CHESS: Club Still on Hiatus; but On-Line Club Tournaments Possible!

 Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short message to let you know our club, the Contra Costa Chess Club, still cannot get together due to the pandemic lockdown.  Once it's lifted and we can once again play over the boards at our usual venues (Starbucks & Mona's Bar & Grill), I'll certainly let you know.

However, if you are game to play in fun on-line club tournaments (e.g., blitz (5 min.); or rapid (less than 30 min. -- usually 10 or 15); or longer (30mins. or more), please let me know if you are interested, and for which time control(s).

The site would be chess.com; and the club is the one with the penguins labeled Contra Costa Chess Club.  If not a member, create your login and password; then, connect to clubs, select our club, go to members, add your username or how you want to be known.

Any questions or need for more info, let me know, or email John S. on our website, which has been on hiatus, as well.

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

CHESS: Club Blitz Tourney On-Line Tonight Monday April 20th!

Hi All . . . !

Tonight, Monday April 20, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. is our club's Blitz Tournament on www.chess.com !

"Sign up" anytime between 7pm and 8pm and just be ready for your first match that starts promptly at 8:00 p.m.  For newcomers: If you're there early and choose to hang out a bit, feel free to chat with others there using the chat box at bottom of the screen.  Most of the players have played at our sessions at Starbucks and/or Mona's Bar & Grill !

Just click on this link:  https://www.chess.com/live#t=1196064

[Or:  Login and go to Play, and click on  Live Chess,
Then:  click on Tournaments (upper right hand corner of screen]

Then:  "Sign up" by selecting 1st CC chess club 5 minute tournament 5 rounds.

Note:  Less than 9 players, only 3 rounds will be played.
More than 9 players, all 5 rounds will be played.

See you there!
-- Mike T.

CHESS: Our On-Line Chess Tournament Friday Night 04/10/2020 !!

Hi Again Everyone . .  !

Our on-line Contra Costa Chess Club now has at least 38 members!  Everyone can join our free on-line tournaments at www.chess.com

Our next tournament will be this Friday evening, April 10, 2020.  Here's the link if you need one:  https://www.chess.com/live#t=1184761

Make sure you've clicked 'JOIN' once you're at Live Chess and you've clicked "Tournaments" and selected "Second CC Chess Club 10 Minutes".

Make sure you've Joined within the hour (6:15pm and 7:15pm PDT), because that's when the site accepts entries, and the matches begin promptly at 7:15pm.

Note:  The tournament is set for 5 rds Swiss, with a Time Control of 10 minutes per side.  Based on last night's experience, few if any went the full 20 minutes (except perhaps for a well fought draw!). They go reasonably fast, don't they.

Also note: It takes a minimum of 10 players to join for the tournament to go 5 rounds.  If less than 10 join, the tournament ends after only 3 rounds.

Results are posted on the Club's room after the tournament, for all to see!  Just go to our Club's room site and click on live tournaments, then click on the tournament name.  Last night's first try at all this wound up with only 3 rounds, with Chris B. finishing on top with 3 wins!  Every player finished with at least 1 point !  Latecomers can join but of course will be at a disadvantage, able to play only the next game(s).

Any one can be there just as an observer, by the way.  Any questions or need more info, let me or John S. know, thanks, have fun, don't be late !!

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

CHESS: Fun Tournament on Chess.com Wednesday Night 04/08/20 !!

Hi Everyone . . . !

This Wednesday evening (4/8) at 7:15 pm PDT, the Contra Costa Chess Club will have a fun, challenging tournament for our members on the website www.chess.com  !!

Several of the club's players enjoy 5-minute chess, yet others would rather have a slightly longer time control to allow for more brain waves and fewer mouse slips.  So then, the time control for our tournament will be 10 minutes !

Open to club members only, entries will be accepted at the on-line tournament site starting at (not before) 6:15 p.m., and through the starting time of 7:15 p.m. on Weds, April 8, 2020.  To find the link to the tournament, go to the club's Chess.com site and click on the "News" link in the right-hand column.)

