuck drink of choice! Join us, have fun, make new friends, renew old friendships!

See you soon,

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday, February 1st, at Starbucks!

Hello!

This past Sunday, despite rainy weather and televised NFL championships, well more than a dozen players dropped in on our usual Starbucks venue to enjoy fun, challenging chess over the boards! There to welcome three more new players (Trenton, George and George's uncle) were Tony, Mike T., Ron Cl. and Ronald C., Mark, Jason with kids Sabina and Jackson, along with Donovan, Meredith, Red, and Julia. Did I miss anyone?

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m through to closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the Concord corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. Our next session is this Wednesday, February 1, 2023, and there are no dues, players come and go anytime, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players there early will have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Some players were wondering when our next rated club tournament would be. Sunday, February 26, 2023 looks good, or even sooner, so stay tuned for details as to format, time control, entry fees, divisions, etc.. Not all players need to compete in rated matches; however, for those who do, current membership in the US Chess Federation is required. New or renewing members may sign up on line at www.uschess.org.

Anyone up for 4-Way Speed Chess?

See you soon,

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Sunday Jan. 29 at Starbucks!?!

Hello!

Last Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen or so players enjoy an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards, as we welcomed 3 more new players to the club! No player was able to solve a rather difficult chess puzzle on the first try, perhaps an easier one will be on the table next Wednesday! Having fun with the challenges of chess last Wednesday were Tony, Mike T., Yancy, Red, Bert, Jake and Jennifer, Rich P., Chris B., and new players Will, Mike S., and Julia!

We usually meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue. Will we have our usual session and turnout this Sunday, January 29, 2023?? The NFC Championship game between the SF 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles kicks off around noon and should finish by 3:30 p.m., so we'll likely see some players drop in for chess Sunday afternoon, after all!

See you soon,

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746