CHESS this Wednesday, October 4th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

This past Sunday's session saw 15 players --- 9 adults and 6 kids --- enjoy a good part of the afternoon playing chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue! While the more experienced players were Max, Ben C., Sam, Mike T., Reza, Red, Kevin, Samuel, and a new player by name of Uso, the really, really young ones were Sabina, Jackson, Quinny, Poppy, Lucy, and Tramy! They all had fun, including several playing in Blitz and Bullet matches -- and it was Sam who won the free Starbucks drink by solving the chess puzzle on his first attempt!

Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. to closing time. Come and go anytime, there's no purchase required, and there are no dues. We're located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the Concord intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We will be having a USCF-rated club tournament soon, stay tuned!

Join us, make new friends, renew old friendships --- see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Sunday afternoons at our regular Starbucks venue seems to be the place for fun, challenging chess over the boards, starting at 3:00 p.m. through to closing time! Come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels welcome, no purchase required (but it would be nice), and there are no club dues! Last Sunday saw at least 22 players having fun, and this Sunday, October 1, 2023, there's going to be a chess puzzle to solve! (First player to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice.)

We also meet Wednesdays, same time, same place (1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.). Last Wednesday saw tough matches between players such as Tony, Angel, Irakli, Bert, Mike T., John S., Evan, and -- long time no see again -- George, as well as Albert!

By all means, join the fun of chess, make new friends, renew old friendships! See you soon!

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

CHESS Today, Sept. 27th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our regular Starbucks venue, and last Sunday's session drew 22 players of all ages and skill levels that came by at different times to enjoy the game of chess over the boards! They were: Ben C. with Michele and Vivian; Kevin, Mike T., Max, Lou, new player Lucas; Alisa, Tony, Red with friends Alex and Rex; Irakli, Sam, Mark, IMRonald, Mathew; and, Paige with JJ, Ian, and Kayden! Did I miss anyone? We wish Alisa a bon voyage and a fun trip to Europe with a safe return!

No player solved the chess puzzle on the first try Sunday. We'll have another today, Wednesday, September 27, 2023. First one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Come on by, all ages and skill levels are welcome, no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice), make new friends, renew old friendships! See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, September 24th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

There's lots of chess over the boards once again this Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our regular Starbucks venue (1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center). We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place, come and go anytime, there are no dues, there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

There will be a chess puzzle to solve this Sunday, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Wednesday's session saw at least eight players come by to enjoy an afternoon of chess, and it was great to see Evan H. again after a few years -- back as an engineer from Purdue Univ and quite a job in Seattle -- one of the first regular players of this chess club! Along with Evan at chess Wednesday were Tony, Angel, Mark, FBen, Mike T., Bert, and Mike S.! Many more players, including kids, are expected as usual this Sunday, including at least one, maybe two, masters! If there's an overflow of chess players at Starbucks, by all means check Carl's Jr. across the side parking lot... there could even be a chess lesson or two going on there, as well...

... so then, come on by, 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, September 20, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Wednesday, September 20th, at our regular Starbucks venue, as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time -- come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels welcome, no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice)!

This past Sunday, Sept. 17, we welcomed our newest player yet, Elisa! And we also welcomed back Yancy, who was the first to solve the chess puzzle, on his first try, to win a free tall Starbucks drink! Along with Elisa and Yancy were IM Ronald; Ian and JJ with Paige; Mila with Tatiana; Elias with Maria; Jordy with Emily; and Ben C., Kevin, Red, Lou, Reza, and Mike T. -- that's at least 18! (Always great to see kids in the mix!) Did I miss anyone?

Come on by for the fun and challenge of the game, make new friends, renew old friendships! See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, Sept. 17 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

Lots of chess over the boards this Sunday, September 17, 2023 at our usual Starbucks venue -- from 3pm on through closing. All ages and skill levels welcome. Come and go anytime, no purchase required (but it would be nice)! Be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try and win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place! Last Wednesday's session saw at least 7 players get their game on over the boards: Tony, Mike T., Meredith, Angel, FBen, Bert, and Irakli, were there, with more players expected this Sunday as well as other sessions ahead! This Sunday may be Meredith's last session with us until perhaps the holidays, as she will be starting her university adventures at UC Irvine in the next week or two!!

So then, drop by, enjoy the game, make new friends, renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, September 13th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, and at least 16 players enjoyed an afternoon of chess over the boards this past Sunday, including 4 kids mixing it up with the adults for the fun and challenge of the game!

Suhas was there with his Dad Pubdi, while Ian, JJ, and Kayden were with their mom Paige. Joining them were Kevin, Jordy (with Emily), Matthew, Mark, IM Ronald, Reza, Red, Daniel (with Samantha), Ben C., Meredith, Lou, and Mike T. The race to solve a rather easy puzzle was won by Daniel, who got it on his first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of Samantha's choice...!

The next chess puzzle to solve on the first try to win a free drink will be much more difficult, requiring more thought, as we meet once again this coming Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at our usual Starbucks venue, same time (from 3:00 p.m. to closing). Come and go anytime; all ages and skill levels welcome; no purchase required (but it would be nice).

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, Sept. 10th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Sunday, September 10, 2023 as we do from 3:00 p.m. through to closing every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, near the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd!

Last Wednesday's session saw more than 10 players come by to get a game of chess over the boards. Fortunato is our newest player, with his wife Nexie, welcomed by Tony, Mike T., Ben C., Ian, Angel, Meredith, Irakli, Matthew, and John S.!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement. There often is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first player to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! The next puzzle might have very, very few chess pieces on the board, so once it is put out for solving, it will be a race to see who gets it right on the first try!!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Sept. 6th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

A healthy mix of adults and kids made chess over the boards at last Sunday's session certainly more active, fun, and challenging! Of the total of about 15 or so were Reza, Red, Ben C., Daniel, and Mike T. welcoming new player Barrick and chesskids Ian and Kayden with their mom Paige, along with kids new to the club Preston and Elias with mom Maria as well as Mila with mom Tatiana! Did I miss anyone?

