CHESS this Wednesday Aug. 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Once again there's lots of fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., at Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., just a couple of driveways from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. & Clayton Rd. (which becomes Kirker Pass)!  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting company!

Last week's session saw at least 17 players of all ages and skill levels enjoy the evening of chess, with Max and his Dad Jon joining us at Starbucks for their first time there.  On hand to welcome them were Mike T., Tony, Sol, Truman, Nik, Jordan, Hanza, Rich, Ann, Fatima, Feroz, and Nabiha, Jonathan, Ken, and Chris B. . . !

Here's the club's schedule of sessions for the rest of the month of August 2017:

- Every Wednesday, 5:30pm - 9:00pm at Starbucks, as noted above.

- Sunday August 20, 2017, 2:00pm - 5:30pm at Panera Bread Restaurant, corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek.

- Saturday August 26, 2017, 12:00 Noon - 4:00pm at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pas Rd., Clayton, across the parking lot from the Starbucks noted above.

So then, see you at one or some or all of the above . . . !

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club

US Chess Federation www.chess.org

Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday August 2nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

We meet once again for chess over the boards as we do every Wednesday evening from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Our session last Wednesday evening saw at least 16 players enjoy an evening of chess, with a few even going over to Carl's Jr. Restaurant across the parking lot to get more chess and other games in . . . on hand for chess were Truman, Tony, Sol, Mike T., Nik, Ann, Jonathan, Feroz, Fatima, Rich, Hanza, Chris Th., Ken, Maria, Sebastian, and Ariel . . . !

A few players even met this past Saturday afternoon at Carl's Jr. for a chess game or two.  Mike T. and Raymond split a couple of games; Mike ran Feroz, there with his Dad Yusuf, through a drill with rooks, and Feroz enjoyed meeting and playing a game with Mark S., who just got back from his trip to Europe . . . and then we welcomed new player Max and his Dad Jon, as Raymond and Max spent some time together on speed chess !

As the demand grows for more fun, challenging chess over the boards (versus just on line or against a computer), we may be opening up another regular session for our chess club.  We are proposing that, aside from Wednesday evenings at Starbucks; and, every third Sunday at Panera Bread Restaurant at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek; that there be a session on the last Saturday afternoon of every month at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across from our Starbucks venue. . . . let me know what you think of that, and . . .

. . . Stay tuned, as we welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experts and masters, and there are no dues, and no purchase required.  What a deal, plus we provide instructors for after-school chess programs!  So, if you haven't ever been by or it's been a while, come on, get your game up,renew old friendships, make new ones!

See you soon,

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club

US Chess Federation www.chess.org
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS & Scrabble & Other Games Sat. July 29 at Carl's Jr.!

Hi Everyone .  . . !

This Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, located at 1530 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., (across parking lot from our Starbucks chess venue), we will have an afternoon of games, featuring chess for chess enthusiasts, scrabble for the wordy folks, and a few other games like chronology and Smart As for trivia buffs!

Let me know if you plan to be there, come anytime between 11:45 a.m. and 4:00p.m., as I will be there after I help out at the American Cancer Society Bake Sale in front of the Starbucks (come early and get some goodies there!).

-- Mike T.

p.s. : if you come by and I'm not at Carl's Jr., check Starbucks!

CHESS this Wednesday June 28 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

This week's evenings are going to be a bit cooler, just right for enjoyable chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, June 28, 2017, at Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting company!

Last week's session saw at least 19 or 20 players enjoy the evening of chess, with no less than a dozen players going over to Carl's Jr. across the parking lot for even more chess and conversation after Starbucks closed!  Chess Masters Ronald C. and Rich K. were in the mix, both at Starbucks and Carl's Jr., with Ronald as usual dazzling players in blitz chess, giving most opponents a full 5 minutes while taking only 1 minute for himself!

Along with Ronald and Rich for the evening's fun, challenging chess over the boards were Mike T., Dylan, Bob C., Kitty, Priya, Reza, Hanza, Nik, Evan, Jim M., J.J., Tony T., Anthony, Ann S., Jonathan, Chris B., and John S. . . . and we couldn't help notice the huge improvement over time in Kitty's game, and Dylan's game as well, with extra congratulations to Dylan for having just graduated from high school and for soon being on his way to UC Santa Barbara, while steady chess gamer Evan begins his senior year at Purdue also this fall!

So then, see you again this Wednesday evening, and if you haven't been by in a while, or if this could be your first time, come on, get your game up whether you're a beginner or otherwise, renew old friendships, and make new ones!

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday June 21st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

It's gotten to be summertime, with lots and lots of fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, June 21, 2017, at Starbucks (come in for a nice cold summertime refresing drink along with your game) located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting people!

