CHESS this Sunday, Feb. 22nd and Wednesday, Feb. 25th, 2026 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Despite the chill and some wet weather, the turnout of players of all ages and skill levels for our last two sessions was indeed impressive. Additionally, even more new players came by and introduced themselves and were quite welcomed by the more regular players. Among the players there for the first or second time were Jay, Aiden, Charlie, Mark S., Robert and Mike, and Jim along with about three others whose names I did not catch. Several regular players brought smiles to the group for playing instructive chess with newcomers like Angel, Mayume, and Malaia. Jacob stood out by taking the initiative to help two others new to the scene.

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our regular Starbucks venue, located in the Clayton Shopping Center. We certainly meet again this Sunday, January 22nd and next Wednesday, January 25, 2026, same place and time as 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 player who solves it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Last Sunday's prize was won by Patrick, and last Wednesday's prize was won by Matt. Who will solve this week's puzzles (which will be a challenge, for sure!)?

In closing, so very many thanks and much appreciation must go to all those who wished yours truly, still in slow motion in the slow lane of life, a speedy and lasting recovery from a recent surgery. See you soon, to make new friends and perhaps even to renew old friendships!

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