Be on-line in the club chat room (We have at least 36 members now)  between 7pm and 7:10 pm this Wednesday.  John S. will set up the tournament, and we can get a good round-robin going on time  Late comers may have to just watch, if interested, and try to check in with John on line to try to get in on the action.  The matches will be rated for Rapid Chess ongoing ratings on the web site.

See you there, and stay Lockdown Healthy, stay Lockdown Safe . . . .

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

CHESS CLUB Meets On Line This Sunday, Monday & Wednesday !!

Hi Everyone . . . !

How's Sheltering In Place going for you and your chess game . . .

As mentioned in the message sent to you this past Friday, you're most welcome to join on www.chess.com our very own chess club's session today, Sunday, March 29, 2020,

from 2:00pm - 6:00pm PDT (come by anytime) or for as long as people want to play, for chats, orientation, and challenging matches of all kinds (from speed chess to regular length games, to variations like bughouse and 4-player chess!) and at all skill levels -- from novices to experts and more -- and time controls of your choice!

(For the dates and times scheduled as mentioned above and below, I will usually be available to facilitate matters if and when needed, with the help of John S. and Chris B. and others familiar with the web site as their time permits.)

Membership is FREE ! Last I looked, there are 32 members already!  Current and brand new members, once you are signed up with a login username and password of your own, just have this link to click handy (or bookmarked):

https://www.chess.com/club/contra-costa-chess-club

Newcomers can learn how to observe games of players you actually know in progress, how to mark them as friends, and to challenge (and accept or decline challenges) players we've come to know at Starbucks and Mona's Bar & Grill and elsewhere in weekly in-person sessions or occasional tournaments!

Our chess club's site or room is open 24/7 and there's likely someone in there up for a match!

We also meet tomorrow evening, Monday, March 30, 2020, from 6:00pm - 10:00pm PDT (come by anytime) or for as long as people want to play; and, on Wednesday evening on-line once again, April 1, 2020, from 6:00pm - 10:30pm PDT (come by anytime) or for as long as people want to play.

If you need more info, or have questions, let me know; in the meantime, see you in there!

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

CHESS: Our Chess Club Is On Line! Free to Join!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Sheltering in Place doesn't mean the end of the Contra Costa Chess Club, even temporarily!  In response to popular demand, we've reactivated our long-dormant club page at Chess.com and are ready to play !!

To participate you need to be a Chess.com member.  All you need to do to join is go on the web site and join the site's FREE standard membership.  Once you are signed up and logged in, just click this link:

Contra Costa Chess Club on Chess.com

And then, click on JOIN.  One of our Admins will approve you as promptly as possible and you'll be all set !  (We check the site often to accept new members, but bear with us if it takes just a little while to get to you.)

Our Virtual Meetings this coming week will be:

Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 2:00pm -6:00pm or as long as people want to play.
Monday, March 30, 2020, from 6:00pm - 10:00pm or as long as people want to play.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020, from 6:00pm - 10:30pm.or as long as people want to play.

As usual, come and go anytime, and it would be good to let others know who you are due to various usernames or "game handles" that will be on the site.

Our plan at this point is to duplicate our usual in-person meeting times on-line, however, you are able to visit the club's site anytime 24/7, and very likely find someone to play!

Chess.com has ton of great features, and once we got things a little more figured out, we can consider adding on-line rated Quads or Round Robin tournaments; forming teams to play other clubs, etc.

So far the word-of-mouth response has been great!  We're up to 28 on-line members already, including recent additions of Max (who won our tournament at Mona's Bar & Grill two Sunday's ago!); Andrew, Jim N., Dennis, Tony T., Roger H., and more to join (more than 70 players receive this email).

Even players who are farther away or have moved away may join (e.g., Anthony B., John D., Jack McF., Scott C. and Co., Darmawan, etc. just a few examples)!

As you can tell, we're really excited about this!  All we ask is that you don't have such a great time that you forget to come back to Mona's and Starbucks when this CoronaVirus thing is over !

Let us know if you need more info or have questions, and thanks for your support!

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

CHESS Club Sessions Cancelled Until Further Notice Due to Health Order!