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Our next session is this Wednesday, September 6, 2023!

Come by and enjoy the game and the company, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, September 3rd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

The long Labor Day weekend is here, hopefully with cooler weather, as we continue to meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue! Of course players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase requirement (but it would be nice to buy something). Our next session is this Sunday, September 3, 2023. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and there usually is a chess puzzle to solve. The first one solving the chess puzzle on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

No player in our session last Wednesday solved the puzzle on the first try, but Irakli certainly has the bragging rights, having solved it on his subsequent try, building off of Tony's solid attempt! Along with Irakli and Tony enjoying chess over the boards were Samuel, Angel, Ben C., Meredith, Mike T., Bert, Alwin, Mike S., and Matthew with his son, a bundle of joy all of nine months old!

If you're around this Sunday, come on by, make new friends and renew old friendships! To our more than 70 club players: Enjoy the weekend and see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons at our regular Starbucks venue from 3:00 p.m. through to closing (8:00p.m.) and this past Sunday several players stayed past closing to play chess over the boards on the outside tables under the lights!

17 or more players came by Sunday and enjoyed an afternoon of fun, challenging chess! At least 4 players were there for the first time: Rose, who was there with Lou; and Aldon, Jeff, and Damon were welcomed to the club by Sam C., Ben C. and family, Vin and his Dad Vincent, Red (long time no see, Red!), Mike T., Meredith, IMRonald, Daniel (with Samantha), Mark, Reza, Matthew, and Suhas and his Dad!! (Did I miss anyone?) Players were so absorbed in their matches that the chess puzzle is going to have to wait until this coming Wednesday. (First one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink!)

Looking ahead, as several players expressed an interest in playing official USCF-rated games without traveling too far, I will be scheduling a USCF-rated club tournament for sometime in September or October. I will be eliciting ideas or preferences regarding dateline, time controls, entry fees, etc. along with format and number of rounds. This month's club tournament was cancelled owing to all too few commitments due to possibly other activities and more pressing matters. So, stay tuned til then!

As always, come by and make new friends, renew old friendships. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, Aug. 27th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We'll have our regular fun, challenging session of chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue this Sunday, August 27, 2023. We will go, as usual, from 3:00 p.m. to closing time as players and their friends and family can come and go anytime . . . ! Expect to see adults and kids alike join in the fun, and don't be surprised to see an IM or even an NM join us! There will definitely be a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our last session this past Wednesday was with Meredith, Angel, Tony, Ben C. and Mike T., and before I forget, safe travels and a rewarding junior year to Jonah, as he goes to Maryland to continue his studies on his way to becoming an... engineer! Meredith is on deck to head south to UC Irvine next month to begin her studies to become an.... engineer!

See you soon, come by for the game of chess, make new friends and/or renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Aug. 23rd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

At least a dozen players came by last Sunday for fun, challenging chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue: new player Jessica was there with her pal Meredith and was welcomed by Mike T., Anh, Mark, Trmy, Sam C., Ben C., Angel, Vin, and Vin's Dad Vincent!

We meet again this Wednesday, August 23, 2023, same place, same time (3pm through to closing), all ages and skill levels welcome, come and go anytime, no dues, no purchase required! When there's a chess puzzle to solve, the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Come by to have fun, get your game up, get into some tough matches, or simply learn more of the game, practice it, and by the way, 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, August 16th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Several kids or young adults joined the fun and challenge of chess over the boards this past Sunday, and they certainly were a challenge for the adults! There for the afternoon, with several staying until evening, were Lou, Juliana, Mathis, Meredith, Ian, JJ, Kayden, Ben C., Kevin, Sam C., Reza, Mike T., Jayden, Max, Suhas, and IMRonald! Did I miss anyone? Oh, yes, of course there was Ian, JJ, & Kayden's Mom Paige and Dad Harry, along with Jayden's Mom and Suhas' Dad!

We meet again this Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 3:00 pm on through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice! All ages and skill levels are welcome, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Next Sunday, August 20, 2023, as mentioned in the last few emails, we'll try to have a 3-Round USCF-rated club tournament (G/30;d.10), at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant near our usual Starbucks venue. Entry fee is $20. Starting Time: 12:15 pm. Required: Current USCF membership. The Sunday afternoon chess session at Starbucks will be held, as usual.

However, regarding the tournament, because only 3 players have indicated interest and commitment to play to date, more players will need to sign up by this coming Wednesday for the tournament to be held as scheduled. Otherwise, a cancellation of the tournament will be sent out via email, and we'll try to reschedule one, perhaps a much larger tournament, for another time.

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

There's lots more chess over the boards this Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at our regular Starbucks venue, so come on by, get your game up, make new friends, or renew old friendships! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing. All ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice), and players come and go anytime. This Wednesday there's word a chess master or two will be there! Additionally, there usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice!

This past Sunday saw at least a dozen players (Kevin, Meredith, Jonah, Tony, Daniel, Anh, Mike T., Ernie, Bert, Ben C., Reza, Max, and Dan -- did I miss anyone?) enjoy an afternoon and early evening of fun, challenging chess over the boards! Daniel solved the chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink . . . for Samantha!

USCF-rated Club Tournament Sunday, August 20, 2024:
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across side parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue).
Format: 3 Rds; Quads or groups of 6 or more players.
Time Control: G/30;d.10.
Entry Fee: $20 paid or or before 08/19/23; $25 if paid on 08/20/23.
Cash Prizes: 90% or more of Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes; amounts to be determined based on number of entries. 1st & 2nd Places for Quads; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places for groups of six or more.
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew, go online at www.uschess.org.
Note: Players not participating in the tournament are welcome to observe the matches or play chess with other non-participants either at the restaurant or back at Starbucks.

