CHESS today Monday Dec. 23rd at Mona's Bar & Grill!!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a reminder that there's fun, challenging chess and even other games over the boards this evening, Monday December 23, 2019 from 5pm - 9:30pm at Mona's Bar & Grill, located at 4635 Clayton Rd., in Concord, Calif. . . . !  All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters . . . !

No purchase required, and per Dennis, the venue's owner, if you happen to have an appetite or thirst, you can have anything on the Happy Hour Menu at Happy Hour prices all evening long, until closing . . . !  Furthermore, this evening Dennis will be there and glad to challenge, or be challenged, to any speed chess game!  Dennis is quite the chess enthusiast and is game to have Mona's Bar & Grill as a regular place for Contra Costa Chess Club players every Monday night!

Check it out!  And I'll see you there!  Happy Holidays!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation www.uschess.org
Affiliate Club ID #A602746

CHESS as Usual at Starbucks today Wednesday Dec. 18!

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's chess over the boards, as usual, this Wednesday evening from 5pm - 9pm at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. . . . and as usual, all ages and skill levels are welcome!

(Note:  Our next Wednesday evening session at Starbucks after today will be on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 . . . so then, have a very fine and happy holiday season with a really happy New Year !!!)

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

CHESS Sunday Dec. 15 at Panera AND Monday Dec. 16 at Mona's Bar & Grill !!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess sessions, over the boards!

This Sunday afternoon, December 15, 2019, from 2pm - 5:30pm, at Panera Bread Restaurant, corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek, CA !

This Monday evening, December 16, 2019, from 5pm -9:30pm, at Mona's Bar & Grill, at 4635 Clayton Rd., right next to a Fire Dept. Station, in Concord, CA !

… and of course, Wednesday evening, December 18, 2019, from 5pm - 9pm, at Starbucks, at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, CA !

All ages, and skill levels, from beginners to masters, welcome!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that there's the usual fun, challenging chess over the boards at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5pm - 9pm, all ages and skill levels welcome, from beginners to masters.  Come by anytime . . . !

--Mike T.

CHESS this Monday, Dec. 9th at Mona's Bar & Grill !!

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's chess over the boards for the first time this Monday evening, December 9, 2019, at Mona's Bar & Grill, located at 4635 Clayton Rd., in Concord, Calif. (between a Fire Dept Station and a TJMaxx store), from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. . . . !  Come by anytime.  All ages and skill levels are welcome!

Mona's owner, Dennis, also a chess player, is offering his restaurant as another venue for the Contra Costa Chess Club, for every Monday evening!  No purchase required (but it would be nice), so come on by, get your game up (other board games, too, if you like!), and let me know what you think of Mona's Bar & Grill as a new venue for chess. (You just might like it a lot)!

Also this week:  Chess as usual Wednesday evening, December 11, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5pm - 9pm.  Come by anytime -  all ages and skill levels welcome, as were more than a dozen game players at last week's session despite the wet weather!  On hand for the fun were Bob C., Dennis, Hossam, John S., Burt, Bobby, Amir, Chris B., June, Greg, Tony T., Diego, Tyler, Alwin, Mike O., and Mike T. . . . !

Then, next Sunday afternoon, December 15, 2019,  from 2 pm - 5:30 pm, we'll have our usual 3rd-Sunday-of-the-Month chess session at the Panera Bread Restaurant located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek . . . !

We're getting around, aren't we!? Plus, we even provide chess lessons for individuals or groups!

See you soon as the holidays are around the corner, come by, game on, make new friends, renew old friendships, enjoy!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation www.uschess.org
Affiliate Club ID #A624746

CHESS Wednesday Dec. 4th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Join us for chess over the boards this Wednesday evening from 5pm - 9pm at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif . . . !  Come by anytime for chess on or off the clock, also speed chess, all ages and skill levels welcome, and we play other board games as well . . . !

See you there,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Nov. 27th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . and have a very fine Thanksgiving Day!

Chess players of all skill levels are most welcome for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday, November 27, 2019, between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (come by anytime), at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. . . . Starbucks confirmed that they'll be open regular hours, despite Thanksgiving being the very next day.

