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

CHESS this Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

We meet again over the chess boards at our regular Starbucks venue this Sunday, November 17th from 3:00 p.m. through closing time, with players of all ages and skill levels welcome to 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 afternoon as well, same place, same time, etc. Last Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen players stop by for the fun and challenge of the game. Tom B. was with us for his first time, and there to welcome him to the club were Chris Th., Mike T., Matthew, Will,Tony, Irakli, Alex S., Bert, David T., Adam M., and Vernon! No player was able to solve what turned out to be a fairly difficult mate-in-two puzzle!

See you soon, enjoy the game of chess and meeting new friends and perhaps even renew old friendships!

Our next USCF-rated club tournament is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024.

The format will be 3-Rd Quads, with each Quad grouped of course according to ratings and each player playing three rounds. Entry fee: $30 paid before 12/08/24; or $35 if paid on 12/08/24. 90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes for 1st and 2nd Places in each Quad. Time Control = G/40;d10. Location of the tournament is at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is just across the side parking lot from our regular Starbucks venue. Starting Times: Rd1=11:00a.m.; Rd2=NLT1:00p,m; and Rd3=NLT2:45p.m. Requirement: Current Membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew, simply go on www.uschess.org. Please bring your chess sets and clocks.

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Carl's Jr. and Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament this Sunday, Nov. 10th at Carl's Jr. Restaurant!
(Starts 10:30a.m.)
Format: 3Rds Quads; and/or, depending on number of entries, 4Rds Groups of 6 or more players, Swiss System of pairings.
Time Control: G/40d.10
Entry Fee: $35.00 paid before 11/10/2024; $40.00 if paid on 11/10/2024 (90% or more of entry fees returned as cash prizes: Quads 1st and 2nd Place; and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for Groups of 6 or more players).
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across side parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue).
Starting Times: Rd1=10:30am; Rd2=NLT 12:30pm; Rd3=NLT 2:00pm; Rd4=NLT3:30pm.
Requirement: Current membership in US Chess Federation. Join or renew at uschess.org.
Please bring your chess set, board and chess clock.
Note: Non-participants are welcome to observe tournament matches, but are not to speak or otherwise communicate with tournament players. Non-participants are also welcome to play chess among themselves at available tables. We also expect to have a regular club session of chess at our regular Starbucks venue after the tournament.

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center. Last Wednesday's session saw several players enjoy the fun and challenge of the game: Ben C., Tony, Benoit, Lou, Anh, Mike T., Matthew, Alex S., Bert, and Diego. It was Tony who, for two sessions in a row now, was the first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink!

As usual, all ages and skill levels are welcome at our chess sessions, which usually run 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). There's always a good chance of making new friends, and even renewing old friendships. See you soon!

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

CHESS Today, Wednesday November 6, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again today, Wednesday, Nov. 6th, at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. As usual, players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). We meet also on Sunday afternoons, same time and place, and last Sunday's session saw at least 20 players enjoy an afternoon and evening at the chessboards: They were Ben C., David T., Ken C., Jackson, Alex S. Anson, So, Benoit, Tony, MikeT., Daniel U., Anh, Daniel C., Arun and son Arian, Lou, Chris T., Nathan, Tom, Adam M.; and, Dylan along with his mom Anna! Did I miss anyone? It was Tony who was first to solve a fairly tricky chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of his choice!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament for Next Sunday, November 10, 2024:

Format: Quads (3Rds); or, if Groups of 6 or more players (4Rds, Swiss System);
Time Control: G/40;d.10

Entry Fee: $35.00 paid before 11/10/2024; $40 if paid on 11/10/2024.

(Note: 90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes. Pays 1st and 2nd Place for Quads; Pays 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for Groups of 6 or more).

Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across side parking lot from our regular Starbucks).
Start Times: Rd1=10:30am.; Rd2=NLT12:30pm.; Rd3=NLT2:00pm.; Rd4=NLT3:30pm.
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew your membership, simply go online at uschess.org

(All those not participating in the club tournament are welcome to observe, but are not to communicate with players during the matches. Non-participants may also play chess among themselves at available tables at Carl's Jr., and, anytime from 3:00 p.m. on, at our regular Starbucks venue as well, because we will have our regular Sunday session there, too, after the tournament.)