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

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6023746

CHESS this Sunday, August 6th, at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

At least 14 players came by during our session last Wednesday to enjoy an afternoon of chess over the boards, make new friends, and renew old friendships! We welcomed back Anastasia and Serge, visiting from New York! There to welcome them with open chess boards were Sam C., Matthew, Jonah, Meredith, Mike T., Angel, FBen, Johnny, Mark, Bert, John S., and . . . IM Ronald! The chess puzzle was a tricky one, but it was FBen who solved it, albeit on his second try to earn solid bragging rights!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3pm on through closing time, and we meet again this Sunday, August 6, 2023 at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the Concord intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. All ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice), and players come and go anytime. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice!

As mentioned in previous posts, we're having a USCF-rated chess tournament on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Time Control G/30;d.10. For format, entry fees, cash prizes, location, etc click on the Upcoming Club Tournaments tab above. Current membership in the US Chess Federation is required. To join or renew, go online at www.uschess.org.

See you soon, and if you have questions or need more info, let me know . . .

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 2nd at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone...!

Despite the persistent heat outside, several players and companions came by our usual Starbucks venue this past Sunday to enjoy an afternoon and early evening of chess over the boards. We welcomed new players Curt, and a gentleman whose name I didn't quite get. There to greet them and enjoy the overall matches were Meredith, Durward and Nancy, Daniel and Samantha, Carol, Mike T., Max, and Ben C. and family; and, Matthew also dropped by!

Max solved the rather intricate chess puzzle on his first go at it, to win a tall Starbucks beverage! Our next session, as we meet every Sunday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, is this Wednesday, August 2, 2023. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the one who solves it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our next club tournament:

For those interested, we will have another USCF-rated club tournament on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Time Control = G/30;d.10. Entry Fee = $20 if paid by 08/19/23; $25 if paid on 08/20. 3 Rounds. Players will be grouped according to ratings into Quads or groups of six. 90% or more of entry fees will be returned as cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, based on format and the number of entries. Matches will start at 12:30 p.m. and should conclude no later than 4:00 p.m. Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, next to our regular Starbucks venue. Current membership in the US Chess Federation is required. To join or renew membership, simply go online at 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, July 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

Several players came by a little later than usual this past Wednesday, with most staying to play chess over the boards until closing time! Three new players, Jonah, Durward, and Nancy were welcomed by Mike T., FBen, John S., Bert, Mike S., and Johnny H. (long time no see, Johnny)!

Our club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, and there are no dues. We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. through to closing, at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center. There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Though attendance has been fairly light this hot, hot summer, we nevertheless will have our next session as usual, this coming Sunday, July 30, 2023. Perhaps we'll see you there with your game up, and to make new friends and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, July 26th at Starbucks!

Hello All,

There were only a handful of players this past rather hot, sunny Sunday at our regular Starbucks venue, but it was really nice to see a couple of kids mix it up with the adults playing chess over the boards!

Kevin was there, along with Daniel and his girlfriend, as were Mike T. and IMRonald; and, young William, there with his grandmother; plus Anh who was there from his family's business next door (Munchy's Lounge). Most of us later went to Munchy's for some summer treats, and it was there that Ronald put on a blindfold and played a winning game of chess with the kids, to the enjoyment and amazement of several customers!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, and our next session is this Wednesday, July 26th, with a free tall drink to the first player who can solve a specific chess puzzle on the first try!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone...!

About a dozen players were on hand to play chess over the boards last Wednesday, another hot summer day, at our regular Starbucks venue. However, most of us had fun going next door to the Grand Opening of Munchy's Lounge, where several of us enjoyed some rather exotic, cold, very tasty smoothies! On hand for chess at Starbucks were Duncan, FrBen, Mike T., Ernie, Sam C., Matthew, Bert, Mike Th., Meredith, Anh, and Trmy --- and Meredith and Trmy even played chess at Munchy's!

We meet again this Sunday, July 23, 2023, same place, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, all ages and skill levels welcome, no dues, come and go anytime, no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle, and the first player to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice!

Looking ahead to August, we may have another USCF-rated club tournament, figure Sunday, August 20, 2023, same time control (G/30;d.10), . . . stay tuned for more details.

Stop by, 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, July 19, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Starbucks at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Concord's Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. is where it's at for fun, challenging chess over the boards -- all ages and skill levels welcome -- every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing! No dues, no purchase required, come and go anytime! There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice! We meet again this Wednesday, July 19, 2023, so come on by, get your game up, make new friends, renew old friendships!

This past Sunday saw 6 players each play 3 USCF-rated matches in a neat little club tournament that had an entry fee of $20-25 and a prize fund of $135. Tied for 1st Place and more than doubling their entry fees were Tony and Ben C. with 2 wins and a draw apiece; and, 2nd Place went to Kevin, who had 2 wins and also made a profit! Ron C., Mike T., and Dale C. rounded out the field, as everyone in it to win it enjoyed some pretty good games and had fun. Where was everyone else who expressed interest? Anyways, we'll have another set or two sometime mid to late August, so stay tuned!

It was also good to see Max, Juliana, Anh and Trmy come by to play some chess later in the afternoon, and was it ever at hot, hot temperatures outside!

See you soon, stay cool and healthy,

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #6024746

CHESS this Sunday, July 16, 2013 at Carl's Jr. & Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

There's chess over the boards as usual at our regular Starbucks venue from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time this Sunday, July 16, 2023. However, USCF-rated matches begin at 12:30 p.m. at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is just across the side parking lot from Starbucks.

If there are not enough players at Carl's Jr. to make either a Quad or group of 6, unrated matches can be played, and entry fees will be returned. To compete in rated matches, the posted entry fee is $20 paid before Sunday, $25 if paid on Sunday. In addition, players must be current members of the US Chess Federation. Time Control, as posted, = G/30;d.10.

Last Wednesday's session saw at least 9 players enjoy the afternoon of fun, challenging chess! We welcomed yet another player new to the club, a fellow by name of Moses, and there to welcome him were Tony, Matthew, Mike T., Ben C., Bert, Mike S., Ben, and Alwin (long time no see, Alwin!).

