CHESS this Wednesday, Dec. 28th at Starbucks Rain or Shine!

Hello All and Happy New Year Ahead!

Our next sessions for fun, challenging chess over the boards will be this Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, followed by our first session of the new year on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 same time same place! Our next Sunday session will be on January 8, 2023.

About 8 players joined the fun last Wednesday, with Matthew the first to solve the chess puzzle on his first try! We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters, and early arrivals have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks coffee drink!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, December 21st at Starbucks!

Hello, and Happy Holidays to All!

Because this year's Christmas and New Year Days' holidays fall on Sundays, our next 3 sessions of fun, challenging chess over the boards will only be on Wednesdays, as follows: this Wednesday, Dec. 21st; then Dec. 28; and, January 4th. Our next Sunday session will be on January 8. 2023. We start at 3:00 p.m., as usual, and go on through closing time, and players can come and go anytime!

Our last Sunday's session saw at least a dozen players come by for the fun of chess! Though I got there fairly late (I saw the Broadway Tour Show of "BeetleJuice!"), it was great to see Sam, Yancy, Roman, Red, Paul and Raquel, new player Vin and his Dad, Donovan and Andreena, Ronald, Duncan, Ron, and to know that Diego was there, too!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, and this Wednesday we will definitely have a chess puzzle to see who could be the first to solve it on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks coffee drink! There are no dues, and there is 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, December 18th at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone -- Happy Holidays!

There's chess over the boards as usual at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time!

Looks like good weather, so please join us!

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

CHESS Today, Wednesday Dec. 14th at Starbucks!

Hello All, -- Happy Holidays!

There's chess over the boards to be enjoyed today at our regular Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time! Players come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels are welcome! No dues, and no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players there early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks coffee!

Last Sunday's session saw 8 players come by despite the intermittent rainy weather: Sam, Meredith, Kevin, Mike T., Tony T., Ken C., Ron, and young Fideli and his Dad.

The weather looks really good out there today, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, December 11th at Starbucks!

Hello All, Happy Holidays Ahead!

We meet as usual for chess over the boards this Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at our usual Starbucks venue at our usual times of 3:00 p.m. through to closing time! Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players there early usually have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks coffee!

Last Wednesday's session saw about a dozen players enjoy the afternoon and early evening over the chess boards, but at Carl's Jr. Restaurant across the parking lot, instead of Starbucks, which for some reason had to close at 2:00 p.m. that day! Just as a couple of players showed up at 3:00p.m.only to be greeted by the Starbucks closed sign, Matthew pulled into the parking spot and luckily for everyone he had paper, pen and adhesives to ensure that a sign was posted to direct chess players to Carl's Jr.!!

So then, along with Matthew at Carl's Jr. were Sam, Mike T., Chris N., Ernie, Yancy, Red, Connor, Diego, Bert, Hossam, and John S.!!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Dec. 7th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Chess over the boards again, as usual, this Wednesday, Dec. 7th at our usual Starbucks venue! This past Sunday, Dec. 4th, about 18 players came by to enjoy an afternoon of chess, and it was nice to see a good mix of kids and adults mix it up for the fun and challenge of the game: Jackson and Sabina with their Dad; Myles with his Dad and sister; Paul and Raquel; Kyle and his mom, too; Donovan with Andrena; along with Matthew, Red, Yancy (who solved a tough chess puzzle), Sam, Mike T., Kevin, Jim (long time no see, Jim!); and, about 3 other kids and their mom (was that Paige and her boys before I got there? -- I was about an hour late).

We do meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. Players come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players there early usually have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks cup of coffee!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, Dec. 4th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone !

We meet again this Sunday, December 4, 2022, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, very close to the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord.

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters. There are no dues, players come and go anytime, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players arriving early 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! No player was able to solve last Wednesday's puzzle on the first try, it was a tough one!

Last Wednesday saw about a dozen players enjoying an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards: Donovan, Chris N., Sam, Mike T., Bert, Matthew, Irakli, Yancy, Mark, and a couple of players whose names I didn't quite get, but will see again!

See you soon, and we may have a fun impromptu unrated tournament !

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Nov. 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a short note to say we're having our regular chess over the boards session at our usual Starbucks venue tomorrow, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome and early birds usually have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday Nov. 23 & Sunday Nov. 27 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving Week, Day, and Weekend!

We're still having fun, challenging sessions of chess over the boards this Wednesday, November 23 and next Sunday, November 27, 2022 at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord.

We go from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players arriving early usually 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!

Last Sunday saw at least 18 players and supporters -- including kids and 4 moms! -- enjoy the afternoon and evening playing chess: Reza, Varun, Red, Sam, Matthew, Ranen, Ron, Duncan, Mike T, Meredith, Ohm, Sia, Paul, Sidd, Hira, Raquel, Mrs. L, and Pamela! Did I miss anyone?

Looking ahead, we'll have some fun club tournaments,with both rated and unrated chess matches, with Blitz, Rapid, and Classic Time Controls. Stay tuned!

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone !

We just might have a special event this Sunday!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd. in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Valley Rd. in Concord. Players arriving early usually 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! We welcome players of all ages and skill levels; players come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice); and, there's ample parking.

Despite some fairly chilly weather last Wednesday, about 9 players came by to enjoy the game of chess: Tony T., Mike T., Donovan and Andreena, Chris B., Bert, Diego, and Connor. This coming Sunday may see quite a few more players, as it looks like fine weather ahead for us, while lots of the rest of the country gets buried in snow!

Our next session is this Sunday, Nov. 26th, and players may play all kinds of chess matches, from regular games with or without clocks, to various types of speed games such as Rapid, Blitz, and Bullet! In fact, later in the session, there may even be an unrated fun tournament for players to join: a "5-3-1" round-robin for those who crave speed and even more speed (for prizes to be determined based on number of players).

In addition to all that, there may be our first intro to "960 Chess."! And, guess what -- there could even be Scrabble games featuring one or two or more of our chess players, for an odd change of pace . . . .!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, November 16th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Last Sunday about 16 players enjoyed an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! Kids Michael, Sabina and Jackson and teens Paul and Meredith were there along with Mike T., Ron, Kevin, Red, Matthew, Sam, Mark, Yancy, Raquel, Ernie and Stan! Did I miss anyone? There were lots of Blitz and Rapid matches, along with regular Classic chess games, both on and off the clocks!

Our club meets every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord. Our next session is this Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Players arriving early usually have a chance to be the first player to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Looking ahead, we may have another USCF-rated set of matches in December!

Stay tuned, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 13 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, and despite the chilly weather last Wednesday, more than a dozen came to play chess over the boards! There for the fun of it were Sam, Tony, Mike T., Olaf, John E., John S., new players Duncan and Angel, along with Connor, Yancy, Ernie, Donovan and Andreena! Yancy solved the chess puzzle on the first try. Players arriving early usually have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink!

We're located just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

This Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, it will mainly be chess for the fun and challenge of the game, and there might be some players who may want to play in a USCF-rated Blitz tournament. Let's see how that develops (players need to agree on entry fee and format, plus prize allocation depending on number of entries). In any case, drop in, get your chess fix, make new friends, renew old friendships!