Last week's Wednesday evening's session saw some 20 players enjoy an evening of chess at Starbucks, with at least a half dozen of them continuing on to Carl's Jr. across the parking lot after closing time at Starbucks!  We also welcomed to the club young Feruz, who was there with his sister and Fatima, his mom, for his first exposure to a chess lesson in a bustling club atmosphere! 

On hand to welcome Feruz were Mike T., Andrew, Nik, Kitty, Bob C., Ann, Chris Th., Chris B., Anthony, Hanza, Priya, Jonathan, Tony T., Reza, Rich K., Mila and Alex, Evan, and John S. . . . if I omitted anyone, pardon me, it's been a while and the heat might be getting to me (I had just returned from the Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada and the temperature out there in that sprawling desert city reached 114 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday . . . !).

My apologies for not having sent a reminder email for the chess session held this past Sunday at Panera Bread Restaurant, as the time got away from me in prepping, packing for the trip to Las Vegas last Thursday morning . . . so for calendaring purposes, the next chess session at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnurt Creek, will be from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.on Sunday, July 16, 2017.  We meet there every third Sunday of the month.

So then, we're looking forward to seeing you again! As always, no dues, no purchase required (though it would be nice), and if you haven't been by in a while, come on, get your game going no matter whether you're a beginner or a master or somewhere in between, renew old friendships, and make new ones!
See you soon,

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS Wednesday June 7th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's chess over the boards again this Wednesday evening, June 7, 2017, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Last week's session saw at least 15 players, and we welcomed Reza and David, both players new to the club, but not to chess . . . and on hand to welcome them were Mike T., Hanza, Chris B., Jonathan, John S., Tony T., Anthony, Cameron, Nik, Mila and Alex, Dan K., and Ann S. . . . !

With the National Open, with its various skill divisions coming up in a couple of weekends, don't be surprised if at least a couple of players would like to practice their openings, mid-games and endgames, plus tactics and more tactics these next two Wednesday evening sessions . . . so join us for the fun and challenge of it all . . . !

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday May 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess over the boards is the going thing at Starbucks (located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.), this Wednesday evening, May 30, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Last week's session saw at least 19 players come by for a game or two or three, with some even taking their games over to Carl's Jr. across the parking lot after closing time at Starbucks!  Enjoying the evening of Chess and other added challenges such as the Chronology Card Game and the Gravity Maze Game were Ken, Rich, Mike T., Chris B., Chris Th., Lanelle, Tony T., Anthony, Cameron, Hanza, Ann, Amir, Alex and Mila, Bob C., Kwaku, Nik, Jonathan, and Dan K. . . . !

New players always welcomed, no matter the age or skill level, there are no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice), and if you haven't been by in a while, come on, renew old friendships, make new ones!

See you soon,

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

P.S.:  We have so far about 4 players going to the Nationals in Las Vegas this June, so if you're game to help them practice their openings, middle and endgames and tactics, tactics, tactics, it would be greatly appreciated!

CHESS Sunday May 21st at Panera Bread!

Hi Everyone .  . . !

There's lots more chess over the boards tomorrow, Sunday May 21, 2017, as mentioned in a previous emailed message, at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek . . . the session runs from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Our gathering this past Wednesday evening at Starbucks saw nearly 20 players of a wide range of chess skills, from novice to master, enjoy the evening of fun, challenging competition!  There was even a game of Chronology Cards towards closing time!  Along for the fun were Tony, Mike T., John S., Chris B., Chris Th., Ann S., Danielle, Hanza, Amir, Jonathan, Yousef, Ken, Bob C., Evan, Andrew, Mark S., Alyssa, Christie, and Jim . . . plus some interested onlookers!

More players of all ages and skill levels come by each session, and some may even be practicing for an upcoming chess extravaganza of a tournament set for mid-June in Las Vegas . . . !  As usual, our chess club does not require dues, nor is there a purchase requirement at either Starbucks or Panera Bread when you're there with us (but it would be nice).  Bring your chess set if you have one, along with a smile, goodwill and a penchant for renewing old friendships, and making new ones!

See you real soon,

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

CHESS Wednesday May 17, 2017 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that this Wednesday evening, May 17, 2017, there's chess as usual over the boards at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Having some fun with the game of chess last week, which saw at least two or three draws, were Mike T., Tony, Bob, Ken, Hanza and Chris B. . . . More players are expected for this week's session at Starbucks as mentioned above, as well as for the session this coming Sunday, May 21st, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at Panera Bread Restaurant, corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek.

See you soon,

Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS & More Wednesday May 10 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

As usual on Wednesday evenings, we meet for fun, challenging chess and perhaps other games this Wednesday, May 10, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., . . . come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting people!

Our session last week featured some interesting match-ups, great moves, ok some silly blunders too, and overall good camaraderie that not only spotlighted chess, but also other games such as the gravity, circuitry, and laser beam mazes!  On hand for the fun were Andrea, Hanza, Ann and Dan, Jonathan, Bob C., John S., Chris B., Tony T., Yousef, Ernie, Amir, Rich K., and Mike T. . . . !

