CHESS this Wednesday Oct. 20th at Starbucks !

Hi Everyone !

Despite much cooler and windy weather with rain finally expected, at least seven players came by our usual Starbucks venue this past Sunday to enjoy the game of chess over the boards and indoors! No player was able to solve the chess puzzle on the first try to win a free drink, as Setsal, Mike T., Ranen, Irakli, Hasseb, Andrew, and Olaf settled in to play mostly blitz and otherwise rapid chess games through the afternoon and early evening . . .

We start our sessions earlier now, given that nightfall comes earlier. Come by anytime between 3:00 p.m. and closing time of 8:00 p.m. to play chess at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, just a couple of driveways from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., in Concord, this Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, same times, same place. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! Players arriving early have a chance to solve a chess puzzle on the first try -- touch move! -- to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Players who wish to compete in USCF-rated Quad(s) need to inform me so I can set it(them) up. So far, Setsal and Irakli are clearly up for a Quad, which is open to anyone who is a member of the US Chess Federation. {If you need info on how to join, or renew your membership, you may go on the USCF website, or join/renew through the mail using the official form available in our club.}

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Oct. 13th at Starbucks -- Indoors OK again!

Hi Everyone!

Join us once again for chess over the boards both indoors and outdoors at our regular venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, very close to the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord CA. We welcome players of all skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Come by anytime now between 3:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Our next session is tomorrow, Wednesday, October 13, 2021 and, as usual, players arriving early for the better tables and more matches have an opportunity to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try (touch move!) for a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!!

Please Note, Due to the Ongoing Pandemic: Customers/chess players who purchase Starbucks food and/or drinks and go immediately back outdoors probably will not need to show either proof of vaccination or proof of negative results of a Covid-19 test done within the last 72 hours. However, customers/chess players who intend to remain indoors may or will be requested to present such proof along with a valid photo I.D.

We will soon start our club Quads for players who are members of the US Chess Federation. Possibly as soon as next Sunday, October 17th! More specifics in my next email, stay tuned!

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

CHESS this Wednesday Oct. 6th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday, come by anytime from 4pm - 8pm at our regular venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord, CA. Our next session is this Wednesday, October 6, 2021, all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between are welcome as chess is to be enjoyed over the boards, in person!

We had a lively outdoor session last Sunday, with players that ranged from a 7-year-old phenom and a sharp teenager who solved the difficult chess puzzle, to a couple of masters who shared in the fun by playing blitz, bullet vs. blitz, and even by an impressive win via checkmate playing blindfolded !! Along for the fun that went into evening hours were Raquel, Paul, Mike T., Setsal, Matthew, Hasseb, Ronald, Manny, Andrew, Irakli, Olaf, Chris B., and Suhas and his Dad!

More players can be expected once Starbucks restores inside dining in the very near future, after their Covid-19 training. In the meantime, should weather be an issue, the Carl's Jr. establishment across the parking lot from Starbucks may welcome indoors chess players who are vaccinated.

We are soon going to have rated Quads, stay tuned, and see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday October 3rd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Join us this Sunday, October 3, 2021, anytime between 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. for fun, challenging chess over the boards at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord! We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from novices to masters!

Come by early for the better tables and more games, plus an opportunity to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try (touch move!) to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

At least 7 players came by last Sunday, and 11 players this past Wednesday to enjoy the game of chess outdoors at Starbucks, despite the venue's prohibition of staying indoors due to the County's required Covid-19 mandated training of staff. Indoor play might be available once again starting this Sunday. Players included Tony T., Art S., Andrew, Hasseb, Evan, Mike T., Matthew, Irakli (who solved the chess puzzle), Bert, Alexei, Olaf, Setsal (welcome to the club!), and one other who did not leave his name, but will return soon after having won one blitz game. Evan will be away for a month, and Tony for three weeks, travel safe!

Breaking News: If Starbucks still does not permit staying inside due to Covid-19 training of staff this Sunday, it may be possible for us to play indoors at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is across the parking lot. I will confirm that with Carl's Jr. 's on-site manager again this Sunday.