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, 3:00 p.m. to closing, at the Starbucks at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd, in the Clayton Shopping Center. All ages and skill levels welcome, no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, July 12th at Starbucks!

Hello All!

We do meet again this Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at our regular Starbucks venue, same time, 3:00 p.m. through to closing. All ages and skill levels welcome, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first player to solve it on the first try wins a free Starbucks beverage of choice!

I also encourage you to attend our next USCF-rated Club Tournament at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant across the parking lot from our usual Starbucks locationon Sunday, July 16:

Time Control: G/30;d.10

Start Times: 1st Rd: 12:30 p.m.; 2nd Rd: NLT 2:00 p.m.; 3rd Rd: NLT 3:30p.m.

Format: Quads; or, Groups of 6 or more players; Swiss Pairing System.

Entry Fee: $20 paid on or before 07/15/23; $25 if paid on 07/16/23. At least 90% of Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes: Quads: 1st Place $40; 2nd Place $30. For Groups of 6 or more players, amounts to be determined based on the number of entries, for !st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners.

Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew, go online at www.uschess.org. For new members, your US Chess Federation ID # and name as listed on USCF rolls will be needed.

[Note: Players not participating in the tournament are welcome to observe the matches, or play chess with other non-participating players at either Carl's Jr.Restaurant, or back at Starbucks.]

See you this Wednesday July 12 and/or Sunday July 16...!

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

About a dozen players enjoyed chess over the boards this past Wednesday, including young William, who was there with mom Rochelle and little sister Ella; Tony, Sam C., Ben C., Max, FBen, MikeT., Matthew, Ronald Ci., Ernie, Olaf, Dan, and John S.! Did I miss anyone? . . . and it was Max who solved the chess puzzle!

A top highlight of the afternoon was the matches played by Ronald against Ben C., FBen, Max, and Tony . . . simultaneously! The challenge, played for fun, was that anyone who could best Ronald in the simul (G/30) would win a Starbucks Grande beverage of choice; and that if Ronald beat all four of them, he would win a large pepperoni & mushroom pizza! All four players were tough opponents for Ronald who, as the results went, enjoyed his pizza and shared it as well!

We meet again this Sunday, July 9, 2023, at our usual Starbucks venue, as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice!

Sunday, July 16, 2023 USCF-rated Club Tournament: G/30;d.10; 3Rds. Quads or groups of 6 or more players. Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant next to our Starbucks venue. Current membership in the US Chess Federation required. Start Time: 12:30 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 if paid before 07/16; $25 if paid on 07/16. At least 90% of Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes, amounts to be determined based on number of entries. 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 Wednesday, July 5th, at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Here's hoping everyone had a good 4th of July Independence Day holiday! We meet again for chess over the boards this Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue! Players come and go anytime, no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice). All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters, and there usually is a chess puzzle to solve, with a free tall Starbucks drink going to the first player to solve it on the first try!

The heat this past Sunday (about 103 degrees Fahrenheit) did not keep about 11 players away from the boards: Tony, Reza,Samuel, Mike T., Ben C., Jordy, Samuel, Ronald, Diego, Alexis (with her service dog), and Sam C. were there to enjoy the challenge and fun of the game of chess (Sam was the first to solve the chess puzzle, but it was on his second try, so close to his first!!).

We're having a fun USCF-rated club tournament Sunday, July 16, 2023 at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is just across the side parking lot from our regular Starbucks venue! Here are the details:

Format: 3 Rounds; Quads or Groups of 6 or more players.
Start Times: 1st Rd 12:30pm; 2nd Rd NLT 2:00pm; 3rd Rd NLT 3:30pm.
Time Control: G/30;d.10 (30 minutes per side, with a 10-second delay per turn).
Entry Fee: $20 paid on or before 07/15/2023; $25 if paid on 07/16/2023.
Cash Prizes: As usual, 90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes, amounts to be determined based on number of entries.
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew, go online at www.uschess.org.
(Note: Players not participating in the tournament are welcome to observe matches, or play chess with other non-participants at either Carl's Jr. or back at Starbucks.)

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

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

It was so nice to see several kids come by to play chess over the boards with each other and with adults this past Wednesday at our regular Starbucks venue!

First there was William, who was with his Mom Rochelle and his younger sister Ella. Then, just when William left the chess boards, there came young Anh and his younger sister Mamin, soon followed by young Zachary and his younger brother Sammy (both students of mine in an after-school program) and their Dad!

All were welcomed by Tony, Mike T., Sam C., Ben D., Mike S., Bert, Meredith, Angel, and Ben C. (who solved the chess puzzle on his first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink!).

More players, possibly including a couple of masters, are expected to come by this coming Sunday, July 2nd, as we continue to meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

So then, come on by, get your game going, make new friends, renew old friendships! We'll even have a club tournament on Sunday, July 16, 2023 - see our Upcoming Club Tournaments page for more info.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 28th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

This past Sunday, Sam C., Mike T., Tony, Kevin, Ben, and Jordy were on hand to welcome over the chess boards new players Dara, Devin, Dole, Tucker, and young Jackson! It was also so nice to meet Alison, who is Jackson's mom; Michelle, Ben's spouse; and Emily, who was there with Jordy and Darra! By the way, Sam C. solved the chess puzzle on his first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, 3 p.m. on through closing time. Players come and go anytime, no dues, no purchase required (though it would be nice). All ages and skill levels are welcome, from novices to masters! There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink!

Looking ahead:

USCF-Rated Club Tournament July 16, 2023:

Location: Carl's Jr.Restaurant (across the parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue).
Format: 3 rounds for Quads; also for groups of 6 or more players, Swiss Syst.
Start Times: 1st Rd. 12:30 p.m.; 2nd Rd. NLT 2:00 p.m.; 3rd Rd. NLT 3:30 p.m.
Time Control: G/30;d.10 (30 minutes per side, with a 10-second delay per turn).
Entry Fee: $20 paid on or before 07/15/23; $25 if paid on 07/16/23.
Cash Prizes: as usual, 90% or more of Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes, amounts to be determined based on number of entries.
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew, go online at www.uschess.org.

