CHESS this Wednesday March 30 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our chess club meets for fun, challenging chess over the boards once again this Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. of Concord, CA. Come and go anytime. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from novices to masters and all in between.

Players arriving early for the better tables 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 this past Sunday saw several players enjoy the afternoon and early evening over the chess boards. Sam and Ken completed the final match of our club's 3rd USCF-rated Quad of the year, with a fantastic finish, with the clock counting down in seconds, resulting in a draw! Mike T., Tony, Yancy, Rob, Olaf, and Matthew were also there, and we all welcomed returning player Brandon and his friend and our newest club player, Clifford!

Our club's 3rd Quad resulted in Tony and Setsal tying for first place, halving the 1st and 2nd Place Prizes for each to receive $22.50, and the overall results will be reported to USCF for the ratings adjustments early this week. Our next club tournament will be a Round Robin format, entry fee to be determined, time control to be G/45;d10. Stay tuned, 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 March 27 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Play fun, challenging chess over the boards this Sunday, March 27, 2022, at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Station Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Valley Rd. in Concord, CA!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00pm on through 8:00p.m., come and go anytime, we welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters, and there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice).

Last Wednesday saw several players enjoy the game, and we welcomed Rob N., our newest player to the club! There to welcome Rob were Tony, Setsal, Mike T., Sam, Yancy, Irakli, Matthew, Michael J. and Serena!

Our club's 3rd USCF-rated Quad of 2022 will conclude next Wednesday with a final match, that being between Sam and Ken. In the meantime, results of our 1st and 2nd Quads of this year have been published in our previous email, and the results have been submitted to the USCF for the ratings adjustments. Looking ahead, as interest in rated matches grows, our club may hold a larger tournament, similar to the 8-player tournament we had earlier this year. There's also been interest in holding a blitz tournament, as well as a classic round-robin tournament.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday March 23 at Starbucks & Carl's Jr.!

Hi Everyone!

About a dozen players came by to enjoy the game of chess this past Sunday at our Starbucks and Carl's Jr. venues. Additionally, our club has now completed 3 tournaments this year, with 2 USCF-rated Quads finishing up in the last couple of weeks, with a third one underway!

Tony took 1st Place in our 1st Quad, with Matthew finishing 2nd and
Ranen took 1st in our second Quad, with Yancy coming in 2nd.

A 3rd Quad is underway, with Tony, Setsal, Sam, and Ken the competitors this time, and results are possible by next Sunday, March 27, 2022.

If you are interested in competing in a rated club Quad, the specs are:
3 Rds; G/45.d10; Entry Fee = $12.50; 1st Place=$25; 2nd Place=$20.
Matches are played by agreement on either or both our club's Sunday or Wednesday sessions.

Our club welcomes and enjoys players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. We meet every Wednesday and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to closing time at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., at the Clayton Station Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd.and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord. We often go across the parking lot to Carl's Jr., as well, so check there, too! Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Lately there's been more interest in having another larger "classic" tournament with a higher prize fund and more winners, as we had in our first tournament this year.It's also been suggested that we even a fun blitz tournament. Let me know if you're up for the added excitement of tournament play. If not, we're still here for you to keep enjoying the game strictly for the fun and challenge of it!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our next session is at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, this Sunday, March 20, 2022. We sometimes have USCF-rated matches at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant across the parking lot from Starbucks, so always check there too, as you can play chess (or other games) just for fun at either place!

At least 10 players came by to enjoy the game of chess at our usual Starbucks venue this past Wednesday. We missed seeing Ken, Vishwa and Eric Z. who were with us at last Sunday's session at Carl's Jr., but we still had some fun and rather challenging games (and a chess puzzle) this time at Starbucks with a group comprised of Tony, Matthew, Setsal, Mike T., Herb, Alwin, John S., Bert, Ranen and Irakli (who solved the puzzle).

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. There are no dues. There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). We meet every Sunday and Wednesday 3:00 p.m. through to the 8:00 p.m. closing time. Come and go anytime. Early arrivals usually get the best tables and often 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!

Ranen, Yancy, Irakli, and Vishwa will soon be playing their USCF-rated Quad's 3rd and final round either this Sunday or by next Wednesday, to complete our club's 2nd Quad and overall third tournament of this year! Stay tuned for the results of the 2nd Quad, as our club's 3rd rated Quad will soon be forming! Results of our 1st and 2nd Quads will be reported to USCF this week, now that the USCF server for such reports and ratings updates is back online.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday March 16 at Starbucks & Carl's Jr!