Note, however, that it is very likely that players will have to show their vaccination cards and photo I.D. -- and to keep masks on -- if staying indoors to eat, drink, -- or play chess, whether at Starbucks or Carl's Jr. For playing chess outdoors, masks are optional, though masks are required if going indoors to buy something or use the restroom.

See you soon,

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

CHESS & Starbucks Alert!

Hi Everyone !
Alert: (Info received thru Starbucks corporate channels, effective tomorrow, Wednesday, September 22, 2011, for perhaps as long as two weeks):

Starbucks, along with several other establishments with indoor dining facilities in local/county locations, will for perhaps as long as two weeks starting tomorrow, not permit indoor dining or drinking due to a new local/county requirement for all their employees to take specialized Covid-19 training.

Customers are still welcome to purchase Starbucks drinks, food and other products, (and use the bathroom as needed it's believed), but must leave the interior of the store with their goods.

Chess players, as are the other customers, are welcome to occupy the outside tables and chairs. Though there is no purchase requirement, I would recommend that players have a Starbucks product at or by the outside tables (to discourage any possible complaints from non-chess playing customers). Though we've taken over all the outside tables for chess before with no problem whatsoever, I guess we have to be more circumspect about it until the indoor facilities are once again open to everyone to enjoy.

Thanks for taking note,

-- Mike T.

CHESS this Wednesday Sept. 22 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

Chess over the boards is quite a going thing on Wednesdays at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, CA (just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord) !! 20 players came by last Wednesday, and at least 9 players came by for the fun this past Sunday at the same venue ( the nine were: Art S., Irakli, Hasseb, Matthew, Mike T., Evan (long time no see, Evan!), Roger, Diego, and Maria!).

We meet at the above Starbucks every Wednesday and Sunday from 4:00p.m - 8:00 p.m. Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters and all in between! There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

*******For those arriving early, there will be a challenging chess puzzle to solve. First one to solve the puzzle on the first try (touch move!) wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice ! No player was able to solve last Sunday's puzzle ("mate in two") on the first try. We'll have a different one this Wednesday. While the try for the free tall drink is free, a try for a grande-size drink will have an "entry fee" of 50 cents (which goes toward future club Quads)!********

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday Sept. 19th at Starbucks!!

Hi Everyone!

No less than 20 players came by our Starbucks venue last Wednesday to enjoy chess games over the boards! Sam C. was there early, and he was the first to solve the early-bird chess puzzle on his first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of his choice!

After Sam came several players, namely Hasseb, Matthew, Mark, Irakli, Bert (long time no see, Bert!), Ranen, Armen, Alwyn, Mike T., Olaf (another new player!), John S., Chris Th., Maria, Arturo (yet another new player!), Michael J., Serena, Omar, Isaacqui, and Rich K. !! However, we will not be seeing Michael & Serena until the holidays, as they have now returned to their studies at UCLA in Southern California. A highlight of Wednesday's session was a grueling match between Mark and Rich, with Rich managing to eke out the win!

We meet again this Sunday, September 19, 2021, at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA (just up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.). Come by anytime between 4:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome! There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice), so see you there!

The early bird chess puzzle will be a continuing feature. The first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink! Also: we'll be having USCF rated Quads in October, so stay tuned!!

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

CHESS this Wednesday Sept.15th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

More than a dozen players came by last Wednesday, and at least 9 players came by this past Sunday to enjoy the game of chess over the boards,despite the persistent summer heat, in the cool indoors of our Starbucks venue. Last Wednesday saw John S., Mike T., Tony T., Irakli, Hasseb, Diego, Sam C., Michael J., Serena, Jon, Omar, and Omar's pal Isaaqui at the long chess table there; and, this past Sunday saw Primo, Jocelyn, Jose, Hasseb, Diego, Maria, Irakli, Mike T., and Rich K. (one of our toughest players, long time no see, Rich!) enjoy the game's challenges!