Last week's session saw at least 15 or more players enjoying an evening of chess, regular matches along with some speed chess, matches both on and off the clock . . . as we welcomed Dennis, whose business location in Concord (Mona's Bar & Grill on Clayton Road) just might be another venue for yet another night of the week for chess players !  More details regarding this news will come your way in the near future.  In the meantime, some players have expressed a preference for a second chess day or night to be on a Friday . . . what say you?

Along with Dennis were Diego, Tony, Mike T., Amir, Bobby, David W., Rich K., Burt, Jonathan, Johnny, Shams, Chris B., Guru, John S., and Hossam at the tables, on a very active chess evening!

If you haven't been by in a while, drop in, get a game or two in, renew old friendships, make new ones!  See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Nov. 20th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

More than a dozen players (at least 14 or 15, I lost count after a while) of all skill levels came by for chess over the boards last week, and maybe more are expected this Wednesday evening, November 20, 2019, at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m. . . . Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

See you there,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Last week's session at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., saw at least 18 players come by to enjoy a fun, challenging evening of chess over the boards!  A few more players new to the club were welcomed -- Burt, Johnny, and Ulysses, for example, along with Tyler, Aulwin, Chris B., Chris Th., David W., Rich K., Mike T., Tony T., Amir, Bob C., Connor, Ernie, Hossam, Shams, and John D. . . . !  The evening even saw a couple games of Chronology, a trivia game of historical proportions . . . !

We meet again this Wednesday, November 12, 2019, same place, from 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m., come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting company!

This coming Sunday afternoon, November 17th, we'll have another session of chess over the boards, but at the Panera Bread Restaurant located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek, Calif., from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. . . . come by anytime, earlier the better!  We meet at that Panera Bread every 3rd Sunday of each month.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Oct. 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

We welcomed another couple of new players last week, by name of Amir and Bobby, as they joined Mike T., Rich, Shams, Tony T., Connor, Johnathan, John D., Art S., and Hossam and June for an evening of fun, challenging chess over the boards . . . !

We meet again at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., this Wednesday evening, October 30, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. . . . Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting company!

See you there,

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

CHESS this Sunday, Oct. 20th at Panera Bread Restaurant!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that there's more chess over the boards this Sunday afternoon, October 20, 2019, from 2:00pm - 5:30pm, at the Panera Bread Restaurant located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd., in Walnut Creek!

We meet there every 3rd Sunday of each month, and players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to come by anytime between 2pm and 530pm for fun, challenging chess -- and even some other board games!

See you there,

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

CHESS : Good News, NO power outage at Clayton Starbucks for this evening

Hi . . .

FYI, Clayton and of course the Starbucks venue for chess over the boards is still a go this evening.  No power outage scheduled so far for the area.

--Mike T.

CHESS Int'l Master Christopher Yoo this Wednesday Oct. 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

A special announcement regarding a very special fellow by name of Christopher Yoo, who happens to be the 12-yr old International Master on the cover of this month's Chess Life!

I happen to have it on good authority (his Dad!) that Christopher will likely be at this Wednesday evening's chess session at our regular venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton.  So come by early (we go from 5pm to 9pm, and Christopher, whose time may be limited, will be there around 6pm), -- and if you happen to receive Chess Life Magazine, bring your copy along for perhaps an autograph signing session . . . and maybe a blitz game or two or three!

--See you there,

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

CHESS this Wednesday October 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Play fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5pm - 9pm, and you can come by anytime, earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really interesting and nice company!  We welcome all players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters!

We have been welcoming some new players to the club, such Diego and Shams lately, and certainly have welcomed back returning players (like Max!, Jim!) during our last week's session!

. . . and did you all get to see the cover of the latest Chess Life Magazine?  That's young Christopher Yoo on the cover, the newest and latest and youngest International Master!  IM Yoo graced our tables several times a few years ago, and even wow'ed us with a simul held at Carl'sJr. Restaurant, winning every game except one, which ended in a draw, wow then, and now a bigger wow now as an IM !!  Oh, and he's now 12 years old, so look out, chess world!