Results of last Sunday's tournaments have been reported to the USCF, and ratings of players who participated have been adjusted. The USCF usually sends players notification of new ratings, or players may access the info on the uschess.org website. We will more than likely have another USCF-rated club tournament in December, so stay tuned, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, November 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord! Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). Those arriving early usually have a chess puzzle to solve. First one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday saw more than two dozen players, not including a dozen moms and dads with their kids, enjoy an afternoon and evening of friendly competition amidst the fun and challenge of the game of chess! We also welcomed a couple of new players, Red and Sidd! There to welcome them to the scene were Connor, Ranen, Yancy, Irakli, Varun, Tony, Sam, Kevin, Diego, Matthew, Mike T., Meredith, Ronald, Bruce, Ohm, Asa, Jack, Michael, Paul, Suhas, Sia, Jackson and Sabina! There were even a few Scrabble games played by Bruce and a few of the moms! However, topping the day were two speed chess tournaments played across the parking lot at the nearby Carl's Jr. Restaurant due the lack of space at Starbucks!

Results of Sunday's USCF-rated speed chess tournaments (Time Control was G/10;d2):

1: For the Quad featuring contestants Sam, Kevin, Ohm, and Asa:
a. Sam and Asa tied for 1st Place with 2 wins apiece and split the top cash prize of $40.
b. Kevin and Ohm each won a match and tied for 2nd Place.


2. For the 6-player Round-Robin tournament, the results were:
a. Yancy won 1st Place with 4 wins and 1 draw for 4.5 points and $30!
b. Ranen took 2nd Place with 3 wins and 2 draws for 4.0 points and $20!
c. Connor gained 3rd Place with 3 wins and 1 draw for 3.5 points and $10!
d. Irakli, Varun, and Tony tied for 4th Place, as each won 1 match.

Many thanks to all the above for helping make the day a success! There's been interest in having an impromptu USCF-rated 5-minute Blitz tournament next Sunday! Let me know if you're interested -- but no matter what, we're still having our regular fun session at our usual Starbucks venue this Wednesday, Nov. 9th as well as next Sunday, November 13, 2022. See you soon!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6024846

CHESS this Sunday, November 6th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Well more than a dozen players, including family members, were on hand to enjoy an afternoon and evening of chess at our usual Starbucks venue this past Wednesday: Bert was there along with Matthew, Irakli, Mark, Yancy, Conner Rdl.; Ohm and family; Tony T.; new teen player Jack; Meredith, Eric Z.; and Donovan and Andreena!

Our next session is this Sunday, November 6, 2022, starting at the usual time of 3:00 p.m. and going on through the closing time of 8:00 p.m. on weekends. We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd. in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.

Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! Players arriving early usually have a chess puzzle to solve. The first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink!

If there are enough players interested either this Sunday, or next Sunday, we'll have a USCF-rated Rapid Tournament, with Time Control of G/10;d2. Entry Fee to be agreed upon by all players signing up for it, latest suggestion is for it to be $10 with cash prize distribution to be determined based on the number of entries (as usual, 85%-90% returned as cash prizes, with the balance to USCF for reports processing and ratings adjustments, with some left over for maybe a cheese danish for the TD). Starting time and number of rounds= TBD. Location = Our usual Starbucks venue.

See you soon, come by and enjoy making new friends, renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, November 2nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

About 15 or more players enjoyed the afternoon last Sunday over the chess boards at Starbucks, representing various ages and even skill levels, from beginners to a master: Kids Asa, Myles, Jackson, Sabina, and teen Paul along with Tony T., John S., Kwaku, Mike T., Irakli, Yancy, Matthew, Charles, Ron, and Ronald! Did I miss anyone?

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, and we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). We meet again this Wednesday afternoon, November 2, 2022, at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord. Players arriving early usually have a chess puzzle to solve: be the first to solve it on the first try to win a prize!

There's interest forming in having unrated or even USCF-rated Quads to compete in Blitz or Rapid tournament matches at our Starbucks location during regular sessions. Let me know if you are interested, as these can be easily set up to start and be completed in a single session.

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Join the club this Sunday, October 30, 2022 for an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards! We meet from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time (come and go anytime) at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord.

We meet Sunday and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. on. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early usually 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! (No player solved the puzzle on the first try last Wednesday, but Roman eventually solved it.)

Last Wednesday's session had some 12 players or more enjoy the game of chess: Tony, Donovan, Sam, Roman, Yancy, Mike T., Matthew, Bert, Ernie, Alwin, Olaf, and John S., and this Sunday will feature even more players, perhaps a master or two as we welcome players of all ages and skill levels!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Oct. 26th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our club's 4-round USCF-rated tournament last weekend at our Carl's Jr. Restaurant venue was completed last Saturday! It took just one day instead of two! Irakli took top honors and the top cash prize by going undefeated through 4 rounds against some fairly tough competition! Tony and Ohm tied for second place with 3 points each and split the 2nd and 3rd cash prizes, as Matthew claimed the 4th place cash prize, with two wins and one very tough draw! Helping make the tournament a success and having fun too were Paul, Kevin, Sam, Eric M., and Ron!

Last Sunday, the day after the tournament, 9 players enjoyed the afternoon of chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue: Two kids, Michael and Sabina, along with adults Ron, Kwaku, Mike T, new player Alex, Peter G, Tony T., and Ronald the IM. The highlight of the session was when IM Ronald played 4 players in a simultaneous 15-minute quick game on 4 boards (against Tony, Ron, Peter and Alex), winning each one with time to spare!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels! Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Our next sessions are tomorrow, Wednesday, October 26, and Sunday, October 30, 2022.

Our next rated club matches may be between players willing to play in Quads in our Starbucks venue, with 3 rounds to be played over no more than two sessions (e.g., Sunday & Wednesday; or, Wednesday & Sunday). Entry Fee and Time Control to be agreed upon by all players in a Quad. Let me know if you're interested!

See you soon, we're always meeting new players, and if you haven't been by in a while, drop in, get your game on, make new friends, and/or renew old friendships!

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

CHESS Sat. Oct. 22-23 at Carl's Jr; and, Sun. Oct. 22 also at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone !

This Saturday Oct. 22 & Sunday Oct. 23, 2022, we're holding our USCF-rated club tournament at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue}! Starting time is 10:30 a.m. both days. Because there will be at least 7 or 8 players entered, the format will be a 4-round Swiss, with cash prizes paid to the top four (4) places! More specifics are repeated below, as stated in previous email messages to you. It is possible that all four rounds could be completed on Saturday.

Then, on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, we'll have our usual session at Starbucks, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time for tournament players who have competed their matches, and for non-tournament players as well.. We meet every Sunday and Wednesday, from 3:00 p.m. on, at our Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required. Players arriving early usually 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 Wednesday saw once again about 20 chess players and supporters enjoy an afternoon over the boards! There for the fun of it all were John S., Mike T., John B., John E. new player Bill, Tony T., new players Joshua and son William, Raphael, Ron, Mark, Conner Rdl., Matthew, Donovan with Mom Melissa, Ohm with Mom Hira, Dennis with Dad Johnny, and Yancy (who solved the very tough chess puzzle). Did I miss anyone?

For this weekend's USCF-rated club tournament:

Saturday October 22 - Sunday October 23, 2022.
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the side parking lot from our Starbucks venue);
Start Time: 10:30 a.m. both days.
Time Control: G/45;d10.
Format: 4rds. Swiss Pairing System.
Entry Fee: $35.00 paid on or before Oct. 19 as stated over the past several weeks; $40.00 if paid after Oct. 19th.
Cash Prizes: All amounts are minimum, based on 8 players. 85%-90% of entry fees are returned, with prizes increased if more than 8 players. 1st Place=$85; 2nd Place=$70; 3rd Place=$55; and, 4th Place=$40. Balance of funds go to the USCF for reports and ratings adjustments, with maybe some left over for a sandwich for the TD.
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation.

Please bring chess sets and clocks as supplies are limited.

