CHESS this Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

Good Luck, win, and have great, memorable games = for those club players matching wits over the chess boards at this long weekend's 16th Annual Golden State Open being held at the DoubleTree Berkeley Marina Hotel...!

Our club will have its usual session this Sunday, January 19 at our regular Starbucks venue. All ages and skill levels are welcome to play from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, see you there!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone...!

More than a dozen players came by to enjoy chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue last Sunday, and we welcomed yet another player new to the club. There to welcome Rene were Ben, Sam, Irakli, Tony, Red, Mike T.,Lou, Daniel C., Alex S., Arun and son Arian; and, Logan and dad Adam. Did I miss anyone? This time it was Sam who solved the day's chess puzzle!

We meet again, this Wednesday, January 15th, same place, from 3:00 p.m. to closing, as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons into evenings. Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice), and all ages and skill levels are welcome!

See you soon, up for chess, perhaps other games, but nevertheless expect to make new friends, and even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

We meet again this Sunday, January 12, 2025 at our regular Starbucks venue from 3:00p.m. through to closing time, with all ages and skill levels welcome to enjoy the game of chess (and perhaps some other games, too) over the boards! Players come and go anytime, and there are no dues, nor is there a purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Don't be surprised if you make new friends or renew old friendships --- just last Wednesday (we meet every Wednesday, too, same time, same place) Jimmy, new to the club but not to chess, was welcomed by Ben, Tony, Julia, Irakli, Matthew and Mike T. with several more players expected this Sunday!

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone...!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to closing time at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, which is just up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. We meet again this Wednesday, January 8, 2024. There are no dues, players can come and go anytime, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to do so on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Our last two winners have been Daniel C. and Max!

Last Sunday's session saw at least 19 or 20 players come by for the fun and challenge of the game of chess. Additionally, we're checking to see if the concept of having other games available (as a possible start for a "Chess & Games Club"). Based on a straw poll, several chess players and non-chess players (e.g., other Starbucks customers, including those accompanying chess players) have expressed interest in playing other games, such as those requiring strategy, logic, luck & skill, or just plain good ol' fun.

There for fun and challenge of chess over the boards were Ben C., Irakli, Corbett, Raj, Tony, Jackson, Logan (with dad Adam), Kevin, Mike T, Daniel C., Julia, Anson (with mom So), Yancy, Ken C., Liam, and David T. We welcomed new players Raj and Liam, and we welcomed back Kevin, as we did Meredith during our previous session, when she played chess as well as taught some of us how to play "Hues and Cues" and "Bananarama"!

In years past, we also had games such as "Scrabble" and "Chronology" going on at other tables, while Chess was in full swing at the main tables. This past session, we had the "Overrated!" game played by Kevin, then Julia, along with Mike T. and non-chess players Dan, Ernie, Adam, and Ken P. So then, while Chess remains the main event or draw, there is room for other games, subject to further feedback and/or tests of the Chess & Games idea for our club get togethers that feature making new friends and even renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

Just a short note to confirm that we meet as usual, every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, at our regular Starbucks venue for chess over the boards open to all ages and skill levels! Our next session is this Sunday, January 5, 2025. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice), as players can come and go anytime from 3:00 p.m. to closing time, 8:30 p.m. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Over the last few sessions over the holiday season, several players came by to enjoy both the game of chess and a festive coffeehouse atmosphere along with some fun company! Looking ahead, there may be a consensus to include in our chess sessions other games that could only add to the enjoyment of our get-togethers... more on this "Chess & Games" concept in the near future? Stay tuned, and we'll see you soon!

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

Chess this Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Starbucks!

A Very Happy, Enjoyable New Year to All...!

Chess is still available and welcome for all ages and skill levels this Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. to about 6:00 p.m., or through closing time for those who want to keep playing. There could be other fun games, I believe (Telestrations, anyone?)!

See you soon!

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

CHESS Next Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Starbucks!

Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year to All...!

Our next chess session will be next Sunday, December 29th, at our regular Starbucks venue, with all ages and interest or skill levels welcome to enjoy the fun and challenge of chess over the boards -- not to mention the smiles that go along with making new friends and renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone! and Happy Holidays...!

This Sunday, December 22nd, chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue will still be the usual fun, challenging activity for those wanting to take a break from the incessant commercialism of the holiday season to enjoy some time with friends over chess in a coffee house atmosphere. All ages and skill levels are welcome: come and go anytime as we play from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time.

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday, same time, same place, and last Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen or more players stop by to get some chess fun in for the day. We also welcomed a player new to the club, but certainly not to chess, by the name of Corbett. There to welcome Corbett were Ben, Sam, Lou, Tony, Mike T., Red, Irakli, David T., Ranen and son Noah, and even shy Willie came by to say hello... then, at least 8 of us went over to the Curry Bowl across the parking lot and enjoyed the time together over quite a tasty spread of Indian food!

See you soon! Enjoy the holidays and safe travels for all who journey near and far!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

A nice break in the weather brought at least 17 chess players of various ages to our regular venue for several games of fun, challenging chess, including a contest on a 4-player chess board brought by Chris Th.! There for the mostly mid-afternoon into evening session were Ben C., Benoit, David T., Sam, Mike T., Thomas, Chris, Red, Lou, Logan, Adam, Arun, Arien, Trey, Tony, and Matthew, and... did I miss anyone?