(Note: Players not participating in the tournament are welcome to observe matches, or play chess with other non-participating players at the restaurant or back at Starbucks).

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, June 25th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Challenging and fun chess played over the boards is certainly the thing to do this Sunday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. through closing time (players can come and go anytime) at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center just a couple of driveways from the corner of Concord's Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.

We also meet Wednesday afternoons, same time, same place. All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, and there is no purchase required. Players there early usually have a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Wednesday's session saw Bert, Tony, Mike T, Tony, Sam C., Matthew, Red, John S., Mike S., and Ben mix it up over the boards! We never know whether at any session there will be less than 10 players, or 20 or 30 or more players, so come by and make new friends, renew old friendships, if you haven't been by in a while!

We'll have a USCF-rated club tournament in late July, with a time control of G/30;d.10. Stay tuned for more details, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 21st & Sunday, June 25th at Starbucks!

Hello!

As we meet for chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, our next sessions are this Wednesday, June 21 and Sunday, June 25th. We're located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways from the Concord, CA corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.

Some of our club's players competed in the National Open, Las Vegas Chess Festival in Las Vegas this past weekend! While I don't know all the results yet, I can say my chess was a disaster(!) . . . however . . . I had a great time with new and old friends (both fellow travelers and several Las Vegas locals) at, shall we say, the Las Vegas "scene." It all made the trip worthwhile even though the late, late nights took their toll at the chess boards, but I'll probably be back next year, with a better chess game! (I think I've said that before, lol.)

Last Wednesday's session at our Starbucks was certainly fun, and included meeting yet another new player, Brian, with his wife Susan! There to enjoy the afternoon and early evening last week were Tony, Mike T., Mike S., Duncan, one of our two newer players named Ben, John S., Mark M., Irakli, and even Matthew dropped by to say hi with his daughters and little son, as did Erin and her chess playing sons Evan and Zane!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. There are no dues. Players come and go anytime, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

See you soon and, by the way, we will have a USCF-rated club tournament sometime in late July, so stay tuned!

- MikeT.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024764

CHESS on Wednesday, June 14, at Starbucks!

Hello!

For fun, challenging chess over the boards, we meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., right on the border of Concord and Clayton, Calif., just a couple driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center! Players come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to do so on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

This past Sunday's session saw nearly 20 players and companions enjoy an afternoon and early evening of chess, with at least 2 more new players welcomed to the club: Lucas, with his mom Stacy; and, Ben with his wife Michelle! There to welcome them to the scene were: Kevin, Sam C., Mike T., Jordy, Roman, Aaron, Duncan, Meredith, Reza, Tony, Olaf, Matthew, and Sabina with her younger brother and her Dad!

Our next session of course is this Wednesday, June 14, and we expect to see at least a couple players practicing for the Las Vegas Chess Festival & National Open, which starts in Las Vegas this Thursday evening and winds up on Sunday. Other club players going are probably already packed and on their way!

Our next USCF-rated club tournament will be sometime late July or mid-August 2023. Stay tuned, and thanks much for your interest and friendship!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024764

CHESS this Sunday, June 11th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Last Wednesday's session saw at least 15 players come by for an afternoon and early evening of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! We welcomed Kayla and her mom (visiting from Michigan thru Vacaville, we hope to see them again!), and with them for the fun and challenge of the game were Aaron, Roman, Red, Mike T., Yancy, Sam C., Vernon, Henry and his kids Ian, JJ, and Kayden, and Vernon as well as Diego! Did I miss anyone? Both Yancy and JJ, at different times, were able to solve the chess puzzle!

We meet again this Sunday from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, same place --- and several players might actually be there even earlier, to practice to be even more prepared for a rather large tournament coming up next weekend . . . in Las Vegas!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required, as players come and go anytime. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 7th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Just a shorter note this time, to welcome new players young Angel, and Roman's bro Aaron to the club! Along with Roman, Angel, and Angel's Dad were Mike T., Tony, Fordy, Yancy, Kevin, Olaf, and Mark M. enjoying an afternoon of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue last Sunday!.

We meet again this Wednesday afternoon, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, come and go anytime, no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink!

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 31st at Starbucks!

Hello!

Despite the long Memorial Holiday weekend, this past Sunday saw at least a dozen players enjoy the challenge and fun of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! There to welcome Dhara, our newest player, to the club were Tony, Juliana, Meredith, Nancy, Red, Jordy, Myles, Mike T., Sam S., and Rafael . . . !

We meet again this Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, same place, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 28th at Starbucks!

Hello!

It's our long Memorial Day weekend! If you're in the area and would like to enjoy an afternoon and even an early evening of fun, challenging chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday, May 28, 2023, by all means come on by! We're there from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time! We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, come and go anytime, there are no dues, there's not even a purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place (Starbucks at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from Concord's corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.).

Last Wednesday saw about a couple dozen players and supporters enjoy the game of chess: First timers Reuben, Sochie, Mark, and Luis were welcomed and made many new friends! It sure was fun to see young Zachary and Sammy, two of Ronald and my chess students, along with their grandparents Igor and Zhanna! Not to be out done were young gamers Ian and JJ, along with mom Paige! And there was Meredith, a graduating senior from Clayton Valley High, congratulations! Certainly on hand to enjoy the company and all that chess has to offer were Hossam, Red, Matthew, Nando, Bert, Mike S., Tony, Ben, Angel, and of course, Mike T.!