If you have any questions or need more information, let me know, thanks!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Oct. 19th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our friendly USCF-rated club tournament runs next weekend from Saturday Oct. 22 - Sunday Oct. 23, 2022 at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is just across the side parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue! Non-tournament players are still welcome to play chess at Starbucks that Sunday, or to play other non-tournament players at Carl's Jr. Tournament specifications are listed in the last paragraph of this email.

In the meantime, our session this past Sunday saw at least a couple dozen chess players, enthusiasts, and supporters turn out to enjoy an afternoon over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord. On hand for the fun and challenge of the game were: Yancy, Paul with Mom Raquel, Ohm and Sia with Mom Hira, Mike T., Hasseb, Kevin S., Irakli, Bulraj, Michael with Dad Stan, Eric Z., Matthew with wife Lee and daughters Emaline and Celine, plus Raphael, Ronald, and 5 or 6 students (whose names I did not get) from a nearby high school visiting to check out the chess action! Did I miss anyone?

We meet again at Starbucks this coming Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Players can come and go anytime, and we welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, nor is there a purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early usually 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!

For our upcoming Sat. Oct. 22 - Sun. Oct. 23 USCF-rated Club Tournament:
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across the side parking lot from Starbucks.
Start Time: 10:30 a.m. both days.
Time Control: G/45; d.10.
Format: TBD, based on number of entries and current USCF ratings. Quads=3 rds, with potential for 3 more rds played on alternate colors if agreed to by all players in a Quad. Or: 1 or 2 Round-Robin divisions; Or: 1 division, 4rds, Swiss System for pairings.
Note: Matches to complete the tournament may be started Wednesday of next week if work, school or other schedules are considerations agreed to by affected players and the Tournament Director (TD).
Entry Fee: $35 paid by Wednesday, Oct. 19; $40 if paid after Oct. 19, 2022. 85%-90% of entry fees are returned as cash prizes, with the balance going to the USCF for reports of results and ratings adjustments, with maybe something left over for a sandwich for the TD.
Requirement: Current membership in the United States Chess Federation (USCF).

If you have any questions or need more information, please let me know, thanks!

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 16th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Again about 20 chess players and enthusiasts, including four players new to the club, came by to enjoy an afternoon and early evening of chess this past Wednesday. And no player solved the chess puzzle on the first try to win a free drink! There to have fun were Sam, Chris B., Diego, Tiger (with Oscar), Doug, Kevin N., Peter G., Mike T., Tony T., Hira, Siya, and Ohm, Alwin, Patrick D., Matthew, Raphael, Dennis, Jonny, Yancy, Bert, and Caramia! Did I miss anyone?

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Our usual venue is at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord CA.

Our next sessions are this Sunday, October 16 and this coming Wednesday, Oct. 19th. Players arriving early usually have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We're having a USCF-rated club tournament next Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 22-23).
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, just across the side parking lot from Starbucks.
Time Control: G/45; d10.
Start Time: 10:30am both days.
Format(s): TBD, depending on number of entries and current USCF ratings, Quads or round-robin divisions.
Entry Fee: $35 paid on or before Wednesday, October 19. $40 if after October 19.
Cash Prizes: Quads 1st Place $75 and 2nd Place $55; Other formats pay higher amounts for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places depending on number of entries. 85%-90% of all entries are returned in cash prizes, with the balance going toward the USCF for reports and ratings processing and adjustments, with maybe something left over for a sandwich for the Tournament Director.

If you have any questions or need more info, let me know. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Oct. 12th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our session this past Sunday saw at least 27 chess players and enthusiasts enjoy an afternoon and evening of fun, challenging chess at our usual Starbucks venue! It was quite nice to see kids and ladies in the mix of players of all skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between! There to play the game and make new friends were Myles, Donovan, Andreena, Suhas, Paul, Raquel, Yancy (who solved the chess puzzle), Kwaku, Mike T., another Mike, Haseeb, Peter G., Olaf, Mark M., Reza, Danny, Matthew, Ron, Manny, Ronald, Sam, Tony T., Roman, Nelson and Deeana, Charles, and Bulraj and Subriya! Did I miss anyone?

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, very near the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord, CA. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early usually have a chance to be the first to solve a puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

USCF-Rated ClubTournament Saturday Oct. 22 - Sunday Oct. 23, 2022:
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (just across the side parking lot from Starbucks).
Start Time: 10:30 a.m. both days.
Time Control: G/45;d10.
Format(s): TBD: Depending on the number of players and current USCF ratings, either Quads, or two round-robin divisions, or one division using the Swiss System of pairings, for four rounds, possibly 5 rounds if more than 12 players in the division.
Entry Fee: $35 if paid on or before Wednesday, Oct.19, 2022; $40 if paid after Oct. 19.
Cash Prizes: Quads pay 1st Place $75; 2nd Place $55. Other formats pay higher amounts, for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places. 85%-90% of entry fees are returned in prize money. Balance of funds go for USCF fees for reports and rating adjustments after the tournament, with maybe enough left over for a sandwich for the TD.
Requirement: Current USCF membership.

Let me know if you have questions or need more information. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Twenty (20) players came by to enjoy an afternoon and early evening of chess over the boards this past Wednesday at our usual Starbucks venue! Yancy solved the chess puzzle, as he was there to get into the fun and challenge of chess along with Chris N., Charles, Danny, Mo David, John S., Hossam, Mike T., Sam, Matthew, Melissa, Donovan, Andrenna, John B., Raphael, Connor Rdl., Eric Z., Alwin, Tony T., and Ronald!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord, CA. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early usually have a chance to be the first one to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament Saturday Oct. 22 - Sunday Oct. 23, 2022:
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (just across the side parking lot from Starbucks).
Start Time: 10:30 a.m. each day.
Time Control: G/45;d10.
Format(s): TBD: Depending on the number of players and current USCF ratings, either Quads or at least two Round-Robin Divisions. Quad players may agree to double matches (like a double round-robin) extending into the following Wednesday, or weekend if necessary, but all players in the Quad have to agree.
Entry Fee: $35 if paid on or before Wednesday Oct.26; $40 if paid after Oct. 26, 2022.
Cash Prizes: Quads pay !st Place $75; 2nd Place $55. Other formats will pay 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places, amounts to be determined based on the number of players. In all formats, 85%-90% of Entry Fees are returned in prize money. Balance of funds go toward USCF fees for reports and rating adjustments after the tournament, with perhaps some leftover enough for maybe, just maybe, a sandwich for the TD (Tournament Director).
Requirement: Current USCF membership.

Let me know if you have questions or need more information, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 5th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 pm on through closing time, come and go anytime. This past Sunday's session saw at least 15 chess players and enthusiasts enjoy an afternoon over the chess boards at our usual Starbucks venue. Once again, there were players there new to the club, and some players were at or even beyond the expert level: There to welcome Mo, Danny, John T., Bob D., Peter G. and Varun were Melissa, Kevin, Mike T., Yancy, Donovan, Andrenna, Sam, Charles, Haseeb, and Vernon. Did I miss anybody?

Our next session is this Wednesday, October 5th, at our Starbucks venue. New players should know that we do not charge any dues, nor is there a purchase requirement (but it would be nice). Players arriving early 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! (No player solved it on the first try last Sunday, although Sam came so, so very close!)

To compete in our USCF-rated club matches or tournaments for prizes, all players must be current members of the US Chess Federation. Our next rated club competition will be on Oct. 22 & 23. Full, final details to follow very soon. However, rated Quads can form up anytime; let me know if you are interested.