Hmmm, if he and his Dad lets us know in advance, we'll celebrate his success with him when he comes by to join us for an early evening!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Oct. 2nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that there's chess over the boards as usual for players of all ages and skill levels this Wednesday evening, October 2, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., just a couple of driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. as Clayton Rd. becomes Kirker Pass!

Our sessions go from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!  No purchase required, but it would be nice!

USCF-rated Quads could also start, if enough players sign up!

And, we have a chess session at Panera Bread Restaurant (corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek) this month, on Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

See you soon,

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

CHESS Sunday 09/15 at Panera; Quads 09/18 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone .  . . !

There's chess over the boards this Sunday, September 15, 2019, at Panera Bread Restaurant from 2pm - 5:30pm at its location in Walnut Creek at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd.!  All ages and skill levels are welcome!

This coming Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, Calif. there's chess over the boards from 5pm - 9pm for anyone of any age and skill level to play and enjoy . . .

. . . AND at the same Starbucks this Wednesday, for USCF members who would like to start playing in Quads, we'll begin our USCF-rated matches!  Specs:  Register by 6:15 p.m.; Game/60d5; matches start no later than 6:45pm; Entry Fee = $25; one match per week for 3 weeks; 82.5% of entry fees returned in cash prizes, balance to Nat'l & local USCF admin. fees.  Minimum 4 players, cash prizes to 1st and 2nd Place; more than 4 players, less than 8 in group, cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

All players must be current USCF members to play in USCF-rated matches.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Evening Sept. 4th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's chess over the boards once again this Wednesday, September 4th evening at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.,  from 5pm - 9pm.  Players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters, are welcome to come by anytime.  I've returned from my travels, and will be around more as we head into the Autumn season!

Looking Ahead:  Our weekly USCF-rated Quads matches begin at Starbucks next Wednesday, Sept. 11th!  And, our Panera Bread monthly Sunday afternoon chess session this month is on Sunday, September 15, 2019, from 2pm - 5:30pm.  Players of all skill levels are welcome to come by anytime and enjoy an afternoon of chess!

See you very soon,

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

CHESS Wednesday Aug. 28th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's chess over the boards as usual this Wednesday evening, August 28, 2019, from 5pm - 9pm, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.  All ages and skill levels welcome, come by anytime, no purchase necessary, but it would be nice . . . !

Our Quads starts Wednesday Sept. 11th, with one USCF-rated match per week!  See last week's post for details!

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club

Affiliate Club ID#

US Chess Federation www.uschess.org

Affiliate Club ID #A6024746 

Chess over the boards, Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess over the boards!

When:  This Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Where:  Starbucks, at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.
Time:  Come by anytime between 5:00 p.m. thru 9:00 p.m.
Who:  All ages, all skill levels welcome, from beginners to masters!

Looking Ahead:  Quads, or Round Robin Sets, starting Weds. Sept. 11th, minimum 3 matches if 4 players in a set; 5 matches if 6 players in a set.  USCF Rated, 1 match per week, G60/d5, EF= $25 before Sept. 10; $30 after Sept. 10.  Minimum 4 players, 1st Place $50; 2nd Place $35; If more than 4 players, 85% of all Entry Fees returned in cash prizes; if 6 or more players in a set, pays also for 3rd Place.  All players must be current USCF members.  Venue: Starbucks, or Carl's Jr. across parking lot, depending on number of players.  Matches start time: no later than 7:00 p.m.; 3 players have already stated that they're in!

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

CHESS this Sunday August 18 at Panera Bread Restaurant!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note to remind you that there's chess over the boards available at the Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm this Sunday, August 18, 2019.

Come by anytime.  All ages and skill levels welcome!

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS Wednesday Aug. 14th + QUADS!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess this week at Starbucks!

---  Wednesday, August 14, 2019
--- 5:00pm to 9:00pm (come by anytime)
---  Location:  as usual, 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.
---  All skill levels, all ages welcome!
---  (I'll be there from start to finish this time.)

