CHESS at Starbucks on Halloween?

Hi Everyone . . .

For those who aren't handing out candy for trick-or-treaters, Starbucks will still be open for all, including chess players who want to take in the Halloween scene over the boards, from 6:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. this Thursday evening Oct. 31 at the Starbucks shop located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. . . .

. . . and on Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., several chess players as usual, plus it's always fun to meet and welcome new players . . . same Starbucks, come by anytime, the earlier the better for the best tables, more games, and really nice company -- and remember to bring your chess set.

-- Mike T.

CHESS this Thursday Oct. 10th and Sunday Oct. 13, 2013

Hi Everyone . . . !

We continue to meet for lots of chess fun this Thursday evening Oct. 10 from 6:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon Oct. 13 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at our usual venue, Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the best tables, more games, and really nice company!

We've announced the 2nd Annual East Bay Open, set for Dec. 6 - 8, 2013 at the Concord Crowne Plaza Hotel! The flyer and entry form linked to the right. Check out our nifty box ad in the October 2013 issue of Chess Life Magazine (page 55) along with the Tournament Listing Announcement (TLA) in the magazine!

If you have any questions or need more info, just call at phone number below or numbers shown on flyer. Thanks very much for your interest and support for the grand game of chess!

So then, see you at Starbucks!

-- Mike T.
(925) 334-0081

2nd Annual East Bay Open - December 6-8, 2013

The Contra Costa Chess Club is pleased to announce that the Second Annual East Bay Open Chess Tournament will be held on December 6 - 8, 2013.

This year's East Bay Open follows on the success of the first EBO, held in 2012. Last year's Open drew more than 100 registered participants, with ratings ranging from Novice or Beginner to International Master and Grand Master. Players competed in 4 different skill sections, for a prize fund of more than $5,000. First Prize in the top section was won by Grand Master Enrico Sevillano, of Tehachapi, California, who scored 4 1/2 points out of 5 to take home the top prize of $1000. First Place winners in the other three sections were Alexander Mariano of Martinez, California; Nenad Zagorac of Walnut Creek, California; and, Darmawan Ali Effendi of Pleasanton, California. Overall, a total of 31 players won prize money of varying amounts.

This year's tournament will once again take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Concord, California. The site of last year's East Bay Open, as well as the Golden State Open earlier this year, the Crowne Plaza has proven to be an excellent tournament venue, with quiet and comfortable playing rooms, plenty of space for post-game analysis, attractive and affordable guest rooms, and close proximity to restaurants and freeway access, with free parking and a free shuttle as available to and from the Concord BART Station.

This year's tournament will once again be a 5 round Swiss, with a 2 and a 3 day option. Players will compete in one of 4 sections for a total projected prize fund of $5,500 or more ($3,700 guaranteed) depending on the number of players. Advanced entry will be $78, for entries postmarked or otherwise received on or before November 23, 2013. For later entries and entries on-site an additional $15 is required, for a total of $93. Special hotel room rates for participants will be $84 a night.

For more information or details on the tournament and hotel please download the tournament entry form.

Reminder - Blitz Chess Tournament in Richmond Next Week!

Don't forget, the West Coast Chess Alliance's Speed Chess Tournament is just around the corner. Marking National Chess Day, the contest will take place at Richmond's Hilltop Mall next Saturday, October 12. While there have been numerous pre-registrations received (including, we are told, at least 2 masters), there are still slots available. Hope to see you there!

National Chess Day
Speed Chess Tournament
Saturday, October 12, 2013

Prize Fund $400 (Guaranteed): 1st - $200 / 2nd - $120 / 3rd - $80

Location: Hilltop Mall Center Court
2200 Hilltop Mall Road
Richmond, CA

5 Round Tournament
Entry Fee: $10.00
1st Round: 1:00 PM
Registration: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
2 games per opponent (1 white /1 black) each round
Time Control: G/5 (Game in 5 minutes, no delay)

• Tournament limited to first 40 registered players
• Non-rated tournament, USCF Rules
• Chess sets provided
• Chess clocks not provided
• Pre-registration Encouraged

Tournament Director: Scott Mason
To download the Flyer, click here.

For more information contact: TC Ball at (510)439-6311 or thewestcoastchessalliance@gmail.com

Registration: Make checks payable to: Trendell Ball Consultants
Mail to: West Coast Chess Alliance
P.O. Box 20111
El Sobrante, CA 94820