Come on by to enjoy chess, make new friends, and/or renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 2nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

More than a dozen players and chess enthusiasts of various skill levels came by to enjoy an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue last Wednesday: There for the fun and challenges were: Hossam, John S., Mike T., John B., Matthew, John E., Raphael, Sam, Tony, Yancy, Donovan and Andrienne, Maria, Melissa, and Varun! However, this time no player was able to be the first to solve the chess puzzle on the first try to win a free Starbucks drink!

Our USCF-rated club tournament has been reset for the weekend of October 22 - 23, 2022 (a Saturday and Sunday), for current members of the USCF. Starting time each day will be 10:30 a.m.; Time Control = G/45;d10 , Format = either Quad(s) or Round Robin divisions, up to 4 or 5 rounds, to be determined depending on number of players and their current ratings. A double round-robin is possible with a shorter time control. Entry Fee = $35.00 with 85%-90% returned as cash prizes. Location = Carl's Jr Restaurant, across from Starbucks, or at a nearby residence to be announced. In the meantime, players can form Quads and play rated matches ( I will play in them, too) before that weekend, let me know if you are interested.

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord! Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, so come on by and make new friends and/or renew old friendships! See you soon!

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

CHESS at Starbucks this Wednesday Sept. 28th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, and we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. Early arrivals 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 next session is this Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, and we often welcome new players at each session!

Our session this past Sunday was no exception, with more than a dozen players coming by to enjoy the game of chess, as we welcomed two more players to the club: Nelson and Charles are our new club players, and Kwaku stopped in for the first time in about 3 years! There to welcome them were Mike T., Daniel, Yancy, Sam, Eric M., Matthew, Setsal, Kevin, Ron, and last but not least, Tony, who solved the chess puzzle!

Our next club tournament schedule has now been returned to the weekend of October 22-23, 2022 to accommodate more players, and to possibly allow another set to be scheduled for early December 2022. If club players who are members of the US Chess Federation would like to have rated Quad matches before then, they should let me know.

In the meantime, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday September 25th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Once again we welcomed new players to our chess club, as more than a dozen players came by to enjoy an afternoon of chess over the boards at our usual venue, Starbucks, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. & Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord!

Young Donovan was there with Andrienne, along with another new player by name of Mike, all welcomed by Sam, Mike T., Yancy, Tony, John B., Matthew, Connor Rdl., Bert, Eric Z., and Eric M. (Did I miss anyone?)

We meet again this Sunday, September 25, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time.

We meet at the same time every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Early arrivals usually 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 next relatively large USCF-rated club tournament will be moved to the first weekend in November (Sat. 11/04 - Sun.11/05/2022). More details to follow soon. In the meantime, players can sign up to play in either 4-player Quads or 6-player Round Robin matches (EF=$20; G/45;d10) to record more rated matches and/or to start getting ready for larger club tournaments, especially for the Golden State Open slated for January 2023 (that announcement just came out)!

If you have questions or need more info, let me know, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our next club tournament will be on Saturday October 22 - Sunday October 23, 2022. Starting time for each day will be no later than 10:30 a.m. Time Control = G/45;d10. More details to follow regarding location, format(s), divisions, and higher prize funds. Entry fees are slated to be $35. Current USCF membership required, as usual. Stay tuned!

More than a dozen players enjoyed a much cooler afternoon of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this past Sunday: Myles (with Ly and Mila), Chris B., Tony T., Ranen, Kevin, Ron, Yancy, Meredith, Jeremiah (long time no see!), Diego, Mike T., and -- welcome to two players new to the club, Alex C., and Daniel! Did I miss anyone?

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, no purchase required either (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first player to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our next session is this Wednesday Sept. 21st. Come on by to play and make new friends and/or renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, September 18, 2022!

Hi Everyone!

At least a dozen players were at our usual Starbucks venue for fun, challenging chess over the boards last Wednesday: Sam, John E., Irakli, Bert, Tony, Yancy, Mike T., Matthew, Diego, Maria, Ernie, and Rich K. -- and as usual, several stayed through to closing time! One of the most interesting matches featured Matthew playing Rich, a chess master, in a tight contest all the way to an ending with just kings, a few pawns, and one rook each, with Rich managing to eke out a win!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday, from 3:00pm through to closing time. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). We meet again this coming Sunday, September 18, 2022, and I should be able to join everyone there later in the day.

Our next club tournament will be October 22 - 23, 2022, more details to follow, stay tuned!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, September 14 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

At least seven players enjoyed a late afternoon of chess over the boards this past Sunday. Meredith, one of our newer players, was there with Kevin, Sam, Tony, Irakli, Mike T., and -- very long time no see! -- Haseeb! The turnout was unusually low, perhaps due to the anniversary of 09/11, the heat that still prevailed, along with the season's opening NFL weekend. Sam once again solved the day's chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, which is just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels; players can come and go anytime; there are no dues; and, there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Early arrivals usually have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a tall Starbucks drink!

As mentioned in our previous email, results of our club's USCF-rated tournaments held the previous weekend will be reported after Sept. 14th due to maintenance work being done on the ratings server. Updated ratings for players who participated should be available well before the end of the month. Our next USCF-rated club competition will be the weekend of October 22-23, 2022. Stay tuned for the details!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

There's been a heat wave out there, but as many as 17 players came by this past Wednesday to enjoy chess over the boards at our usual cool Starbucks venue! Two new players, John B. and Raphael, dropped in for a few games and to check out our club, and were welcomed by Sam, Setsal, Matthew, John E., John S., Mike T., Tony T., Yancy, Bert, Ron, Maria (been a while, Maria!), and Paige and her kids Ian, Jojo, and Kaden! Did I miss anyone?

Sam quickly solved the first of two chess puzzles on his first try to win a Starbucks drink! A rare second puzzle took a while to be solved, and Matthew figured it out before anyone else did, although he got it on his second try. (Players arriving early 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!)

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, starting from 3:00p.m. on through to closing time. Players can come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. We're at 1546 Kirker Pass Rd, in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord.

[Note for last weekend's club tournament players: Results of our recent club tournament will be turned in to the US Chess Federation very soon, as the USCF is taking a server down to conduct its Ratings System Maintenance, and that server should be back up and running by September 15, 2022. I'd rather submit the results after the maintenance, to avoid our results getting lost or gummed up. Your new ratings will be available well before the end of the month.]

See you soon! Do join us to not just play chess, but also to make new friends, and/or renew old friendships if you haven't been by in a while!

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

CHESS this Wednesday Back at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Cool off during this heat wave and play chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Players there early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. There are no dues and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Club Tournament (USCF-rated) Results:

Our club tournament was held at Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across the parking lot from Starbucks, this past Saturday and Sunday. In the Quad section, Yancy came through undefeated with 3 wins for 1st Place, with Ron winning two matches for 2nd Place! In the round-robin section with 5 players, Sam came out best, undefeated in his 4 matches to take 1st Place, as Matthew came in 2nd with three wins and Setsal 3rd with two wins! We all want to thank Ohm, Ethan, Tony, and Irakli for participating in the challenging tournament and for helping make it a success! Results will be reported to the USCF this week, and players should see their new ratings posted within a week's time.

We also had Mark M. and Chris N. as observers this past Sunday, and we thank Chris N. for donating the chess encyclopedic book "Modern Chess Openings" for reference use of club players during our Sunday and Wednesday chess sessions. We also met Meredith and Mathis, two high school seniors who are interested in starting up a chess club at their high school.

Our next club tournament will be a much larger one, same time control, higher entry fees, and will be scheduled for Sat. & Sun. October 22 - 23, 2022 at either the Carl's Jr. venue or elsewhere nearby. We can always have smaller rated tournaments, e.g., Quads. Stay tuned, and let me know in advance that you're interested, and if you have any questions or need more info.