Let me know if you are interested in Quads, USCF-rated, one match per week over three weeks, G/60d10; EF=$25; 1st Place=$50; 2nd Place=$35.  Must be current USCF member.

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

CHESS this Wednesday August 7th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Playing chess over the boards with players of all ages and skill levels is the thing to do this Wednesday evening, from 5:00pm - 9:00pm, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.!  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting company!

Our chess session this month at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek, will be on Sunday, August 18, 2019, from 2:00pm - 5:30pm in the afternoon (come by anytime).  We meet at that Panera Bread Restaurant now every third Sunday of each month.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday July 31st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess over the summer boards is fun and challenging as usual this Wednesday evening as we meet again at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5pm - 9pm !  Come by anytime.  Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome!

Last week we once again welcomed some new players, notably Connor, and first-timers Stan and young Levi (7 year old!), who won his first two games and was tough to beat in his third one!  More than a dozen players came by to enjoy the game of chess!

See you soon,

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

CHESS at Starbucks this Wednesday July 24 !

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's more fun, challenging chess over the boards at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, Calif., from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Come by anytime between those hours to get your game up, as about 16 players of all skill levels, from novice to master, did last week!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 21 at Panera Bread Restaurant!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that we once again meet for chess over the boards this Sunday, July 21, 2019, from 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm at the Panera Bread Restaurant at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek . . . !

We've gone back to meeting there every 3rd Sunday of each month!  All ages and skill levels welcome!  Our meeting next month, for calendaring purposes, at Panera Bread (same time and location) will be on Sunday, August 8, 2019.

See you soon,

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

CHESS Weds July 17 at Starbucks; Sun July 21 at Panera!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a reminder that there's lots of chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, July 17, 2019, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in Clayton, Calif. Come by any time, the earlier, the better...

… and, on Sunday afternoon, July 21, 2019, from 2:00 pm - 5:30pm we'll be playing at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, Calif.

See you soon!  But the way, I will be at both for the full sessions to find out if players are interested in competing in USCF-rated matches that I can once again put together and direct.

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

CHESS Wednesday July 10th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Join us for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, July 10, 2019, at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.!  Come by anytime between 5pm and 9pm!  Last week we welcomed Cameron, who will be joining us, as has Ben now for the last few weeks . . . as some 12 players came by last week, including at least one chess master!

Our sessions at Panera Bread Restaurant (corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek) are back to every 3rd Sunday of the month.  For July, we meet there on Sunday July 14th, during our usual time there, from 2:00pm - 5:30pm.

For those game to compete in USCF-rated matches on Saturday, July 21, 2019, please let me know.  Refer to previous email for specifics, or contact me directly by email or phone.

See you soon,

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

CHESS NEWS (re Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Quads) for July 2019!

Hi Everyone . . . !

First, we continue to meet every Wednesday evening, from 5-m - 9pm (come by anytime) at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., just a couple driveways from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd (where Ygnacio becomes Kirker).  At our session last week at least a dozen players enjoyed an evening of fun and challenging chess!

Second, our sessions at Panera Bread Restaurant (corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek) will go back to every 3rd Sunday afternoon of the month.

(We recently tried every 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month based on an apparent demand for more chess, but attendance dropped instead of increasing.  The last two sessions, in June, 2019 drew 4 players at one and only 3 at the other.  When we were meeting there only once a month (every 3rd Sunday), 10 - 20 players of all skill levels would come by for the game of chess.)

So, for calendaring purposes, in July 2019 we will meet at Panera Bread on Sunday July 21st; then August 18th; Sept. 15th, etc., each time from 2:00 pm - 5:30pm (come by anytime), as usual.

Third, we will once again have USCF-rated Quads, with at least 4 or players.  Our next rated matches will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2019.  Cash prizes for at least 1st and 2nd place; thru 3rd place if six or more players; Entry fee = $22; Game 60/d5; 3 rounds; Times:  10:30 am; nlt 1:00 pm; nlt 3:00 pm.; Location: depending on number of entries, either at a residence close to the Starbucks location, or at Carl's Jr., across the parking lot from Starbucks; or a larger venue nearby.  Must be current USCF member by July 27.

