CHESS this Wednesday, January 25 at Starbucks!

Hello!

Two Sundays ago we welcomed 3 new players, Rich P., Don G., and Sean, as nearly two dozen players enjoyed an afternoon and early evening of chess over the boards, as did at least seven players last Wednesday, despite rather wet weather!

We have a regular session this coming Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. through closing time, at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass, in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. 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 beverage of choice!

We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters and all in between. Players can come and go anytime; there are no dues; and, there is no purchase required (but it would be nice).

However, when we do have rated matches or tournaments with either cash or non-cash prizes, competing players -- regardless of skill group or division -- must be current members of the US Chess Federation. Membership costs are quite reasonable, --- moreso for students and seniors --- and can be easily obtained online at www.uschess.org. Rated matches or tournaments are announced well in advance, with info as to date(s), location, start times, skill divisions, entry fees and prizes, as well as format and time control(s).

For those interested, we lately have set time aside to experiment with and possibly develop our own version of four-player chess, but amp'ed up for speed, to be known as 4-Player Speed Chess! So far, based on a couple timed games (one at 5 minutes, the other at 10), the feedback has been that it's certainly offbeat, a bit crazy and fun, -- and Kwaku is the player to beat! -- would you like to try it sometime?

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