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Saturday & Sunday Sept. 3-4 at Carl's Jr.!

Hi Everyone !

Our session last Wednesday saw at least 10 players enjoying chess over the boards: Tony, Mike T., Chris N., Eric Z. (very long time no see, Mr. Z!), Matthew, Setsal, Irakli, Yancy, Bert, and John S.

Club Tournament this weekend Sat. Sept. 3 & Sun. Sept. 4 at Carl's. Jr.

Chess players are welcome to play chess over the boards starting at 2:00 p.m. each day this Saturday and Sunday, September 3 & 4, 2022, at our Carl's Jr. Restaurant venue, which is just across the side parking lot from our usual Starbucks venue in the Clayton Shopping Center. Players who are not entered in our club tournament those two days may still play chess among themselves, and may also observe (but not offer suggestions to) players in tournament games in progress. Players who are just now or on Saturday entering the tournament must pay an entry fee of $25 and be a current member of the US Chess Federation. 85%-90% of all entry fees are returned in cash prizes.

For this weekend's club tournament players:

Start Time: 2:00 p.m. both days are scheduled.

The Time Control has been adjusted to Game/45.d10 now instead of G/45.d5 (the additional delay of 5 more seconds is consistent with our past club tournaments, giving players a few more seconds to write down or otherwise record the chess moves).

[Players with paid entries to date are: Yancy, Irakli, Tony, Ron, Setsal, Sam, Matthew, Ohm, and Ethan, with at least 3 or 4 possibly to join based on their stated interest. The Tournament Director (TD) may join a group, if necessary, to even out a group or make a group similar to others in format for pairing purposes.]

Format: Quads = 4 players, three rounds with two on Saturday and the final round on Sunday --- or on another day within a week agreed upon by the players and the Tournament Director (TD). Round Robin or Swiss = 5 or more players in group, four rounds, with two on Saturday and the balance on Sunday --- or on another day within a week agreed upon by the players and the TD. Groups will be formed in a manner that ensures there are no inappropriate mismatches.

Cash prizes go to 1st Place ($41) & 2nd Place ($31) in Quads. In groups of 5 or more players, cash prizes will go to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places, with amounts to be determined based on number of entries. As mentioned above, 85%-90% of entry fees are returned as cash prizes. The balance goes towards USCF fees for ratings adjustments, etc., with maybe, just maybe, enough left over for a sandwich, or part of one, for the TD. 🙂

Need more info or have questions? Let me know, and see you this weekend!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Aug. 31st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing, at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., in Concord. Last Sunday saw 10 players enjoy chess over the boards, including some Chinese chess using discs, as taught by Ranen, and even a game of "960 chess" played by Sam and Mike T. Also there were Chris N., Kevin, Setsal, Yancy, Reza, Ron, and Irakli. No player solved the chess puzzle (but Yancy came very close)!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, and there are no dues, nor is there a purchase required (but it would be nice). Come and go anytime! We meet again this Wednesday afternoon, August 31, 2022.

Club Tournament this Weekend, Sat. Sept. 3 & Sun. Sept. 4, 2002

Our chess club will be holding a USCF-rated tournament this coming Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 & 4, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, located across the side parking lot from our Starbucks venue. Chess players who are not in the tournament are still welcome to observe or enjoy chess at either Carl's Jr. or Starbucks on those days.

So far there are 8 players signed up for the tournament, with at least 2 or 4 more about to join. The format looks good for 2 groups of 5 or more players each, for no more than 3, 4 or 5 rounds each group, with the Time Control G/45.d5. Each member must be a current member of the US Chess Federation.

Entry Fee: $20 paid on or before 08/31/22; $25 if paid after 08/31/22.
Cash Prizes: 85%-90% of entry fees are returned as cash prizes. Quads pay 1st ($42) & 2nd ($32) Places; Other formats pay 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places, with prize amounts to be determined based on number of entries.

If you have any questions or need more information, let me know.

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

CHESS this Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time as players come and go anytime. At least 19 players enjoyed chess over the boards this past Wednesday: Chris B., Patrick D. (been a while!), Matthew, new player Angel, Tony T., Alwin, Sam, Yancy, Nandu, John E., John S., Hossam, Mike T., Ron, Irakli, Setsal, Eric M., and Hira's youngsters Ohm and Sia. Our usual Starbucks venue had chess players at it on tables both indoors and outdoors!

We meet again this Sunday, August 28, 2022. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters. Our Starbucks location is at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Next Weekend Sat. Sept 3rd & Sun. Sept 4th: The club will host a USCF-rated tournament. It will be held at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which is just across the side parking lot from Starbucks. Players who are not in the tournament can still play unrated chess, but only among themselves, either at Starbucks or Carl's Jr., on either day. Observers are also welcome.

There are currently at least 7 players entered in the tournament. As mentioned in previously, the specifics -- aside from the requirement that participants be current members of the US Chess Federation -- are as follows:

Entry Fee: $20 paid on or before 08/31/22; $25 if paid after 08/31/22.
Time Control: G/45.d5 Game clocks must be set for 45 minutes for each side with a 5-second delay.
Start time: 2:00 p.m. on both Sept. 3 & 4, 2022. The second match of the day will begin no later than 4:00 p.m., but may start earlier if all earlier matches have been completed. If necessary, a match to complete the tournament can be scheduled for either the following Wednesday or Sunday, same time, same location.
Format: Either Quads (3 rounds); or, no more than 4 rounds if five or more players (5 rounds if 10 or more) in a group. Every effort will be made to group players in a manner as to avoid obvious mismatches using either a Round Robin or Swiss pairing system.
Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, location as stated above.

Let me know if you have questions or need more info,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 24th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Four more new players came by this past Sunday: Jared, Nate, Joe and Romel ! There to welcome them were Mike T., Kevin, Sam, Mike B., Eric M (long time no see!), Irakli, Tony T., Connor Rdl, Ethan, Olaf, Reza, Setsal, Reza, and Matthew, for a total of at least 18 players, (did I miss anyone?) with lots of chess over the boards going on both inside and outside our usual Starbucks venue!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord.

We next meet this coming Wednesday, August 24, 2022, and we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. There are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement. Early arrivals 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 chess club will have a USCF-rated tournament on Sept. 3 & 4, as mentioned with specifics in our previous email to you. Let me know if you have questions or need even more information. Current membership in the USCF is required for participation.

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

CHESS this Sunday, August 21st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

About twenty or so players came by to enjoy the play of chess over the boards this past Wednesday, including as many as three or four players new to the club: Matthew, Setsal, Connor Rdl, Irakli, Yancy, Tony T., Mike T., Alwin, Mark, Ron, Bert, John E., Henry & Ly's kids Ian, Jay-Jay, and Kayden, including Vernon, and Fahad, all there to welcome newcomers Nandu, Adio, and Albert (who was there with Kimberly)!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., which is just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., Concord, in the Clayton Shopping Center. This coming Sunday, August 21st, will, as usual, feature a chess puzzle that earns whichever player is the first to solve it on the first try a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! No one was able to win the freebie last Wednesday!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

USCF-Rated Club Tournament: Starts Saturday Sept. 3 & Sunday Sept. 4. Tournament matches may be started on a subsequent Wednesday or Sunday, as needed, to complete the tournament. Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across the side parking lot from Starbucks. (We've held Chess and Scrabble tournaments there before).
Time Control: G/45.d5
Entry Fee: $20 if paid on or before 08/31/22; $25 if after 08/31/22. See previous email on the subject if you have questions regarding the increase after 08/31.
Required: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. Unrated players, or players with provisional ratings, are eligible as long as USCF membership is current.
Format: TBD: Quad sets (3 rounds), or Round-Robin sets (no more than 5 rounds), depending on number of players.
Prizes: Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd in Quads; 1st thru 3rd for other formats. At least 80-90% of entry fees are returned as prizes, with the balance used for USCF fees and maybe a sandwich for the TD.