If you have questions or need more information call me at (925) 334-0081.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday June 23 at Panera Bread Restaurant!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Come to Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Sunday afternoon from 2:00pm - 5:30pm!

Our regular Wednesday evening session at our usual Starbucks venue in Clayton saw a pretty good turnout that featured chess indoors and outdoors . . . with players of all skill levels, from beginners to masters and lots in between!  We welcomed a new player by name of Ben, too!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday June 12th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

You have a chance to help at least one player practice up for the Nationals!

Play chess over the boards this Wednesday, June 12, 2019, from 5pm - 9pm (Come by anytime!), at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif . . . We had several players there at last week's session, various skill levels, including 2 masters!

See you there!

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

CHESS this Sunday June 9th at Panera Bread!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess is on and over the boards this Sunday, June 9, 2019, at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek, Calif., from 2 pm - 5:30 pm.!  All ages and skill levels are welcome, come by anytime to enjoy an afternoon of chess!

I'll see you there,

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

CHESS this Wednesday June 5th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

More chess over the boards at Starbucks!  Join us for challenging, fun chess at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5 pm - 9 pm.  Come by anytime!  We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from novices to experts and masters and all others in between . . . as well as certain club players practicing up for the Nationals in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks!

Last week's session saw several players enjoy an evening of chess and to welcome to the club a young man by name of Hazam (Hasham?) who may be new to the club, but not to chess -- just ask Chris B., who enjoyed both speed and regular matches with him . . . !

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday May 29 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess over the boards!  We meet again at Starbucks from 5pm - 9pm, at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. . . . We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from novices to masters.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the best tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

See you there,

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

CHESS this Sunday May 26 at Panera Bread!

Hi Everyone . . . !

If you're up for chess over the boards this Sunday, May 26, 2019, be at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek, anytime from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. . . . !

We have chess sessions there every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month!

Have a fun Memorial Day weekend!

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

CHESS this Wednesday May 22nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone  . . . !

Play chess over the boards this Wednesday evening at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5pm - 9pm, rain or no rain . . . !  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the best tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting company!

Last week's session saw very good matches between players who braved the traffic and the rain!  Ronald was on hand to play speed chess, along with regular matches that were most interesting, as were, for example, between Art S. and Mike; Chris B. and Rich K., as with John D., with Jesse and family members waiting for Wade to join in and be welcomed by the chess players . . . . who also welcomed our newest novice chess player, Sunnie!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, no dues, no purchase necessary!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday May 15th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that there's lots of chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, May 15, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. . . . All ages, all skill levels welcome, from beginners to masters, come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some very nice company!

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

CHESS Wednesday May 1st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

We meet as usual for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, May 1, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Last week's session saw more than a dozen players, with a few even enjoying chess outdoors at Starbucks!  Among the players were John S., Mike T., Mike L., Ann S., Jonathan, David, Rich, Bob C., Tony T., Chris B., Jim, Ronald, Art S., and John B. . . .

. . . and, yesterday's session at Panera Bread Restaurant saw Hanza, Andrea and their adorable, smiling three-month old baby boy Zata -- congratulations!! -- enjoy the scene along with Reza, Mike T., Bob C., another new player to the club by name of Austin, along with Leo, and Carl and Carl's son Rowan . . . !

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, April 28 at Panera Bread Restaurant!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Our fun, challenging chess sessions at the Panera Bread Restaurant is an event that now happens every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month!

When:  This Sunday, April 28, 2013; then, Sundays May 12; May 26; June 9; June 23, etc.

Location:  Corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek, Calif.

Times:  2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., come by anytime!  Players of all ages and skill levels welcomed!

We also continue to meet every Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.  We saw at least 16 players enjoy the evening of chess indoors and outdoors last Wednesday evening!