Players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experts and masters, are welcome to join us anytime from 4:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m. at Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, just a couple driveways up from the Concord, CA corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. There are no dues, nor is there any purchase required (but it would be nice).

Beginning with this Wednesday's session, early birds will have a chance to solve a chess puzzle. First one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink! If you haven't been by in a while, the weather's going to get better, and the company's quite good, as usual!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday Sept. 12th at Starbucks !!

Hi Everyone . . . !!

There's also fun, challenging chess over the boards every Sunday now at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA (just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord, CA.) ! Come by anytime between 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and enjoy chess with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experts and masters!

Despite the brutal heat last Sunday, at least 8 players dropped in to enjoy the air-conditioned coffee-house setting to play the game of chess indoors (usually players are seen both indoors and outdoors there). We welcomed Primo and his sister Jocelyn, along with Art S., Matthew (who brought his daughter Emmaline earlier); and, Irakli, Hasseb, Chris B., and Mike T.!

Join us this Sunday, September 12, 2021 -- and for early birds, there will be a chess puzzle to be solved: first one to solve it on the first try gets a free tall drink from Starbucks!!

We meet at the above Starbucks every Sunday and Wednesday, from 4pm - 8pm. Those who play indoors are requested to keep their pandemic masks on (unless eating and drinking, of course). Masks are optional for those playing outdoors, but players who are not vaccinated need to keep their masks on, with our thanks for their consideration.

There are no dues, nor is there a requirement to purchase anything (but it would be nice).

Stay tuned for news regarding our rated club tournaments, regarding format, time control, entry fee, prizes, and tournament date and venue. The US Chess Federation just today renewed my US Chess Tournament Director (TD) Certification for another term of 3 years, so get ready! To be eligible to play, players must be current members of USCF. Let me know if you need more info or help regarding joining or renewing membership.

See you soon!

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

CHESS on SUNDAY Afternoons at Starbucks, Starts this Sunday Sept. 5th!!!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Our chess club now meets on both Sundays and Wednesdays at our Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, (just up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.)!!

Beginning this Sunday September 5, 2021, and every Sunday hereon, we meet at Starbucks starting at 3:30 pm thru to closing time! Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some very nice, interesting company.

As usual, there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice), and there are no dues. However, masks are required due to the pandemic if you're inside, unless you are eating or drinking, of course. Masks are optional outside, but those who are not vaccinated are requested to keep masks on.

See you there this Sunday, and/or have a very fine Labor Day weekend!!

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

CHESS this Wednesday Sept. 1st at Starbucks!!

Hi Everyone !

About 18 players of all ages and skill levels came by to enjoy chess over the boards at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd, Clayton, just a couple of driveways up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. & Ygnacio Valley Rd., in Concord!

We meet again this Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at our usual Starbucks noted above, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more games, more challenging fun...!

We welcomed 3 or 4 new players to the club last week, namely Sam C., Haseeb, Greg, and young Greg Jr.! On hand to welcome them were Tony T., Irakli, Ranen, Travis, Diego, Armen, Patrick, Max and Jon, Michael J., Serena, Maria, Chris B., and Mike T...!

Looking ahead, figure club quads or other types of USCF-rated tournaments can be expected to start happening sometime during September or October. Additionally, we may very well have a regular venue for chess over the boards on Sunday afternoons, and it could very well be our regular Starbucks place (meaning it's possible to have both Wednesdays & Sundays at our Starbuck!).

Stay tuned, and see you soon !!

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

CHESS this Wednesday Aug. 25 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

The weather's a bit better and more players of all ages and skill levels are coming by every Wednesday at our Starbucks venue for fun, challenging chess over the boards!

Join us this Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd. (just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.); come anytime between 4:00 p.m. and the closing time of 8:00p.m.

As usual: There's no purchase required (but it would be nice); however, face masks are required if playing indoors and when not eating or drinking. Masks are optional outdoors, but please wear one if you are not vaccinated.