Hi Everyone . . .

Today, March 16, 2020, The Contra Costa County Health Officer, under the authority of Health & Safety Code Sections 101040 and 120175, ordered that all individuals are to shelter in their places of residence.  The exceptions are those who are involved in essential activities; essential government functions; and, the operation of essential businesses. Other exceptions involve family and even the care of pets.  Apparently, those who violate this Order may be subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

As a result, going along with The Order and an abundance of caution, The Contra Costa Chess Club will not nor should not hold any chess sessions or tournaments until further notice.  The Order I understand might last through April 7, 2020.

While this is unfortunate and almost unbelievable, the link below will take you to the official Health Order that came out just today.  Several other counties in the Bay Area have issued similar Orders.  The Order details what those above-mentioned essential activities, etc. are.

Contra Costa County Health Department Order 

So then, until further notice, which I hope will be soon, our Contra Costa Chess Club will go into hiatus, until The Order is amended appropriately or totally rescinded.

(However, if anyone is in dire need . . . 😀.)  Let me know if you need more information, or need a chess fix . . . !

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

CHESS March 8 - 11, 2020 at Mona's & Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . .!

This Week's Chess   -- Over the Boards !:

Sunday, March 8, 2020:  From 2pm - 5:30pm, Mona's Bar & Grill, 4635 Clayton Rd., Concord.

Monday, March 9, 2020:  From 5:30pm - 9:30 pm, Mona's Bar & Grill, as above.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020: From 5;00pm - 9:00 pm, Starbucks, 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton.

As usual, at all the above, come by anytime, all ages and skill levels are welcome!

I'll have news about our USCF-rated tournament set for Sunday March 15 at Mona's Bar & Grill.  Depending on the number of players and projected customer activity at Mona's, I may move the venue to Carl's Jr. Restaurant, (located across the lot from our Starbucks venue).  I'll confirm by this coming Thursday a.m.

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club

US Chess Federation www.uschess.org

Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS This Week March 1 - 4 at Mona's B&G and Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Here's where you can enjoy chess over the boards in a very nice setting, with plenty of parking and no purchase required (but it would be nice).  All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters and all in between. --- Come by anytime, the earlier the better!

Sunday, March 1, 2020:  Mona's Bar & Grill, located at 4365 Clayton Rd., Concord, right by the Fire Dept. Station; from 2:00pm - 5:30pm.

Monday, March 2, 2020:  Mona's Bar & Grill, from 5:30pm - 9:30pm.

Wednesday, March 4, 2020:  Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, just up the road from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd, from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

USCF-Rated Tournament - Sunday, March 15, 2020:

Where = Mona's Bar & Grill;
Format =  3 Rds, Quads or Swiss, depending on number of players;
Time Control = G/45 d5;
Entry Fee = $27 ($25 if paid by Friday 303/13/20}; at least 80% or more returned in prizes, depending on number of players;
Registration Ends by 12:30 p.m. at Tournament Site.
Match Starting Times:  No Later Than 1:00pm; NLT 3:00pm; and, NLT 5:00pm. Start times can be earlier if all players agree and previous matches are complete and results posted.

USCF Membership required.  All USCF Tournament Rules Apply.

Please bring your chess set and chess clock if at all possible, as none are provided.

(Another tournament is possible for Sunday, March 22, 2020, in the same location.)

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Week Feb. 23 - 26 at Mona's B&G and at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . .!

There's lots more chess over the boards this week at Mona's Bar & Grill, and at our usual Starbucks venue!  As usual, Come by anytime between the times mentioned below; all ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters and all in between; plus, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice)!

Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 : Mona's Ba & Grill from 2:00p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; (Mona's is located at 4635 Clayton Rd. in Concord, CA, right next to Fire Dept. Station.)

Monday, Feb. 24, 2020:  Mona's Bar & Grill from 5:00p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020:  Starbucks from 5:00p.m. - 9:00.pm.  (The Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd. in Clayton, CA., just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.).