That's it, come on by, make new friends, renew old friendships, play chess! See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 24th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Well more than a dozen players enjoyed the afternoon and early evening of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! It was so nice to see Keko there with Ona, and that chess masters Ronald and Manny were there too, along with Mike T., Farbod, Reza, Ron, Tony, Kevin, Meredith, Balraj, Yancy, Red, Olaf, and new player Leo!

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 corner of Concord's Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and players can come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice (no player was able to solve last Sunday's puzzle on the first try).

So then, the weather's just fine, come on by and enjoy the game of chess over the boards, make new friends, renew old friendships! See you soon.

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 21st at Starbucks!

Hello!

It's going to be quite a nice day for chess over the boards this Sunday, May 21, 2023 at our usual Starbucks venue!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. through closing time at our Starbucks (1536 Kirker Pass Rd, in the Clayton Shopping Center). We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try gets a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our session last Wednesday saw most players enjoying chess in the shade outside of Starbucks! Having fun with chess that day were Farbod, Tony, Red, Mike T., Bert, Samuel, Matthew, Adrian, Yancy, Irakli, Ian (who solved the puzzle!), and FIDE Master Rich K.!

So then, come on by, enjoy the fun and challenge of the game of chess, make new friends, and renew old friendships!

See you there,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 17th at Starbucks!

Hello!

It's always so nice to have new players join us and see them interact with our regular players as well as those who come by time to time, and those who return after a long absence from the chess-over-the-boards scene at our usual Starbucks venue!

We continue to meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3pm through to closing time, with players coming and going anytime. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve: first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday's session, despite the observance of Mother's Day, saw about 10 players enjoy the afternoon of fun, challenging chess! There to welcome new players Samuel and Jordy were Farbod, Chris N., Red. Kevin, Tony, Mike T., Keko, and -- long time no see -- David T.! We certainly can't predict the number of players who will come by for chess, whether it be on a Sunday or Wednesday afternoon: it could be six, or twenty-six or more! So then, see you soon or when you can make it! Here's to making new friends, and renewing old friendships!

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

Hello!

It's Mother's Day this Sunday, May 14th, and if you have the opportunity to join in the fun and challenge of chess over the boards later in the day, we meet as usual from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place. 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). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one who solves it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink!

If anyone noticed that I wasn't around much the last two sessions, it was only because I got jammed with certain pollen allergies that turned into a nasty case of sinusitis (and that's all it was, per tests and visit to doctor's office). So then, here's looking forward to seeing many of you this Sunday or whenever you can make it to our regular sessions!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 10th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Just a short note to say we meet once again this Wednesday afternoon, May 10, 2023, at our usual Starbucks venue for fun, challenging chess over the boards! The first one to solve a certain chess puzzle on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. All ages and skill levels are welcome; come and go as you wish, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Last Sunday, we welcomed yet another new player to the club. On hand to welcome Luis (and wife Ona) to the club were Tony, Mike T., Kevin, Sam N., Suhas and his Dad, and Yancy (who solved that day's chess puzzle on his first try)!

If you're up for USCF-rated Quads competition next Sunday and Wednesday, let me know.

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 7th at Starbucks!

Hello!

There's chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 pm on through closing time! We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). This Sunday, May 7th, is no exception, and we can expect to see more new players! There's usually a chess puzzle to solve, with a free tall Starbucks drink for the one who is the first to solve it on the first try!

Last Wednesday's session saw about a dozen players, and we welcomed our newest player, Ben, to the club! There to welcome him were Maria, Mike T., Mike S., Bert, Tony, Sam C., Irakli, Manuel, Ernie, and Yancy (who, once again, solved the day's chess puzzle on the first try!). Did I miss anyone?

For those interested in rated competition (especially those who still have provisional ratings), on either or both Sundays, May 14 and 21, 2023, we can have USCF-rated Quads, to be played over 2 sessions at either Starbucks or Carl's Jr (which is just across the side parking lot from Starbucks). These matches would also be good matches for those planning to compete in the Las Vegas Chess Festival this coming June! For our Quads, Time Control=G/45;d10. EF=$15. Starting time: 2:00 p.m. 1st Place=$30; 2nd Place=$25. Let me know if you're up for this, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hello!

There's lots of chess over the boards this Wednesday afternoon, May 3, 2023 from 3pm on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, 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 meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place! We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, there are no dues, there is no purchase requirement, and there's usually a chess puzzle to see who will be the first player to solve it on the first try, to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday several players enjoyed the afternoon of chess, and we also concluded our club's April fun, USCF-rated tournament. There for the games were Ohm and his family, along with Myles, Juliana, Kevin, Tony, Mike T., Red, Sam C., Jay, Vin, Vin Sr., and Roman!

Our USCF-rated club tournament concluded with Red once again taking 1st Place (and it's noted that he has won two club tournaments in a row, having now won 7 straight USCF-rated matches! Coming in a clear 2nd was Tony T., and tied for 3rd Place were Matthew and Trenton!

Our next club tournament may be for 3 rounds or matches, either in Quads or groups of six, all scheduled for Sunday, May 14, 2023, same time control (G/45;d10), with a first match starting time of 11:00 a.m. and an Entry Fee of only $25 (as, usual, at least 90% of entry frees are returned as cash prizes). Let me know if you're up for it! See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 26th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Our regular session once again meets this coming Wednesday, April 26, 2023 for fun, challenging chess over the boards!

This past Sunday's USCF-rated 4-round club tournament is underway, to possibly be completed this Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at our usual Starbucks venue (or tournament players may decide to play their matches at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is just across the side parking lot from Starbucks). So far, Red, Tony, and Trenton each have 2 wins, and Matthew has 1; and at stake are: 1st Place = $67; 2nd Place = $56; and, 3rd Place = $45. (As usual, more than 90% of entry fees are returned as cash prizes, with the balance going toward recent nominal local and USCF admin costs).

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required. For this coming Wednesday, however, those players competing in the USCF-rated tourney in progress for cash prizes may actually start their matches as early as 2:30 p.m. All other players are welcome to observe, and certainly to play chess with others who are not in USCF-rated matches.