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a short note this time to say we will certainly meet again for fun, challenging chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue this Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 3:00 p.m.on through closing time! Players can come and go anytime; all ages welcome, no dues, etc.

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, same time and place. Last Wednesday's session saw a great group of players come by to enjoy the game and company, and it was great to see young Anh and Anson's chess games get stronger every time we see them! (Thanks also to experienced adult players for helping get their games up!)

See you this Sunday! (No 49er game - it's their bye week!)

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Nearly 20 players of all ages and skill levels were at the chessboards this past Sunday. We welcomed back players we haven't seen in a while, like Evan and his mom Erin and brother Zane; and, Mark M. as well as Olaf. Rounding out the action over the boards were Max (who was first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall drink), Dan G., Ben C., Sam, Benoit, Alex S., David T., Red, David S., Anh, Anson with mom So, Lou, Adam M., Mike T., and Tony!

We meet again this Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our regular Starbucks venue. By approximately 5:00 p.m., the player who is voted as having the best Halloween-themed feature or look while playing chess wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! 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).

Looking ahead: We'll have a USCF-rated club tournament on Sunday, November 10th. Complete details, entry fees, requirements, etc. may be found by clicking the on Upcoming Club Tournaments tab.

Also ahead, Dan G. is hosting, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Lamorinda Chess Club's "Moraga Chess Happy Hour" at the Canyon Club Brewery, located at 1558 Canyon Rd., in Moraga. All ages are welcome; there should be plenty of chess sets available for use; and attendees are encouraged to enjoy some food and drink while playing chess!

See you soon, game to play and make new friends, perhaps even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

More than a dozen players enjoyed an afternoon of chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue last Wednesday. We welcomed Eric and his son Brandon to the club, and we also welcomed back Ken (long time no see, Ken!), as well as Jonathan and son Dylan, who were away on a trip! There to welcome them were Mike T., Ben C., Lou, Benoit, Red, Tony, David M., Anh, Matthew, and Bert! Players were not, however, able to solve the day's rather tough mate-in-two chess puzzle, needing a broad hint to get to the solution!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, at the Starbucks in the Clayton Shopping Center. 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 one to solve it on the first try wins a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

USCF-Rated CLUB TOURNAMENT DETAILS:

When: Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the side parking lot from our Starbucks venue).
Format: Quads and/or groups of 6 players or more, depending on number of entries.
Time Control: G/40;d10.
Number of Rounds: 3 for Quad players; 4 for Groups of 6 or more players, Swiss system. Note: Bring your chess sets and clocks. Pens and score sheets are provided.
Starting Times: Round 1=10:30 a.m.; Round 2= NLT 12:30 p.m.; Round 3= NLT 2:00 p.m.; Round 4= NLT 3:30 p.m. (NLT means "no later than.")
Entry Fee: $35.00 if paid before 11/10/24; $40 if paid on 11/10/24 (90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes: 1st & 2nd Place in Quads; 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place in groups of 6 or more players).
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew your membership, simply go online at uschess.org.

See you this Sunday, or very soon, and be open to making new friends and very possibly renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Despite the 49er game with the Chiefs this past Sunday afternoon, at least a dozen or more players came to play chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue! We welcomed back Chris T. after a very long absence, and he got some good, fun games in with Anson, who was there with his mom So. Matthew stopped by in the evening, though all or most players had left already, missing action with Tony, Benoit, David T., Arun and son Arian, Lou, Mike T., Adam M., and Red.

We do meet again this Wednesday, October 23, 2024, same place, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time! Perhaps see you then. Come by anytime - all ages and skill levels are welcome, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a brief message to say that we meet again, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue. Players come and go anytime; no dues; no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Our session last Wednesday afternoon was quite pleasant, with So and Anson there along with Red, Ben, Tony, Benoit, Mike T., Adam M., Alex S., and Matthew. Many more players are expected this Sunday afternoon, especially after the 49ers game which starts at about 1:00 p.m. During our chess sessions over the boards, there usually is a chess puzzle to solve, with the first to solve it on the first try winning a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our USCF-rated tournament is still on schedule for Sunday, November 10, 2024. For more details, click on the Upcoming Club Tournaments tab above.

See you real soon, game for chess and to make new friends, perhaps renew old friendships!

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