See you soon,

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

CHESS Wednesday April 24 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

More than a dozen players enjoyed an evening of chess over the boards last Wednesday, and we meet again this Wednesday evening, April 24, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  Come join us, drop by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Last week saw Leo joining us for the first time in some years, and happened to win all four of his games . . . !  Welcoming him back were Rich K., Bob C., Tony T., Mike T., Art S., David W., John B., John S., JIm, Chris B., August, and Jonathan . . . more fun, challenging chess ahead as the weather gets so much better!

Note:  We also meet next Sunday, April 28th, at Panera Bread Restaurant, corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek!  We now meet every other Sunday at Panera, starting this month!

See you soon,

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

CHESS Wednesday April 17th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone...!

There's more chess over the boards at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m., this Wednesday evening, April 17, 2019.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better!

We meet every Wednesday evening at the above Starbucks, and every other Sunday afternoon now at the Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, from 2:00p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  Our next session there will be on April 28th.

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club

US Chess Federation www.uschess.org

Affiliate Club #A6024746

CHESS Sunday April 14th at Panera Bread! Now Every Other Sunday!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a reminder that there's fun, challenging chess over the boards this Sunday, April 14, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at the Panera Bread Restaurant located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek!  Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the better tables, more matches and some very nice company!

Starting this April, our chess sessions at the Panera Bread location cited above will occur every other Sunday afternoon!  Therefore, after this Sunday, we'll be back at Panera Bread on Sunday, April 28th, same times!

We continue to meet every Wednesday evening at our Starbucks location, 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.!

See you soon!

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

CHESS Wednesday April 10 at Starbucks, and Sunday April 14 at Panera!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Lots of chess over the boards this week!

Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Starbucks, located 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif; from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Come by anytime, all ages and skill levels welcome!

Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Panera Bread Restaurant, corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek, Calif., from 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm.  Come by anytime, all ages, skill levels welcome!

See you soon,

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

CHESS Wednesday April 3 at Starbucks! + Quad News

Hi Everyone . . . !

 

Just a short note reminder that we meet as usual for chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, April 3, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

 

Last week we welcomed a new player by name of Jim . . . !  On hand to welcome Jim were Mike T., Tony T., Rich, John S., John B., Ann S., Rey N., Bob C., Eric, and David . . . -- and as the weather gets drier and warmer, more players can be expected to join us!

 

[USCF-rated Quads next Sunday, April 7, 2019?  Let me know if you are game to compete, and I will confirm whether it's a go and where (probably my place, or Carl's Jr. across from Starbucks),  if at least 4 - 6 players sign up (two players have already confirmed).  3 Rounds; Game/45/d5; EF=$27; Starting 10:30am; nlt 1:15pm; nlt 3:30pm.  1st = $55; 2nd = $40; Prizes increase with at least six players, to include 3rd Place ( 1= $70; 2= $50; 3= $30.) USCF Membership required.]

 

See you soon,

 

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

CHESS this Wednesday, March 27 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Come by and enjoy chess over the boards at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton,, Calif., from 5:00 p.m- 9:00 p.m. this Wednesday evening, March 27, 2019 !  Last week's session saw at least another dozen players get their chess fix in, despite the chill of the evening . . .

. . .  and, in regard to adding another session at Panera Bread Restaurant, the original thought had been to add a weeknight for chess at Panera.  However, several players have switched their votes from a weeknight to having another Sunday afternoon session at Panera. . . .

. . . so then, starting this April, we'll have chess at Panera Bread Restaurant (corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek) from 2:00p.m. - 5:30pm every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month!  This will be a change from every 3rd Sunday, and it's just as well to start this April, since the 3rd Sunday of April is Easter Sunday.

Therefore, for calendaring purposes, Panera Bread Chess next month will be on Sundays April 14 and April 28, 2019.  I'll put the usual short reminders in your email inbox.

Want to play USCF-rated matches on Sunday, April 7, 2019? 3 rds; Game/45/d5; EF=as before, $27; With at least 6 players, Prizes = 1st $75; 2nd $50; 3rd $32; Game times 10 a.m.; nlt 1:00 p.m.; and nlt 3:00 p.m. Where?  TBD:  Either Carl's Jr. across from Starbucks, or my place!