Hi Everyone !

Join us for fun, challenging Chess this Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at 8:00 p.m. at 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. of Concord, Calif.!

Come by and stay or go anytime after 3:00p.m. for chess and perhaps other games, as we welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between!

Players may choose to play their games at Starbucks, or across the parking lot at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, where you might even find USCF-rated chess matches in process! Players may certainly choose to stay at Starbucks to play their matches, rated or unrated. Players often check Starbucks first before going on to Carl's Jr.

There are no dues. There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players arriving early often 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!

This past Sunday's session saw at least 8 players having fun tangling over the chess boards. Ranen, Mike T., Yancy, Vishwa, Matthew, Setsal, Tony, and Eric Z. were there, as the club's 2nd USCF-rated Quad continued, with Ranen filling out the foursome in place of Steve for a 1st-round match with Yancy! Vishwa and Yancy then played their 2nd-round match. This Quad, with Irakli in the mix, is expected to conclude within a week's time, with results to be posted here, stay tuned! This Wednesday's session may also feature the formation and initial matches of our club's 3rd USCF-rated Quad of 2022!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, March 13th at Starbucks and Carl's Jr!

Hi Everyone !

Come by anytime after 3:00 p.m.on through the 8:00 p.m. closing time at both Starbucks and Carl's Jr. this Sunday, March 13, 2022 for fun, challenging chess at the Clayton Station Shopping Center, located just a couple driveways up from the 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, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early often have a chance of being the first one to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a Starbucks tall drink of choice!

Players usually meet and play chess at Starbucks the entire time. However, players who compete in our USCF-rated club matches or tournaments usually elect to play their matches at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across the parking lot, due to larger tables and a quieter setting there.

At either venue, the game of chess in our club affords players a friendly setting along with good vibes, music, and good, fun, interesting company! So then, feel free to play just for fun at either place, or even get in on the action in any of our USCF-rated club matches!

Last Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen players match up, with one USCF-rated Quad concluding and another one with a different set of players starting up! We welcomed Jackie C., who will play in our Wednesday Quads! Along with Jackie that afternoon over the chess boards were Tony, Mike T., Bert, Matthew, Herb, Setsal, Irakli, Vishwa, Yancy, John S. and Rich K.!

The rated Quad with players Tony, Setsal, Matthew and Herb finished with Tony snagging the 1st Place Prize of $25, winning 2 matches and drawing another (2 1/2pts.); and, with Matthew awarded the $20 second prize for winning 1 match and drawing 2 others (2pts.).

Another rated Quad started, with Irakli and Vishwa in their match Wednesday. Yancy and Steve will play theirs this Sunday. This Quad will continue next Wednesday, March 16 and conclude no later than next Sunday, March 20.

Interested in competing in one of our rated club tournaments? USCF current membership is required, and recent Time Control has been G/45.d10. Entry Fee for Quads has been $12.50, expect more for larger tournaments. Quads 1st Place Prize has been $25; 2nd Place Prize $20, with much higher amounts and more Place Prizes will depend on the number of players and number of rounds. Let me know if you have questions or need more info.

Thanks for your interest and support, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday March 9th at Starbucks and Carl's Jr.!!

Hi Everyone!

Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome once again this Wednesday, March 9, 2022, to play the great game of chess over the boards at either or both of our regular venues, Starbucks and Carl's Jr., located at the Clayton Station Shopping Center, which is just a couple of driveways up from the corner of Kirker Pass Rd. and Clayton Rd, Concord CA.

At either Starbucks or Carl's Jr. (which are just across the parking lot from each other) players come and go as they wish from 3:00p.m. on through both closing times of 8:00p.m. All or most players arriving before 4:00p.m. meet and start playing at Starbucks for the usual fun, challenging "coffeehouse chess". Other players may wish to continue on to Carl's Jr. for more spacious tables and a quieter setting, especially if they are in our club's official USCF-rated matches (as in Quads, which are now forming: Entry Fee $12.50; Time Control G/45d.10; 1st Place $25; 2nd Place $20; participants must be current members of the US Chess Federation.).