This month's session at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek, is set for Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  As usual, similar to our arrangement at Starbucks, it's on a come anytime basis, no dues, and no purchase required (though it would be nice).

Interested in entering the 2017 Nationals this June in Las Vegas (at least 8 or 9 divisions, from novice/unrated skill levels to expert and master levels, with cash prizes down to 10th place in each one), and coordinating with other players for ground and air transportation to and from the tournament site?

See you soon,

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday April 12 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Lots of chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, April 12, 2017, from 5:30p.m. - 9:00 p.m., at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the best tables, more games, and some really nice, interesting people!

Last week's session saw Andrew K. come by and introduce his colorful four-way chessboard and chess pieces!  On hand for regular challenging chess were Bob C., Mike T., Chris B., Chris Th., Tony T., Hanza and Andrea, Jonathan, Eric, and Rich K. . . . no one solved the early-bird chess puzzle, which was indeed solved, but near closing time, by no other than chess whiz Rich K.!

Our session this month at Panera Bread Restaurant will be on the 4th Sunday of the month, specifically Sunday, April 23, 2017, instead of the usual 3rd Sunday of the month, which this coming Sunday is Easter Sunday. So then, mark Sunday April 23rd from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30p.m. on the calendar as our Paneral Bread session for the month of April.

Whether at Starbucks or Panera Bread, all players of all ages and skill levels, from novice to master, are welcome.  No dues, no purchase required (though it would be nice) . . .

. . . see you soon,

 -- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS Special Feature this Sunday March 19 at Panera Bread !

Hi again, everyone . . . !

At this March 19, 2017 Sunday's regular chess session at Panera Bread Restaurant (corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, from 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm), there will be a special feature for all chess players game to participate, at no cost other than a lot of fun!

Christopher Yoo is a young (elementary school age) local chess phenom who has been asked to do a chess simul up to 15 players, and he would like to practice with our chess club.  Christopher has attended our Wednesday evening sessions at Starbucks on occasion, and is not a stranger to many of us . . .

. . . so then, this Sunday (tomorrow!), Christopher will be on hand to practice playing against as many as 15 of us simultaneously, probably over a time period of no more than 30 or so minutes based on G/30 d.30, with the only other criteria being that players' ratings, if they are rated, be under 2000. 

Should be fun and quite interesting, as usual come by anytime, earlier the better, no purchase necessary, see you there!

--  Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Federation

US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Sunday Afternoon March 19 at Panera Bread Restaurant!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that this Sunday, March 19, 2017, from 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm we meet again for fun, challenging chess over the boards at the Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, Caif. . . !  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the best tables, more games, and some really nice, interesting people!  We meet at this Panera Bread Restaurant every 3rd Sunday of each month.

During our chess session at Starbucks this past Wednesday evening, we welcomed Obaid to the chess club!  On hand to welcome Obaid were Mike T., Bob C., Mark S., Chris B., Hanza, Jonathan, Andrew, Tony T., Eric, and Maria . . . !

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday March 15th at Starbucks!

Hello again, everyone . . . !

With Daylight Savings Time and much better weather, there's going to be even lots more chess over the boards this Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (and every Wednesday, for that matter), from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. . . . come by anytime, the earlier the better for the best tables, more games, and some really nice, interesting company!

All ages, all skill levels welcome, form beginner to master, lots of free parking, no purchase required (though it would be nice)!  If you haven't been by in a while, drop in, renew old friendships, make new ones, and get your game up!

Also ahead:  this coming Sunday, March 19, 2017 is the 3rd Sunday of the month, and we therefore have another fun chess session at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  Once again, it's come anytime, earlier the better, all ages and skills welcome, lots of free parking, no purchase required, etc., so enjoy the afternoon with us!

See you soon,

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS Wednesday Feb. 22nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Rain or no rain this Wednesday evening (maybe it will ease up by then), February 22, 2017, there's lots of fun, challenging chess over the boards as usual at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:30p.m. - 9:00 p.m. . . . come by anytime, the earlier the better for the best tables, more games, and some really nice, interesting company!

Our last two sessions were at Starbucks last Wednesday, and at Panera Bread Restaurant this past Sunday, when altogether between the two sessions, despite the weather,  the grand old game of chess was enjoyed by Bob C., Kitty, Hanza, Andrea, Tony T., Andrew, Mike T., Jonathan, Jackie, and Chris B. . . . !

We welcome all sorts of players, all ages, all skill levels from beginners to experts and masters and all in between.  We may even be planning to have rated and unrated quads, stay tuned, drop by if you haven't in a while, renew old friendships, make new ones!

See you soon,

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club

US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746