All ages and skill levels are welcome as we meet every Sunday and Wednesday at the Starbucks located within the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Road and Clayton Road, right on the border of Clayton and Concord. We run from 3:00 pm through to closing time, and players can come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice).

So then, stop by and join the fun, possibly make new friends and perhaps even renew old friendships! This Wednesday, as had happened once last spring, there may be a few players up for a meal together at the Indian restaurant across the parking lot.

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

CHESS this Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone! We meet again this Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at our usual Starbucks venue, in the Clayton Shopping Center, where we have chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, and go from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time! All ages and skill levels are welcome; players can come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

At least 14 or more players came by last Sunday, and we nearly had enough players to start a Quad or two, but it was a bit late in the day to get one going. We can always try again this Wednesday. There to have fun and enjoy the challenges of chess was a player new to the club, Logan, with his Dad Adam, both welcomed by Sam, Ben, David T., Mike T., Lou, Red, Keho, Adam M., Arian and son Arun, along with Nathan and his Dad Gene; and there was, late in the evening, an older gentleman whose name remains unknown as of this writing.

So then, perhaps we'll see you soon, along with a student or two home for the upcoming holidays from faraway colleges to get some games of chess in while certainly making new friends and yes, renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

We meet as usual this Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our regular Starbucks venue for fun, challenging chess over the boards, and we welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, and there's no purchase required. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Players who wish to form a Quad to play USCF-rated matches will simply need to confer with me for the necessary details or requirements, and the matches may be played at our Starbucks venue. Let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

See you very soon, hopefully ready to enjoy the game of chess over the boards and to make new friends, and perhaps even to renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

It was nice to see at least 10 or more players over the chess boards at our usual Starbucks venue last Sunday. Sam, Matthew, Benoit, Ben, David T., Mike T., Lou, Olaf, and Daniel C. were there, and even Willie came by to say hello...!

... Our next session is this Wednesday, December 4th, same time (3:00 p.m. on, come and go anytime), same place; and, those interested in playing USCF-rated matches can start forming Quads and agree on the entry fee... Or, just play for the simply challenging social fun of the game of chess, as usual! Quad matches (Time Control: G/40;d.10) may start, for example, this Wednesday, and can be completed either next Sunday or the following Wednesday; or start next Sunday and be completed within the next two weeks.

More chess club news later this week, see you soon and expect to make new friends, and perhaps even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone! And a Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Last Sunday we welcomed two more players new to the chess club: Kuhei and Robert! They were gladly! welcomed into the chess mix by Ben C., Benoit, Red, David T., Daniel C., Zach, Chris Th., Mike T., Ranen and Diego...!

We meet again this Wednesday, November 27th, from 3:00 pm through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters, and players can come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, same time, same place. If there are enough players to play in a Quad or two, we can even have USCF-rated matches! So then, see you very soon, and expect to make new friends, even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

Despite last Wednesday's unsettled weather due to the nearby atmospheric bomb cyclone river or whatever else it's called, a very nice group of chess players still dropped by for most of the afternoon and early evening to enjoy the game of chess and, yes, each other's company in a warm, coffeehouse atmosphere! Plus, we welcomed yet another player new to the club, a fellow named Michael. There to welcome him were Ben C., David T., Irakli, Mike T., Anson with So, Red, Tony, and Bert!

Our chess club meets again the afternoon of this coming Sunday, November 24th, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing. All ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues; and, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our next USCF-rated club tournament is slated for Sunday, December 8, 2024. Details may be found in recent posts and by visiting our Upcoming Club Tournaments page. And, by the way, if there's interest in having a USCF-rated Quad before then, even if simply played at Starbucks during our regular sessions, but played off to the side, let me know, and it just might be arranged.

See you very soon, set for chess and the possibility of making new friends and even renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

At least 15 players came by to enjoy an afternoon and early evening session of chess over the boards this past Sunday, a good turnout considering several NFL games of interest on television, along with dropping temperatures! We welcomed new players, Jack who was with his dad; and Daniel R., and we welcomed Cory back! We even had a 4-way chess game on a 4-way chess board! Getting their game on along with Jack, Daniel R., and Cory were Ben, Jackson, Lou, Max, Chris Th., Mike T., Anson (with So), Daniel C., Red, Tony, Alex S., and Adam M. No player was able to solve the chess puzzle of the day on the first try to win the prize, a free tall Starbucks drink!

We meet again this Wednesday, November 20th, at our regular Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). All ages and skill levels are welcome, and whoever solves the day's chess puzzle on the first try gets a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our next USCF-rated club tournament is set for Sunday, December 8, 2024. The format will be 3-Rd Quads, Time Control G/40;d10. Entry Fee is $30 paid before 12/08/24; $35 if paid on 12/08/24. Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across sidelot from Starbucks. Round 1 starts at 11:00 a.m. Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew is easy, just go on www.uschess.org.

See you soon, and don't be surprised if you make new friends over the chessboards, and perhaps even renew old friendships!

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