USCF-rated Quad Tournaments are now forming, and one is already underway, with the first round having been played this past Sunday at Carl's Jr.! At least 10 players had fun with chess last Sunday at both venues. There to enjoy the games and good company were Yancy, Irakli, Vishwa, Matthew, Herb, Setsal, Ken, Tony, Mike T., and Steve P. with his super-cute little daughter Cecilia!

The club's first official Quad of 2022 is underway with Tony, Setsal, Matthew, and Herb. They each played the first of 3 rounds last Sunday at Carl's Jr., with the possibility of playing the remaining two rounds this Wednesday at that same venue after first meeting at Starbucks! Results may be announced by this Friday, so stay tuned!

The club's second official Quad and possibly a third one may be formed and set to begin next Sunday, March 13. Who will be in the Quad matches? Once again, stay tuned, or if you haven't yet expressed interest, get your game up and join one! (You won't be overmatched.)

Note: There are no club dues. At either Starbucks or Carl's Jr., players are not required to purchase anything (but it would be nice, since they are hosting us). There is no requirement to join the US Chess Federation, however, if a player wants to compete in official USCF-rated matches, he or she must be a current member of the USCF. Players who wish to join or renew membership in the USCF 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 Sunday March 6, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

This past Wednesday saw at least 17 chess players at Starbucks! We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. through closing time at 8:00 p.m. Come and go anytime, as we welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between!

Our next session: Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. on as stated above, at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA., at the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord, CA..

There are no dues. There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players arriving early for the better tables 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!

Having fun with chess over the boards last Wednesday were Johnny H., Mike T., Tony, Olaf, Bert, Matthew, Vishwa, Irakli, Sam, Ranen, Setsal, Valeria, Yancy, John S., Alwin, Vernon (a player new to the club who stopped by to say he'll join us), and . . . Dennis! -- yes, Dennis (welcome back!) who used to host the chess club during pre-pandemic times!

The club's USCF-rated Quads for USCF members will soon be forming up, and the first of two Quads may very well form and actually start either this Sunday or next Wednesday! Entry Fee = $12.50; Time Control: G/45d.10;1st Prize approx $25; 2nd Prize approx $20.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday March 2nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone !

Chess over the boards is a fun, challenging social activity every Wednesday and Sunday, from 3:00p.m. through to the 8:00p.m. closing time at our usual Starbucks venue!

Our next session is this Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Come and go for chess and perhaps other fun kinds of games anytime after 3:00p.m., the earlier the better for the better tables. We're located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd, Clayton, CA, just a couple driveways into the Clayton Shopping Center near the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., in Concord, CA.

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. There are no dues. There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players arriving early often 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!

At least 15 players enjoyed the game and meeting new friends at our session this past Sunday! We welcomed back Johnny H. (lonngg time no see, Mr. H !), as well as Elisa and her 7-year old son Johnny, and met for the first time her Chess and "Go" playing Dad, Phac! We also welcomed new players Valerie, Evelyn, Lee, and Jacqueline! On hand to get some games in with everyone were Mike T., Vishwa, Yancy, Tony, Sam, Mark and Setsal.

Tony solved the chess puzzle on his first try, and a tip of the hat goes to Yancy for his time spent giving young, smart, and attentive Johnny chess pointers; and, to Setsal for his focus and time spent teaching Valerie the basics of the game!

Looking ahead, expect more USCF-rated club tournaments! Stay tuned, see you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Feb. 23 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We're definitely back at our usual Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA for fun, challenging chess over the boards! We're in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd, in Concord, CA.

Come by anytime after 3:00p.m. through closing time of 8:00 p.m. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters. Experienced players are willing to help novices improve their chess game, from openings to middle games to endgames. There are no dues, and there is no requirement to purchase anything (but it would be nice).

Players arriving early often get to try being the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Enjoying the game of chess as well as the company last Sunday were Art, Mike T, Setsal, Herb, Yancy, Irakli, Matthew, Vishwa, and Eric Z.!

Players who competed in our USCF-rated tournament that finished just last week already received their new/updated USCF ratings! Those players and others who play in our club have asked about when the next one is going to be -- and the answer is "soon" -- stay tuned!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, Feb. 20th Back at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We're back to having more fun and challenging chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday, February 20, 2022, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., Concord, CA, in the Clayton Shopping Center.

We start at 3:00 p.m. and usually go through closing time, 8:00 p.m. However, come and go anytime you like. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from novices to masters. There are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice).

[If Starbucks happens to be closed for whatever reason, just go across the parking lot to our spacious alternate venue, Carl's Jr. Restaurant!]