Our next USCF-rated club competition will be on Sunday, May 14th! More details to follow, and if you have any questions or need more info, just let me know, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Friday & Sunday, April 21st and 23rd at Starbucks!

Hello!

Just a quick reminder that we can enjoy chess over the boards this Friday, April 21, 2023 at our usual Starbucks venue from 4:30 p.m. on through closing time. This is for this Friday only, as we continue to meet on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons.

We also have our USCF-rated club tournament this Sunday, April 23, 2023, starting at 12:30 p.m. at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant which is just across the side parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue. For details of the tournament, please check the Upcoming Club Tournaments page. At least half a dozen players so far have committed to competing in this Sunday's 1st two rounds, with subsequent rounds to be played on either or both the following Wednesday or Sunday, depending on agreed upon date and timelines between players and the Tournament Director, to accommodate personal work schedules. Those not participating in the tournament are welcome to observe and may play chess there or at Starbucks with others who are also not in the competition.

This past Wednesday's session saw about a dozen players enjoy chess: Irakli, Yancy, Red, Sam, Trenton, Tony, Mike T., Mike S., Diego, Bert, and Ronald . . . did I miss anyone? We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 19th at Starbucks!

Hello!

This Wednesday, April 19, 2023 we'll have our usual afternoon session of chess over the boards from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue! Our session this past Sunday saw at least a dozen players come by and play several very interesting matches: Trenton and Hayley were there, as were Suhas and his Dad Predbi; and, Red, Yancy, Matthew, Sam C., Meredith, Mike T., Kevin, and Reza!

We have an opportunity to add this Friday, April 21st as an extra session this week, from 5:00 p.m. through to closing time, so let me know if you're up for that and I'll confirm it in an email message to you.

This coming Sunday, April 23rd, we'll have another USCF-rated club tournament: check the Upcoming Club Tournaments page for all the details. This will be at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, located just across the side parking lot from our Starbucks venue. Those not playing in the tournament are welcome to observe, or play chess with other non-participants at either Carl's Jr. or Starbucks that day!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, there are no dues, no purchase requirement, plus there's usually a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink!

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

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

CHESS this Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Starbucks!

Hello!

Enjoy the fun and challenge of chess over the boards once again this Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 3pm on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd; in the Clayton Shopping Center.

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place, and 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!

Our session last Wednesday, April 12, 2023 saw at least 17 players and supporters enjoy an afternoon and evening of chess, right through closing time! We welcomed two players new to the club: Ty, and Ron S.! There to welcome them were Sam C. (who solved the puzzle!), Tony T (back from surgery!), Mike T., Sam S., Trenton and Hayley, John S., Diego, Red, Matthew, Duncan, Suhas and his Dad Prudhi, William, and Farbod!

Club Tournament Next Sunday, April 23!

Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across side parking lot from Starbucks).
Format: Quads (3rds); or Groups of 6 or more players, 4rds Swiss.
Time Control: G/45;d.10 (Forty-five minutes each player; 10-second delay).
Entry Fee: $30 paid before 04/23/23; $35 if paid on 04/23/23. (At least 90% of entry fees are returned as cash prizes for 1st and 2nd Place in Quads; and, for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and perhaps even 4th Place for larger groups, depending on number of entries).
Starting Times: 12:30 p.m. and No Later Than 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 23. The last round for Quads or last 2 rounds for larger groups may be completed on the same day, OR at time(s) agreed upon by matched players and the Tournament Director for completion the following Wednesday (April 26) or Sunday (April 30).
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. It's easy to join or renew, by going online at www.uschess.org

Note: Players not participating in the club tournament may also play chess, at either Starbucks or Carl's Jr., but only with players who are also not participants.

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

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 12th at Starbucks!

Hello!

There's chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this Wednesday, April 12, 2023 as players of all ages and skill levels can come and go anytime after 3:00 p.m. on through closing time for some fun, challenging matches!

This past Sunday saw more than a dozen players, including more new players like Greg and his kids Noah and Nicky; and, Thomas and his kids Myles and Mila, along with Mike T., William, Farbod, Ron Clf., Vin and Vin Sr. were there to welcome them. More players will be joining the fun as the weather gets so much sunnier!

Our next club tournament is still a go for Sunday, April 23, 2023. Visit our Upcoming Club Tournaments page for details.

Any questions or need for more info, just let me know. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, April 9th at Starbucks!

Hello!

After any celebrations this Sunday morning and if you have the time and need for a good chess fix, there's chess over the boards this Sunday afternoon, April 9, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue! Players there early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice), and players come and go anytime.

On Sunday, April 23rd we'll start another club tournament! Please see the Upcoming Club Tournaments page for more details.

This past Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen or so players enjoy an afternoon of chess over the boards. We welcomed two or three new players, William for one, and Jaden for another along with mom Jen and bro Mateo! On hand to welcome them were Serg and his Uncle Paul, Yancy, Matthew, Bert, Mike S., Mike T., Meredith, Red, Ethan V. and John S.!

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 Wednesday, April 5th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Just a short note to say we're playing chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue again, same time (3:00pm through to closing), this Wednesday, April 5, 2023. All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters and all in between. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required. 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 beverage!

This past Sunday's session saw a dozen players enjoy an afternoon of chess over the boards: Serg was there with his dad Paul, IM Ronald, Sam N., Kevin, Ethan and Evan V. with mom Stacy, Red, Mike T., Morgan, and Ruby! Last Wednesday's session saw at least a couple dozen players!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons at the usual Starbucks, and on Sunday, April 23, 2023 we'll have another club tournament. Please see the Upcoming Club Tournaments page for more details.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, April 2nd at Starbucks!

Hello!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00pm through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, and last Wednesday's session drew at least 24 players, including half a dozen players new to the club!

