CHESS this Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

Last Sunday's session of fun, challenging chess over the boards literally had players of various ages and skill levels, from kids younger than 10 or 11 years of age, to high school and college teenagers, young professionals, older professionals; and, retirees among the older set! Well more than 20 players came by to play chess, make new friends, and in several instances renewed old friendships! There was even live music at our Starbucks venue, courtesy of Red and his talent at his keyboard! Adding to the highlights of the session was Patrick winning the prize of a free tall Starbucks drink by being the first player to solve the day's rather difficult chess puzzle on the first try!

We welcomed back, after a very long absence, John S. and Hossam, two of the "founding fathers" of the Contra Costa Chess Club, which they helped form back in late 2008. It could not have been organized --- and successful --- without them!

We also welcomed back Vinn, who was there with his mom Katherine. It was good to see young Amy and her Dad, as well as young Samuel and his parents and... of course young Aaryan and his Dad! It was great to see Olaf in the mix again, with fellow players Ben C., Red, David, Samuel, Lou, Rose, Daniel C., Reza, Patrick, Mike T., Daemon, Brandon, and one of our newer players, named Tony (did I miss anyone?). By the way, Tony T., one of our regular players, is on his road to full recovery.

We meet again this Wednesday, August 13th, at our regular Starbucks venue located in the Clayton Shopping Center, 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 to come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there often is a chess puzzle to solve, with the first player solving it on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

So then, come on, join us and get with the game of chess, make new friends, and perhaps renew old friendships! See you soon!

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