Club Tournament News: We completed our 1st USCF-rated Contra Costa ChessClub Tournament of 2022 this past Wednesday. A total of 9 players competed, 4 of whom were unrated but recent or brand new members of the US Chess Federation. The format was a 4-Rd SS; Time Control was G/45;d10 and the Entry Fee was $18. The results of all matches have been sent to the USCF as of yesterday afternoon. Here are the results and prizes won, with clear winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place:

1st Place, with 3.5 points = Yancy ($62);
2nd Place, with 3.0 points = Vishwa ($42); and,
3rd Place, with 2.5 points = Irakli ($22).

[Info for new/unrated players: the remaining amount from the entry fees were for the TD (Tournament Director) to send to the USCF to update all players' ratings based on results of all pairings/matches played. There was an amount left over that the TD used to sneak a sandwich with fries and a small drink -- I know, I saw him.]

Feedback from all tournament participants and visitors was that it was quite a success, and that they are looking forward to joining our next one! Based on feedback, the next club tournament will more than likely have at least a dozen players, if not more! The next tournament will be scheduled some time after the USCF updates the ratings, and all players should be informed of their new ratings within a week or so, if not sooner, by email.

The next tournament might be a 4 or 5-round SS; or, perhaps two or more sets of Quads, with each group of 4 players competing within their general skill levels and playing just 3 rounds.. All players liked the Time Control of G/45;d10 and did not want to amend it in any way. (It allows each player to be rated for both Rapid and Classic Chess.) All or most players agreed with a suggestion that the Entry Fee be set at $20, and that the starting time(s) should be earlier in the afternoon of game days.

Have any other useful ideas or suggestions? Just let me know, and many thanks for your support, it was fun putting the club's 1st one of the year together, here's to several more!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Carl's Jr. ! + Club Tournament News!

Hi Everyone!

There's lots more chess over the boards this Wednesday afternoon (tomorrow!) at our spacious Carl's Jr. venue, across the parking lot from our normal Starbucks venue!  Come by anytime after 3:00 p.m. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels.  There are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice).

This Wednesday Afternoon's Feature:  Conclusion of our 1st Club Tournament of 2022 ! 

Six players will compete in the 4th and last round of our 1st USCF- Rated Club Tournament of the year.  The pairings are:  Tony vs. Setsal; Mike vs.Yance; and, Matthew vs. Bert (who is the officially designated "house player" added to this tournament for a rated game for both himself and Matthew, making up for the withdrawal of one player before the 3rd round after the pairings).

Starting time for the 4th Round Matches:  No Later Than 4:30 p.m. (by agreement last week of all players participating).  All matches must start at the same time; however, there may be an earlier start for all players if all are in place and set to begin.  Otherwise, chess clocks start no later than 4:30p.m.

Last Sunday's 4th Round Match:  Irakli vs. Vishwa !  A Thriller with a Fantastic Finish!

Irakli and Vishwa met last Sunday by agreement to play their 4th and final round of our USCF-rated Club Tournament (the other six players opted to take in the Super Bowl, and agreed to play their 4th round matches this Wednesday).  Irakli had the white pieces, Vishwa had the black pieces.  The chess drama began quietly, and even after about 20 moves or so, not one piece was taken off the board, not even one pawn...

... Irakli and Vishwa's match turned out to be one of the most tense and exciting club chess matches I have ever witnessed !  The match concluded with both Irakli and Vishwa having less than 7 seconds left on their respective clocks ! Neither player ran out of time before the match ended !  And . . . there was a clear winner !  Who won?? By agreement (again!), the three of us decided to reveal the result . . . before the start of the matches this Wednesday!

See you soon,

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

CHESS on this Super Bowl Sunday, Feb.13, 2022

Hi Everyone!

Chess over the boards is still available after 3:00 p.m. at our spacious Carl's Jr. venue this coming Super Bowl Sunday, across the parking lot from our regular Starbucks venue. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Featured this Sunday, Feb. 13: There will be one USCF-rated 4th round match as part of our club's 4-Round Tournament which concludes next Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 16 at the same place, with six matches.

This Sunday's lone rated match will be between Irakli and Vishwa. By agreement, their game clock starts no later than 4:00 p.m. Irakli is ahead of the pack by a slim margin, and a win will probably guarantee at least a tie for 1st place for Irakli. However, a win by Vishwa would vault Vishwa into 1st place! Ohh the drama! The Tournament Director will be there.