If you have any questions or need more info, let me know, see you soon -- and thanks to all who've asked how I'm doing -- the surgery's done and I'm well on the mend!!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone !

At least 15 players came by last Sunday for chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! Having fun with Classic as well as Blitz Chess were Diego, Karthik (with Rajita), Ethan, Ron, Mike B (been a super long time ago, one of the originals), Sam, Irakli, Ranen, Tyler, Alwin, Mike T., Kevin, Reza, and even Hossam and Dodie dropped by, with flowers!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. through closing time, at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord. We meet again this Wednesday, somewhat of a special day for me as I apparently flew through surgery with flying colors and can actually expect to see everyone that's going to be there even though it's still during recovery period. Let's play chess!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, come and go anytime, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice) and enjoy new friendships as you also renew old ones, which happens every session it seems!

Our last e-mail featured info about our USCF-Rated Labor Day Weekend Tournament:

When: Sat. Sept. 3 & Sun. Sept. 4.

Start Time: 2:00 p.m. each day.

Where: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across the side parking lot from Starbucks. (I've held several official chess and scrabble tournaments there).

Format: TBD (1, 2 or more Quads; or 2 Divisions of 5 or more players each; Round Robin or Swiss, depending on number of players, no more than 5 rounds max.) Great care will be taken to ensure avoid clear mismatches in establishing the groups.

Entry Fee: $20 paid before 08/31/22; $25 if paid after 08/31/22. Why the increase? It's an administrative fee for the chore or resetting the divisions and 1st round pairings to accommodate (and welcome) players who decide at the last day or minute to join.

Required: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. Players with current classic USCF ratings, as well as those with provisional ratings, and new, unrated USCF members are welcome to compete! I will need to check for each player's full name and USCF ID# and current rating for proper inclusion and pairings in the tournament, and for reporting of results to the USCF. New members bear with me on this, it's standard TD stuff.

[Noted: As of this writing, 2 players (Sam & Setsal) have already paid in. Two other players will have a $5 discount at time of payment, for having contributed to our club's annual USCF affiliation dues.]

Any questions or need for additional info, let me know, see you over the boards!

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

CHESS this Sunday Aug. 14th at Starbucks + Club Tournament News!

Hi Everyone!

Another fun, challenging afternoon of chess over the boards took place this past Wednesday at our usual Starbucks venue, featuring at least two more players new to the club, Duncan and Karthik (with Rajita), welcomed by Mike T., Sam, Tony T., Yancy, Bert, Connor Ri, Ohm, Sia, John E., and John S.! Additionally, it was great to see new friendships made, including those with and among Rajita, Manjit, and Hira!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters, and all in between. Players arriving early usually have a chance to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! By the way, Ohm solved last Wednesday's puzzle!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament Sept. 3 - 4, 2022:

The Contra Costa Chess Club will hold a club tournament this coming Labor Day Weekend, from Saturday, September 3, 2022 through Sunday, September 4, 2022. Starting Time each day will be at 2:00 p.m. It is possible that the final matches may be completed on either Monday Sept. 5, 2022 or the following Sunday, September 11, 2022. There will be two divisions, based on observed play and current classic USCF-ratings (including for those who are new,unrated USCF members and those with provisional ratings), to promote fair pairings and to avoid possible obvious mismatches. At least 10 players indicate they will compete. At least two more have expressed interest..

Entry Fee: $20 if paid on or before Wednesday, August 31, 2022; $25 if after 08/31/22.

Time Control: G/45.d5 [chess clocks must be set for each side to have 45 minutes with a delay of 5 seconds.]

Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (Across the side parking lot from Starbucks -- several chess and scrabble tournaments have been held there.)

Cash Prizes: To Be Determined and announced prior to the start of first matches, based on format and number of paid entries (e.g, Quads = 1st and 2nd Place; or, with 5, 6 or more players = 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places, with 80%-90% of paid entries returned in cash prizes, ensuring enough is left over to remit to USCF for ratings services,and to cover basic local admin costs, which might include a sandwich and a drink for the TD to wolf down and guzzle, ahem.

Required: Current US Chess Federation membership. I'll need to know your current rating; and, if a new USCF member, or competing for the first time in our club tournament, your full name as registered with USCF and USCF ID#.

Let me know if you have questions or need more information, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 10th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

At least a dozen players dropped by this past Sunday for chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue. A few players we haven't seen in a while: Art, Mark, and Rich K. joined Yancy, Sam, Tony, Mike T., Irakli, Myles (with Tom and Mila), Chris N., Connor Ri., and Matthew, as we all welcomed yet another player new to the club: Arian!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m through closing time. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, and players arriving early have a chance to be the first player to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

There's more players that want to play in a club tournament, and we just may get one started next Sunday, August 14th! So far it looks like we'll have enough for 2 Quads, or even two groups of six players, with each group playing in a round-robin format! As of this writing, club tournament players will be Sam, Matthew, Myles, Setsal, Connor Ri., Irakli, Yancy, Mike T., and at least two more players who've only indicated strong interest through email, whereas the ones named above indicated strong interest in person.

Club Tournament Format: Either Quads (3 matches each player), or 6-player Round-Robins (5 matches each player); EF=$20; Time Control = G/45.d5. Location: TBD (either Starbucks, Carl's Jr. across the way, or at a nearby residence); Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes TBD for 1st and 2nd in Quads, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd for RR's. Current membership in the US Chess Federation is required. Note: if there are more than 6 players in any group, a Swiss Pairing System will be used for 5 matches for each player.

If you have questions or need more info, just let me know. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday Aug. 7th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Last Wednesday's session saw at least 22 players enjoy the afternoon playing chess over the boards! There were 4 new players: Nishant, Lorenzo, and brothers Kevin and Blake! Welcoming them were Mike T., Bert, Hossam, John S., John E., Myles ( with Ly and later Tom), Tony T., Setsal, Matthew, Chris N., Serg (with Anastasia), Sam, Yancy (who solved the chess puzzle), Connor R., and Ronald C. himself! We even got a short visit from Herb! It did seem that everyone there had a good time over the chess boards, with the side benefit of making new friends and renewing old friendships!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd. in the Clayton Shopping Center, which is just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Concord. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early enough have a chance to be the first player to solve the chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We will have a USCF-rated club tournament soon. The entry fee will be $20 and already there are five players getting in on the action: Setsal, Matthew, Yancy, Tony T., and Mike T., with more to join. All entry fees are returned as cash prizes for players finishing 1st and 2nd in Quads, or -- in other formats -- 1st through 3rd or 4th places depending on the number of players, with enough funds left over to remit to the USCF for ratings updates, and maybe a sandwich and a drink for the TD (Tournament Director). Tournament site will be either at the TD's residence nearby, or at a quiet restaurant across the parking lot from Starbucks. Time Control: G/45.d5 (Game in 45 minutes per side, with a 5-second delay). No more than 5 or 6 rounds, with players committing to playing their matches over no more than 3 weeks. When to start: How about Sunday Aug. 21 or Aug. 28? Let me know!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 3rd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

This past Sunday's chess session -- all games over the boards -- was a lot of fun, although there weren't as many youngsters there as there were last Wednesday. However, Hira was there with her kids Ohm and Sia (who kept waiting for Myles to play chess with), and Prevdi and Vandana were there with Suhas, an 8-year-old phenomenal chess player under the guidance of Ronald C.!

