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

CHESS at Starbucks this Wednesday July 28!

Hi Everyone !

Chess over the boards happens every Wednesday afternoon and evening at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, is gaining more new players every session since we started back up this month !  16 players came by last week, with new players Michael B., Matthew R. and Jayden joining the group!  On hand to welcome them were Maria, Sebastian, Art S., Mike T., Rey, Tony T., John S., John H., Roger, Ranen, Chris B., Dennis, and Diego along with Diego's daughter Athena!   (Did I miss anyone? ) Nice to see players of all ages and skill levels joining us for the first time or returning after some time away from our venue due to the pandemic !

Join us as we meet again this coming Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 4:30 pm - closing time of 8:00 pm.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the best tables and more matches! There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice).  Wearing a mask is still optional if you have been fully vaccinated; however, if you have not been vaccinated, please wear a mask, especially if playing indoors.

Looking ahead, we may have an additional day and time to get together for chess.  Tentatively set for every 4th Sunday of each month, starting Sunday, August 22, 2021, Diego may be hosting chess players over at his house's expansive back patio area!  Stay tuned for more info as to time of day/evening, and other specs; and, by all means let Diego know you're interested in playing at his place, when you see him . . . !

See you Wednesday! 

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

CHESS at Starbucks this Wednesday, July 14, 2021 (We're Back!)

Hi Everyone !

Chess is back over the boards again every Wednesday late afternoon until closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., just a couple driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.!

We start at 4:30 p.m. and wind up by 8:00 p.m.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the better tables and for more matches. Don't be surprised if there are other games to be played, but chess is the main attraction!

At least 15 players of different ages and skill levels came by last week to enjoy the game of chess once again in person.  At least that many or more will be there this Wednesday, July 14, 2021. 

There's no purchase required (but it would be nice) !  Masks are optional inside if you have been vaccinated; however, if you haven't been please wear a mask or notify others so they could put theirs on.

See you there, enjoy the game and the ambience, renew old friendships, make new ones!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
USCF ID #A6024746

CHESS Club Meets Again in Person at Starbucks this Wednesday July 7, 2021!!

Hi Everyone . . . ! 

At long last, Chess players of all ages and skill levels can once again meet and play over the boards starting this Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, Calif., just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.! 

Come by anytime between 4:30 p.m. and closing time of 8:00 p.m. (earlier the better for the better tables) this Wednesday, get some games in, renew old friendships, make new ones! There is no purchase required (but it would be nice). However, please do not bring food in from other places, other than a small snack if necessary, in deference to our host, the staff of Starbucks. 

Need to wear a mask? Not if you're fully vaccinated. However, if you haven't been vaccinated yet, please wear a mask if playing indoors, for your benefit and that of others, owing to the pandemic's current events, e.g., Delta Variant and all. 

Let's get our chess sessions back as a regular thing, Starbucks on Wednesdays!! Yay!! 

If you have any questions or need more info, let me know. Thanks much! 

-- Mike T. 

Contra Costa Chess Club

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

 Hi Everyone . . . !

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi All . . . !

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you there!
-- Mike T.

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

Hi Again Everyone . .  !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Everyone . . . !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Everyone . . . !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Everyone . . . !

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

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

Contra Costa Chess Club on Chess.com

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

Our Virtual Meetings this coming week will be:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Everyone . . .

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

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

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

Contra Costa County Health Department Order 

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

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

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

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

Hi Everyone . . . .!

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club

US Chess Federation www.uschess.org

Affiliate Club ID #A6024746