Next Wednesday's rated 4th-round matches to complete the tournament will have clocks start no later than 4:30 p.m. The pairings are: Yance vs. Mike; Setsal vs. Tony; and, a rated match between Matthew and Bert (who has agreed to join the fun as a "house player" to round out the tournament matches, owing to Chris's withdrawal after a couple of rounds)!

See you soon, and it's great to know that our next club tournament will very likely have at least a dozen players in a 5-round tournament with even higher $$cash prizes !!

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

CHESS this Wednesday Feb. 9!

Hi Everyone !

Despite Starbucks, our usual venue, being closed, we're having a great time with fun, challenging chess over the boards right across the parking lot, at the spacious Carl's Jr. Restaurant!

Come by anytime after 3:00 p.m., the afternoon of Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, and enjoy the game! Players who are not in our club tournament are welcome to observe tournament games in progress, and may certainly play other non-tournament players (as Sam, Eric Z., and Mark did). Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome!

Our 1st Club Tournament of 2022, in progress:

At 4:30 p.m. this Wednesday (Feb. 9), at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, several players in our club tournament that began this past Sunday will start their chess clocks to play their third of a total of four rounds, with the last round to be played next Sunday! A total of 8 players, 4 of whom will get their first official USCF ratings, are in the hot but fun, friendly official tournament competition: Chris B., Irakli, Tony, Mike T., Setsal, Yancy, Vishwa, and Matthew (Chris B. and Vishwa will play their third round next Sunday at 3:00p.m.). Players need to arrive early enough to be ready to play at the agreed upon times. Clocks will start on time.

Who is in the lead, ahead of the pack, so far in our club tournament? I hesitate to say who, as the clear lead can change suddenly . . . plus, uh . . . I don't want to brag . .. .. (heh heh . . . lol) . . . .

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, Feb. 6th at Carl's Jr. -- Includes Club Tournament Action!

Hi Everyone!

Our chess session this past Wednesday was at our spacious Carl's Jr. Restaurant venue, across the parking lot from Starbucks, which has been closed lately. No problem! At least a dozen players came by to enjoy chess over the boards, and to welcome our newest player, young Johnny, with his Mom Elisa!

On hand to play chess and welcome Johnny and Elisa were Mike T., Matthew, Tony, Irakli, Setsal, Sam, Vishwa, Bert, Yancy, Diego, and Rich K.! Yancy once again was the first to solve the day's chess puzzle of his first try to win the prize!

Our club meets again this Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the same Carl's Jr. Restaurant for fun, challenging chess over the boards. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from novices to masters and all in between.There are no dues, nor is there a purchase requirement (but it would be nice). This Sunday's session features our first USCF-rated club tournament of 2022! I will be there by 2:30 p.m. to start the registration process.

[On those occasions when we have a club tournament, non-tournament players are still welcome to come and observe, even play, but must play only other non-tournament players, or tournament players willing to play in between their tournament games.]

This coming Sunday's USCF-rated Club Tournament: Game: 45 minutes per side, with a ten-second delay (G/45;d.10). Entry Fee: $18.00; Quads 1st Prize=$36; 2nd=26. If 5 players, Round Robin Format, !st=$40; 2nd=$30; 3rd=$10. If more than 5 players but less than 10 players, 4 Rounds, Swiss Pairing System(SS), Higher $$ Prizes. 8 players may make 2 Quads. More than 10 players, 5Rds, SS, possibly over two sessions, with even higher $$ Prizes. Players, whether rated or unrated, must be current members of the US Chess Federation, and must have a chess set, board and clock available.

Start Times: 1st Rd=No later than 3:30p.m., or sooner if all players are registered, with current USCF ID and rating (or unrated designation) available, and all entry fees paid. Next rounds will start no later, but possibly sooner by agreement, than 20 minutes after the end of the last game of the previous round. So far, the entry list is expected to include Viswa, Irakli, Yancy, Tony, Setsal, Matthew, and others who might commit at the last minute, plus myself.

[Note: Chess notation material will be provided, if needed. It is recommended that chess moves be recorded if at all possible, for personal reference and possible use in the resolution of any inquiry.]

I am this club tournament's USCF-Certified Tournament Director. If you have questions, or need more info, please send me a separate email message at: mtmiketre53@gmail.com.

See you soon,

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