Beginning March 2020, we will be having USCF- rated competition (e.g., Quads or more!!) in a reserved,quiet area of Mona's Bar & Grill !! An alternate venue may also be available nearby if needed.  The first one may be on Sunday, March 15, 2020.  See proposed specs below:

Sunday afternoons starting at 1:00 p.m.; 3 rds; G/45 d5; Rds nlt 1pm; nlt 3pm; and, nlt 5pm.; EF $27, with minimum of 85-90% entry fees returned in cash prizes depending on number of players per session/grouping.  USCF current membership required; players must bring their own chess boards, chess pieces, and chess clocks.  All USCF tournament rules apply.

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

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

CHESS at Mona's Bar & Grill Sunday & Monday!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Mona's Bar & Grill is the place to be for chess players of all ages who enjoy the game over the boards instead of constantly on the internet, or if they just want to get into the game whether as experienced players, or as players improving their game, or as raw beginners eager to learn!

Play chess at Mona's on Sunday afternoons, 2:00pm -5:30pm;
Monday evenings 5:00pm - 9:30pm.

Come by anytime, the earlier the better for more matches, more fun!


Mona's is located at 4635 Clayton Rd. in Concord, Calif. next to the Fire Dept. Station.

No purchase required, just know the food is good, and chess players can order off the Happy Hour Menu anytime during "chess hours"!

See you soon, as in this Sunday, Feb. 16 & Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 at Mona's (and we're at our usual Starbucks venue, 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, Calif., 5pm - 9pm, every Wednesday evening, see you there this coming Wednesday Feb. 19th!).

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

CHESS Wednesday Feb. 12th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that there's chess over the boards as usual at our usual Wednesday evening venue, from 5pm - 9pm, at Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., in the Clayton Station shopping center!  Come by anytime, earlier the better, all ages and skill levels welcome, no purchase required (but it would be nice) !

See you there,

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

CHESS at Mona's Bar & Grill Sunday Afternoon & Monday Evening!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Effective this Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, Mona's Bar & Grill, located at 4635 Clayton Rd., right next to a Fire Dept. Station, in Concord, Calif., will be open to chess players of all ages and skill levels every Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better.  No purchase required, just know the food is really good!

Mona's Bar & Grill is still the place to be for chess players every Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m!  We're there as usual this Monday, February 10, 2020, and once again, though no purchase is required, all players with an appetite and/or thirst can use the Happy Hour Menu all evening long.

See you there,

P.S.:  We also enjoy chess over the boards also at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, Calif., where we've been for 15 years now, every Wednesday evening (this week's date is Feb. 12}, from 5:00 p.m. -9:00p.m.!  As usual, come by anytime, the earlier the better, no purchase required, but it would be nice!

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

CHESS Monday Feb. 3 at Mona's; Wednesday Feb. 5 at Starbucks

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's nothing like chess over the boards, and there's plenty of fun, challenging live-action chess this Monday, February 3, 2020 at Mona's Bar & Grill, from 5pm - 9:30pm, . . . Come by anytime!  All ages and skill levels are welcome.  No purchase required, just know the food is really good!  Mona's is located in Concord, at 4635 Clayton Rd., right next to a Fire Dept. Station, with plenty of parking in back!

There's more of the same this Wednesday evening as well from 5pm - 9:00pm at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Station shopping center . . . Come by anytime!  All ages, all skill levels are welcome  No purchase required (but it would be nice) and lots of parking spaces.

The club continues to attract new players, so come on by, renew old friendships, make new ones!

See you soon,

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation www.uschess.org
Affiliate Club ID #A6026746

CHESS Monday Jan 27 at Mona's Bar & Grill !!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Lots of chess over the boards returns to Mona's Bar & Grill this Monday evening, January 27, 2020, from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm . . . !  Mona's is located at 4635 Clayton Rd., in Concord, Calif., right next to a Fire Dept. Station.  Come by anytime, all ages and skill levels welcome, from beginners to masters and all in between!  No purchase required, but if you have an appetite, per Dennis, the owner, feel free to use the Happy Hour Menu (and prices) all evening long, and rest assured the food, drinks and snacks are really good!

See you there, and at this Wednesday evening's regular chess session at Starbucks in Clayton!

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