Last week saw at least 15 or so players -- all enjoying the game of chess outdoors! Players included Tony T., Bob C. (long time no see, Bob C.!), Matthew, Mike T., John H., Armen, Art, Michael J., Serena, Irakli, Ranen, Alwyn, Cassidy (welcome, Cassidy, our newest player to join us!), -- and even Ronald dropped by briefly to observe some games and play a couple of whiz-blitz -- that's bullet vs regular blitz -- chess exhibition games (guess who won those) !!

Let me know in person whether you're interested in playing in our very own USCF-rated club matches within the next month or so . . . however, you must be a current member of the US Chess Federation to play in any USCF-rated tournament of any size in the USA. For our club, expect the time control to be G/45d5. More info regarding venue, time, entry fees, etc. will take shape,depending on the number of players interested. After all, it will be our first one since the pandemic thing all started. Let me know if you need help or info joining the USCF, or just go on line to join or renew.

See you soon!

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

CHESS at Starbucks this Wednesday August 18th!

Hi Everyone . . . !!

Join us once again, or for the first time, for challenging chess over the boards at our regular venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, this Wednesday, August 18, 2021, anytime from 4:00 p.m. to closing time at 8:00 p.m.!  We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners and novices to club players, experts, and masters! 

Come by anytime, earlier the better for the better tables, and more matches!  There is no purchase required (but it would be nice).  However, due to the ongoing pandemic, Delta Variant and all that's been in the news, please wear face masks if playing indoors, especially if unvaccinated, whereas if outdoors face masks are optional.

Despite the ongoing heat wave last week, at least a dozen players came by for the fun of the game, plus to renew old friendships, and make new ones!  Players who came by to enjoy the game of Chess were Max, Irakli, Ranen, Diego, Jim, Tony, Eric, Maria, Mike T. and Chris Th., and newcomers to the club, Armen and Alexei ! 

Note:  We may also play on Sunday, Aug. 29 from 4pm - 7pm at a different location.  Please let check in with me for more information.

Looking ahead:  We will have USCF-rated club quad tournaments.  Venue, Time Controls, Entry Fees, etc. to be determined,  We've done these before, so stay tuned!

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

CHESS this Wednesday Aug.. 11 at Starbucks !

Hi Everyone . . . !! 

More chess players are joining our club each week! We meet this Wednesday, August 11, 2021 as we do every Wednesday, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., just up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.

Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more games, and some really nice company! There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice).

Last week, at least 15 players of various ages and skill levels came in for chess over the boards, both indoors and outdoors at our Starbucks venue! We also welcomed Serena, Irakli, and Travis to the club, and we'll have Alex K. as a new player very soon . . . ! On hand to welcome them last week were Mike T., Chris B., Maria, Matthew, Michael J., Mark, Alwyn, John H., Ranen, John S., with several continuing on to Diego's place quite nearby to continue enjoying the game of chess!

If you haven't been by in a long while, c'mon get your game up, renew old friendships, make new ones! If possible, bring a chess set and board. Oh, and a face mask too, owing to the ongoing pandemic, for wear indoors -- especially if you're not vaccinated -- or for optional wear outdoors.

Note: If you are up for playing chess at Diego's place on Sunday August 29 (9am-11am; 2pm-5pm), let me know so I can pass the info as to who and how many to Diego. 

See you soon,

 -- Mike T. 

Contra Costa Chess Club 

US Chess Federation ID 

#A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday Aug. 4th at Starbucks !

Hi Everyone!

Despite the heat of the day last Wednesday, at least 10 players came by for chess over the boards, and we meet again with perhaps even more players this Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at Starbucks, our regular venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., near the intersection of Clayton Rd. & Ygnacio Valley Rd, in Concord!

We now meet from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the best tables, more matches, and time to renew old friendships and make new ones! 

There is no purchase required (but it would be nice); however, masks will be required if playing indoors.  (Masks are still optional outdoors. ) Stay healthy!

We will adding a meeting every 4th Sunday of each month on one of our member's spacious back patio!  If you are interested in playing there on Sunday morning and/or afternoon, August 28, 2021, please contact me and I will let you know the address.

Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome whenever and wherever we meet.  See you soon!

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