We also met a few players new to the club: Ron, Carlos, and Connor Ri. !! They were welcomed by Tony T., Mike T., Sam, Ronald C., Vernon, Matthew, and Yancy (who solved the chess puzzle on his first try). Did I miss anyone who was there, if so, my apologies.

We meet Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time (come and go anytime), at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the Concord corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early have a chance to be the first player to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try to win a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We have club tournaments in different formats, from Quads to larger formats needing the Swiss Pairing System. Stay tuned for the next USCF-rated contest, and do let me know if you are interested (current USCF-membership required).

See you soon, with sincere wishes for everyone to be in the best of health,

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

The Contra Costa Chess Club meets every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00pm on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple of driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord. We meet again this Sunday, July 31, 2002, as the club continues to grow, with new players coming by practically every time we meet!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Additionally, the first player to solve the day's chess puzzle on thefirst try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! No player was able to solve last Wednesday's chess puzzle, but there will be another for this coming Sunday's session.

Last Wednesday's session was quite a lot of fun, with as many as 8 youngsters enjoying the afternoon, with most playing chess over the boards with new friends, including adults as well as other kids they met for the first time! Among the kids that day were Evan and Zane with their Dad Igor; Ohm and Sia with their Mom Hira; Myles and his Mom Ly; and, Ian, Jojo, and Kaden with their Mom Paige ! (I hope I got all the names right and spelled them correctly). The adults that joined the fun, challenging games were Sam, John Ht., Mike T., Tony T., Yancy, and Ronald C.-- and, thanks to Ronald C., there was quite an exhibition of chess that amazed adults and kids alike in playing, with odds on clock time given, Bullet Chess, Blitz, and even Blindfold Chess !!

It was also nice to see the kids' parents socialize with each other, including with some adults who were there, such as Ken, Dan, Mikey O., Gregg, and Ernie, who are well known to the club organizer and some players, all in the spirit of making new friends and renewing old friendships!

So then, we meet again this Sunday, July 31st, same place, same time, and I hope to see as many there as before, perhaps even more since we see more players on Sundays! For those players who are members of the US Chess Federation, we will once again soon be having our club tournaments, using Quad and other formats, stay tuned!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

Join us for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday, July 27, 2002, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center! That's just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord!

This Wednesday will see several kids that enjoy the game of chess, along with our regular players plus at least one master if not two, who clearly enjoy and appreciate the game, too! We're also at Starbucks every Sunday afternoon, same time, same place! Last Sunday saw Sam, Mike T., Chris N., Setsal, Kevin, Tyler, visiting player Barak from Silicon Valley, and new player to the club, 12-year old Serg, who played just about everyone from classic games to blitz, winning every game except perhaps one! We also welcomed Serg's mom Anastasia, who knew quite a bit of chess!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between! Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Additionally, the first player to solve a chess puzzle on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! While no player solved last Sunday's puzzle on the first try, it was Serg who managed to figure it out!

So then, come on by, make new friends and/or renew old friendships! See you there,

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 24 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

We meet for fun, challenging chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00p.m. on through closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center! That's just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from novices to masters and all in between! Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Additionally, the first player to solve a chess puzzle on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Congratulations went to Tony for solving the puzzle on the first try!

Last Wednesday saw quite a few players enjoy the afternoon playing chess. There were even a couple of chess Masters there! Enjoying the game along with friendships new and renewed were Mike T, Tony, Matthew, Sam, Yancy, Hossam, Ronald C., Rich K., Bert, Olaf, and Carl!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, July 20th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . .!

There's fun, challenging chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, located just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center!

We will meet again this Wednesday, from 3:00pm on, and there will be a chess puzzle challenge for early arrivals: The first player to solve the puzzle on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

At least half a dozen or more players enjoyed chess over the boards this past Sunday, and it personally was great to be back! Among the players there were Sam, Yancy, John H.,Tony, Chris N., and we welcomed two players new to the club, Kevin and Skip!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). There's interest in starting up club quads or other club tournament formats. 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, July 17 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . .!

There's chess over the boards as usual from 3:00 p,m, through closing time at our Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord!

We continue to meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons at the same time, We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. Come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice)!!

[I have been remiss in sending out these emails over the past month or so due to my having to deal with some rather tough health issues that even required a couple of trips to the ER. I am under a doctor's care and orders now, and will be able to be at Starbucks again to enjoy the game of chess and, most of all, your friendship and company! I am thankful for several players among so many other friends and associates for taking the time to check on me, even just to simply say hello and ask how I'm doing.]

Looking forward to seeing as many of you tomorrow and at future sessions!

-- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #6024746

CHESS and Lots of It this Wednesday, June 15 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone !

There's lots of chess this Wednesday afternoon, June 15, 2022, compared to recent sessions, as we expect to see at least a couple of new players mix it up with us for the fun and challenge of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! There may even be a couple of kids there to improve their games!

Come by anytime from 3:00p.m.on thru closing time, and early arrivals will 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!

I'll be there from start to finish (I'm finally back healthy as can be again, no Covid!). Last Sunday saw Tony T. and Chris N. play several games, and it looked like Tony was getting the better results, but there was no quit in Chris N., that's for sure!

See you there,

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

CHESS this Sunday June 12th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone . . . !

There's chess over the boards as usual at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday, June 12, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time!

I've recovered, and chances are excellent that I'll be there, with a chess puzzle for you to try to be the first to solve to win a free tall Starbucks drink of your choice!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday, same time same place, with new players coming by quite often, so help me meet and greet and play the great game of chess!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 8th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone,

Chess over the boards is still on the books this Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time.

Unfortunately for me, I cannot make it to this session, nor other activities, until I test negative fo Covid! It shouldn't take too long, as I'm fully vaccinated and double boosted.

See you there soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, June 5th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet once again for sure from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday, June 5, 2022. Expect to meet a new player or two for the challenge and fun of the game of chess!

Players there early will 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!

See you there,

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 1st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Every Sunday and Wednesday after 3:00 p.m. through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue features chess over the boards for players of all ages and skill levels! We're there again this Wednesday, June 1, 2022, come and go anytime!

This past Sunday saw several players, several tournament tested, having fun over the chess boards, on or off the clock. Sam, Chris B, Cameron, Trey, Irakli, John E., Mike T., and Tony T. played, with Sam the first to solve the chess puzzle on the first try to win a free Starbucks drink!

See you this Wednesday, or soon after,

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 29th at Starbucks!

Hello!

There's chess over the boards for players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters, this Sunday, May 29, 2022, from 3:00p.m. on through closing time at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA. Come and go anytime, no dues, no purchase required! 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!

This Sunday's chess puzzle will be a tough one!

This past Wednesday's session didn't get going until about 4:30 pm or so. It must have been the heat? I had to leave for the Steely Dan Concert (with Snarky Puppy) at the Concord Pavilion, and was glad to receive a message that as many as nine chess players did indeed get together at Starbucks for the grand game of chess.

I hope all are in good health and spirits this long Memorial Day Weekend!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 25 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

More chess over the boards!

Where: at our usual Starbucks venue.

When: 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon. Come and go anytime. Players there early 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!

Who: All players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters!

No dues, no purchase required ( but it would be nice).