There to have fun with chess over the boards and to make new friends were Mike S., Steve, Vernon, Zachary and Sammy with parents Zhaana and Baha, Mike T., Yancy (who solve the chess puzzle of the day), Red, Duncan, Sam C., Sam S., Matthew, Bert, John S., Trenton, Diego, welcoming new players Ethan and his Dad Sonny, along with Zooey and Robent, and mom Meredith and her daughter Charlie with those yummy girl scout cookies somehow sold to some of the chess players!

We meet again this Sunday, April 2, 2023, same place, same time -- and players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters, are welcome to come and go anytime, and there are no dues, nor is there any 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!

Our Next Club Tournament:

On the afternoon of Sunday, April 23, 2023 we will start a 4-round USCF-rated tournament that will have all participants playing 2 matches that Sunday afternoon, and the next two on either the following Wednesday and/or Sunday depending on the schedules or availability of the players. We've done this before, it's not complicated at all.

Format: Group(s) of 6 players or more, Swiss Pairing System; 4 rounds.
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the side parking lot from Starbucks).
Time Control: G/45;d.10
Entry Fee: $30 if paid before 04/23/2023; $35 if paid on 04/23/2023. At least 90% or more of Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes (to be determined based on number of entries) for at least 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place; and, possibly even 4th Place!
Starting Times: Sunday 04/23/2023: 1st Match 12:30 p.m.; 2nd Match NLT 2:30 p.m. (3rd and 4th Matches on either the following Wednesday or Sunday afternoons to be at times agreed upon by the matched players and the tournament director, who will need to be present.)
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. New or renewal memberships can be done 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 29th at Starbucks!

Hello!

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

Our next session will be this Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Last Sunday saw Carl, Myles, Joe, Vin, Vin Sr., Meredith, Sam C., Mike T., and Yancy enjoy the game, with Yancy even solving a rather difficult chess puzzle!

Our Next USCF-rated Club Tournament (Based on 6 or more players)

Our next USCF-rated tournament will be 4 rounds, using the Swiss Pairing System, played over two sessions. The first will be on the afternoon of Sunday April 23, 2023 starting at 1:00p.m., followed by the last two rounds on the following Wednesday and/or Sunday, depending on players' schedules or availability, to complete the competition.
Time control will once again be G/45;d10.
The Entry Fee for this time will be $30 if paid before 04/23/23, or $35 if paid on 04/23/23.
Note: All players or participants must be current US Chess Federation members. Renewals or new memberships, allowing players of any age or skill level to play in any USCF-rated tournament in the nation, can be obtained easily online at www.uschess.org.

Let me know if you have any 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 26th at Starbucks!

Hello!

Good weather this Sunday, March 26, 2023 (before the next rains) for a really nice afternoon of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! We welcome players of all ages and skill levels! We're there from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time; players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players there early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks beverage!

Last Wednesday's session still saw about 10 players go at it despite the damp afternoon and evening: Red, Sam N., John S., Mike S., Mike T., Yancy, Bert, Steve, Matthew, and a new player ahead by name of Romo! No player was able to solve a challenging chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink, it was indeed a tough puzzle!

Looking ahead: Another USCF-rated club tournament will be set for Sunday, April 23. Similar format(s) as before, more details in the next email or two, with even larger cash prizes. As usual, more players will be playing in club tournaments as the weather gets better and we get closer to the Las Vegas Chess Festival this coming June!

See you soon!
-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday, March 22nd at Starbucks!

Hello!

Despite some rather gloomy weather this past Sunday, at least six players took part in the club's USCF-rated 3-round tournament held at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant across the side parking lot from Starbucks: Ron, Matthew, Kevin, Red, Steve, and Mike S. were the contestants for the fun and challenge of playing for cash prizes and ratings! On hand also to help was Ranen; and Sam C.and John S. came by later to get some post-tournament games in.

Results of the tournament: A clear 1st Place finish and top cash prize went to Red, who managed to win all three of his well-contested matches! A well-earned tie for 2nd Place went to Matthew and Mike S., who each won 2 matches to split the total of the 2nd and 3rd Place cash prizes!

The club will have an even larger USCF-rated tournament late next month, date and format to be announced very soon.

We meet again this Wednesday, despite the rains perhaps, at our usual Starbucks venue. If for some reason the Starbucks closes early or if you do not see any players, always check the Carl's Jr. Restaurant across the side parking lot, where we are always also welcomed!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, and there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). See you soon!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #6024746

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

CHESS this Wednesday, January 25 at Starbucks!

Hello!

Two Sundays ago we welcomed 3 new players, Rich P., Don G., and Sean, as nearly two dozen players enjoyed an afternoon and early evening of chess over the boards, as did at least seven players last Wednesday, despite rather wet weather!

We have a regular session this coming Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass, in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. 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 beverage of choice!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. Players can come and go anytime; there are no dues; and, there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

However, when we do have rated matches or tournaments with either cash or non-cash prizes, competing players -- regardless of skill group or division -- must be current members of the US Chess Federation. Membership costs are quite reasonable, --- moreso for students and seniors --- and can be easily obtained online at www.uschess.org. Rated matches or tournaments are announced well in advance, with info as to date(s), location, start times, skill divisions, entry fees and prizes, as well as format and time control(s).

For those interested, we lately have set time aside to experiment with and possibly develop our own version of four-player chess, but amp'ed up for speed, to be known as 4-Player Speed Chess! So far, based on a couple timed games (one at 5 minutes, the other at 10), the feedback has been that it's certainly offbeat, a bit crazy and fun, -- and Kwaku is the player to beat! -- would you like to try it sometime?

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

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

CHESS this Sunday, Jan. 22nd at Starbucks??

Hello!

Just a short note to say that chess players are welcome as usual to play chess at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday afternoon -- however, we'll not have our usual features such as a chess puzzle to solve for a free Starbucks drink, etc., as not too many players (myself included) are expected due to the much-hyped afternoon NFL playoff match between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers!

We'll resume our session with more players this coming Wednesday afternoon, and I'll have more info in the next email, see you soon!

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