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

P.S.:  Confirmed players for April 7 will be notified of the my-place address, near Starbucks!

CHESS this Sunday March 17 at Panera Bread Restaurant!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a reminder that there's more fun, challenging chess over the boards at the Panera Bread Restaurant located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek, this Sunday afternoon, March 17, 2019,  from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.!  All ages and skill levels are welcome, no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice) . . . Come by anytime, the earlier the better!

Your vote needed:  If we can have a chess night on another weeknight, specifically either a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday night, at this Panera Bread Restaurant, which one of those nights of the week would be best for you?

(Our chess club continues to meet every Wednesday evening at Starbucks on Kirker Pass in Clayton, and on every 3rd Sunday of the Month at the Panera Bread Restaurant.)

See you soon,

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

CHESS Wednesday Mar. 13 at Starbucks; Sunday Mar. 17 at Panera!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Lots of fun, challenging club chess this week:

-- Wednesday evening (March 13, 2019) as usual at Starbucks, from 5 pm - 9 pm.  Come anytime, the earlier the better, at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.  All ages and skill levels welcome, no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice).

--  Every 3rd Sunday of the Month chess session is next Sunday afternoon (March 17, 2019)  at Panera Bread Restaurant, from 2 pm - 5:30 pm. Come anytime, the earlier the better, at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek.  Once again, all ages and skill levels welcome, no dues, no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Last week's Starbucks session drew more players than expected, given the cold, drizzly weather!  On hand for some very interesting chess positions and tactics were Tony T., Mike T., Bob C., Jonathan, Ann, Eric, Brandon, Nessar, Dave, John B., June, Chris B., and -- playing Laser Beam Chess -- Dan K. and Ranger . . . !!

The weather should be getting much better, and finally Daylight Savings Time is here!  If you haven't been by in a while, stop in for a game or two, renew old friendships, make new ones!

See you soon (Club Quads soon, stay tuned!),

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

CHESS Wednesday March 6th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Chess over the boards, that's what is fun and challenging at Starbucks this Wednesday evening, March 6, 2019, at the coffee shop located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the best tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting people!

Last week saw at least 12 players and several onlookers in what turned out to be an evening of close matches with superb end games and even a flashy checkmate or two!  The weather is still a bit wet and there could still be a chill in the air, but no matter, get your chess fix in . . . !

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's more challenging and fun chess over the boards for players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between, this Wednesday evening, February 27, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif.  

The session goes from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, but come anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice, interesting company!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Play fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday evening, February 20, 2019, at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m..  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Our last two sessions -- last Sunday at Panera Bread Restaurant and last Wednesday at Starbucks -- saw at least a couple dozen players enjoy chess.  Players ranged from novices to masters, with some youngsters also game to play, and play well!

At Panera Bread were newcomers Arman, Shiram and Paras, welcomed by Jon and Max, Mike T., Bob C., Reza, Tony T., Bernard, Dave, and Ronald.  At Starbucks last week were Ronald, Andrew, Jonathan, Ann S., Bob C., Austin, Tony T., Mike T., Art S., Nessar, Rich K., John S., August and his brother plus a friend Tony, and John B. . . . and everyone's game seems to be getting better!

Come on by, renew friendships, make new ones!

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

CHESS at Panera Bread Restaurant this Sunday Feb. 17!

Hi Everyone .  . !

Just a short note reminder that there's chess over the boards this Sunday, February 17, 2019, at the Panera Bread Restaurant located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd. in Walnut Creek. 

The session goes from 2:00p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters and all in between.  Come anytime, the earlier the better, for better tables, more matches, and some very nice company!

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

CHESS this Weds. 02/13 at Starbucks & Sun. 02/17 at Panera Bread!

Hi Everyone . . . !

For casual and/or challenging chess over the boards for novices and experienced players alike, join us this week at Starbucks this Wednesday evening, and at Panera Bread Restaurant this coming Sunday afternoon!  We meet every Wednesday evening at the Starbucks listed below, and every 3rd Sunday afternoon, at the Panera Bread Restaurant, also listed below.

-- Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019 at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., come by anytime, the earlier the better!

-- Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek, Calif., from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., come by anytime, the earlier the better as well!

Last week's session saw at least 16 players enjoy the warm Starbucks chess scene despite the chilly weather outside . . . we welcomed our newest players, Maddy, who is open to the challenge of learning the game of chess . . . and Alana and Alex, along with Alex's bro Justin, as well as the fine crew of players such as Ronald, Andrew, Eric (very long time no see, Eric!), Jonathan, David, Tony T., Bob C., Chris Th., Nessar, Ann S., John S., Mike T., among other gamers (a trivia board game and a couple on-line Scrabble games were played, as well)!

This Wednesday and Sunday's sessions promise to be fun, despite the weather forecast!  Drop in, renew friendships, make new ones!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Feb. 6th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

As usual this Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, from 5pm - 9pm at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., enjoy chess over the boards!  Come by anytime, the earlier the better for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Last week we welcomed Nessar, his daughter Marian, and grandkids Sammy and Aaron!  On hand to welcome them were Mike T., Chris Th., Tony T., Justin, John B., Art S., Bob C., Jonathan, and Ann S.

This month starts our 14th year as an Affiliate Club of the US Chess Federation (USCF).  Our club dues are entirely voluntary.  Any player who gives $5 or more also receives a $5 discount on any entry fee for any rated games or tournaments that the club establishes and directs through January of the following year.

Also this month, as we do on every 3rd Sunday of every month, we have a session on Sunday, February 17, 2019, from 2pm -5:30pm, at the Panera Bread Restaurant, located at the corner of Bancroft Rd. and Treat Blvd, in Walnut Creek! 

So then, come by, enjoy the game, enjoy old friendships, and make new ones!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Jan. 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Just a short note reminder that there's chess over the boards as usual this Wednesday evening, January 30, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, California.  Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the better tables, more matches, and some really nice company!

Next month, February 2019:  We begin our 14th year as the Contra Costa Chess Club, and Affiliate Club of the United States Chess Federation !

More on that next week, see you soon!

-- Mike T.

Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024746

CHESS this Wednesday Jan. 16th & All Next Weekend !

Hi Everyone . . . !

Loads of chess this week!  We meet as usual this Wednesday evening, January 16, 2019,  from 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif. . . . Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the better tables, more matches and some really nice company!

Last week's session saw about 15 players and supporters drop in for matches and other kinds of fun.  With us were Art S., Bob C., Chris B., Mike T., Ranger, Greg M., June, Ronald, Andrew, Austin, Justin, Tony T., Ann S., Larry, Jonathan, and Rachel the Steno . . . !

All this coming Martin Luther King holiday weekend, from Friday evening January 18 through Monday January 21, 2019, is the 10th Annual Golden State Open, at the Concord Crowne Plaza Hotel, with a guaranteed cash prize purse of $25,000 to be spread over at least 5 skill divisions, with players that range from the novice and unrated to the masters!  Players can choose to compete over 4 days, or 3 days, or even just 2 days!  Note visitors or non-players are welcome to check out the tournament . . . see you there!

Several of our players who frequent Starbucks will be there, as they probably will be at Starbucks this Wednesday having some fun practicing for this coming weekend's tournament, so join us!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Jan. 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Join us for our usual Wednesday evening Chess Night at Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, Calif., from 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. this Wednesday, January 9, 2019!  Come by anytime, the earlier the better, for the better tables, more matches, and some really interesting company!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters!  There are no dues, nor is there a purchase requirement (but it would be nice).  If you haven't been by in a while, come on in, renew old friendships, make new ones!

With the 10th Annual Golden State Open set to happen during the long Martin Luther King weekend this month (Friday evening Jan. 18 thru Monday Jan. 21) at the Concord Crowne Plaza Hotel -- with 5 skill divisions, 7 rounds and $25,000 in guaranteed cash prizes -- you can bet we're going to have several players practicing up for the event!!

(To enter, or for more details about the event, see me or check out www.chessaction.com)

See you soon, 

-- Mike T.

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