Nice to see several players come by last Sunday, a couple of whom we haven't seen in a while: Chris N., Chris B., Mike T, Diego, Johnny H., Cameron, Matthew, Brandon, and Ranen!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 22nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Chess over the boards awaits players once again any time after 3:00 pm. on through closing time this Sunday, May 22, 2022, at our usual Starbucks venue! Come and go anytime, as we meet every Wednesday and Sunday, same time, same place. We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. There are no dues. There is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Players arriving early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice (Yancy solved the puzzle of the day last Wednesday).

Along with Yancy last Wednesday were Chris C., Chris B., Alwin, Diego, JMike T., Diego, Matthew, Ken C., Bert, and yet another player new to the club, a fellow also by name of Mike T!

USCF-rated matches through Quads can be organized for the long Memorial Day weekend ahead!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday May 18th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Join us for fun, challenging chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons!

Where: Starbucks, at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd, in the Clayton Station Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. of Concord, CA.

When: Every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. on thru closing time. Come and go anytime. There are no dues. There is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice).

Last Sunday saw several players come by: Chris N., Mike T., Tony T., Matthew, Sam, Vernon, Irakli, Tom H, and Rich & Trey. No player solved the chess puzzle, it was a tough one! (Players arriving early usually 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!)

Looking ahead to the summer: We're having a Chess & Games Camp for Kids (6 yrs-12 yrs. old)! A flyer will be available soon. Let me know if you are interested in the details in advance!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday May 11th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We're back at Starbucks this Wednesday, May 11, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. through closing time, come by anytime, see you there!

Players arriving early have a chance to be the first to solve either one or both chess puzzles on the first try this Wednesday to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

At least a dozen players of all ages and skill levels came by last Sunday to enjoy chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue. There for the afternoon and early evening were Chris N, Mike T, Ethan, Yancy, Brandon, Clifford, Art, John E, Dennis, Tony; and Rich and his young son Trey!

Our next session is this Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Our chess club meets every Sunday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord, CA.

There are no dues. There is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Come and go anytime. Players arriving early often have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free Starbucks drink of choice!

Stay tuned for news of USCF-rated club Quads and other club tournaments. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday May 1st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday for chess over the boards!

Where: Starbucks, at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton, CA, -- just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord, CA.

When: From 3:00 p.m. on thru closing time. Come and go anytime. Players there early 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!

Dues: None;

Purchase Requirement: None (but it would be nice).

Last Wednesday saw at least 11 players meet over the chess boards: Shaun, Ray M., Carl, Mike T., John E., Herb C., Tony, Yancy, Matthew, Setsal, and Maria . . . and Sam . . . with more players, including a master, expected this Sunday, May 1, 2022 ! We will also be forming up at least one Quad, so see you there!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a short note to say there's chess over the boards as usual this Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at our usual Starbucks venue! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday from 3pm on through closing time. We welcome players of all skill levels and ages.

Come by anytime, and players there early have an opportunity to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday saw at least 7 players enjoy an afternoon of chess: new player Carl, along with Yancy, Mike T., Ken C., Brandon, Clifford, and Setsal. No player was able to solve the chess puzzle this time. It was a real stumper!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, April 24 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Play chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday, April 24, 2022. Just come by anytime after 3:00 p.m. and stay as long as you like through closing time! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, at the Starbucks at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Valley Rd, in the Clayton Station Shopping Center.

We welcome players of all ages and skills. There are no dues. There is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players arriving early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

At least eight players had fun over the boards last Wednesday: Tony, Mike T., Yancy, John H., Matthew, Irakli, Setsal, and Maria, with Wendy coming by as a potential new player! More players this Sunday!

A USCF-rated Round-Robin tournament may form and actually start this Sunday or next, so stay tuned!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday April 20th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We're back in full swing after the Easter weekend this Wednesday afternoon, April 20, 2022, for more chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! Come by anytime from 3:00pm on through closing time -- we welcome players of all skill levels, from beginners to masters!

Players arriving early have a chance to be the first to solve a chess puzzle to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! There are no dues, and there is no purchase requirement (but it would be nice).

We welcome yet another player new to the club this past Sunday, a fellow by name of Ethan. On hand for some interesting chess games were Ethan, Matthew, John H., Tony, and Mike T.

Looking ahead, the club will be having another USCF-rated tournament, this time with the Round-Robin format for at least 5 or more players, with three already committing to it. The tournament can be played over two or three sessions, and can be converted into a double round-robin!! Format would include a Time Control of G/45;d10 and an Entry Fee of $23, which includes club costs, and cash prizes for 1st=$50; 2nd=$35; 3rd=$23 (even higher $$ and more win-places the more players)!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Sunday, April 17 at Starbucks?

Hi Everyone !

There's chess over the boards this Sunday afternoon, April 17, 2022, at our usual Starbucks venue anytime after 3:00 pm.

For those celebrating the day, Happy Easter!

See you soon,

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

CHESS this Wednesday April 13 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

More new players are joining us as we meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons after 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our usual Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord CA! We meet again this Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Players arriving early 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 last two sessions saw players welcome Chris N. last Wednesday, and Shaun W. this past Sunday. More than a dozen players came to play chess over the boards this past Sunday, including kids Johnny with mom Elisa, and Suhas with mom and dad Vanna and Pruvdi, and several others including Yancy, Tony, Olaf, Shaun, Clifford, Brandon, Sam, Matthew, Ronald, and Mike T. Some observers even asked to join in our next session(s).

We will soon be having at least one group, if not more, playing USCF-rated Quads and/or Round-Robin club tournaments. Let me know if you're interested. Players need to be current members of the US Chess Federation to play in club tournaments.

However, USCF membership is not required to join our club simply for the fun and challenge of the game. We welcome players of all skill levels, from beginners to masters. There are no dues. There is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

So then, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday April 10 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a short note this time to say we're having our usual fun session of chess over the boards this Sunday afternoon, April 19, 2022 at our usual Starbucks venue. Come by anytime after 3:00 p.m., and players there 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!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 6th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. through closing time. If Starbucks closes tomorrow by 6:00 p.m., we can move across the parking lot where we're always welcome at the more spacious Carl's Jr. Restaurant, which closes at 8:00 p.m.

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. Come and go anytime, there are no dues. There is no purchase required (but it would be nice). Players there 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!

Last Sunday we welcomed back young Suhas and his Dad Prudvi, along with Sam, Yancy (who solved the puzzle), Matthew, Brandon, Clifford, Tony, Ronald, and Mike T. for some fine coffeehouse chess! Looking ahead, we may be scheduling a USCF-rated round-robin club tournament!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday April 3, 2022 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone !

We meet again this Sunday, April 3, 2022 for fun, challenging chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., at the Clayton Station Shopping Center near the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. in Concord, CA.

We're there from 3:00p.m. often through closing time of 8:00p.m. every Sunday and Wednesday of every week! Come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! 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!

This past Wednesday saw at least eleven players enjoy the late afternoon and early evening playing chess simply for the fun of it over the boards. We welcomed John E. to the club, and there to welcome him were Sam, Mike T., John S., Rich K., Setsal, Burt, Matthew, and Maria. Ken C. dropped in earlier, and a player named Mossoud, who will be joining us soon, observed a couple of very tight matches that both ended in a draw!

Looking ahead, while we emphasize playing chess for the fun of it, we certainly add more to the fun and challenge by holding USCF-rated club tournaments. We've had four already this year: an 8-player Swiss, and 3 Quads. The next one should have at least 5 or more players in either a Round Robin or Double Round Robin format! Let me know if you're interested. Time Control = G/45;d10 and Entry Fee = to be determined based on number of players and on the agreement of players, with corresponding $$$ prizes also to be determined. Let me know if you are up for it for either the month of April or May, or both!

See you soon,

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

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