CHESS this Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

A nice break in the weather brought at least 17 chess players of various ages to our regular venue for several games of fun, challenging chess, including a contest on a 4-player chess board brought by Chris Th.! There for the mostly mid-afternoon into evening session were Ben C., Benoit, David T., Sam, Mike T., Thomas, Chris, Red, Lou, Logan, Adam, Arun, Arien, Trey, Tony, and Matthew, and... did I miss anyone?

All ages and skill levels are welcome as we meet every Sunday and Wednesday at the Starbucks located within the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Road and Clayton Road, right on the border of Clayton and Concord. We run from 3:00 pm through to closing time, and players can come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice).

So then, stop by and join the fun, possibly make new friends and perhaps even renew old friendships! This Wednesday, as had happened once last spring, there may be a few players up for a meal together at the Indian restaurant across the parking lot.

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

CHESS this Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone! We meet again this Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at our usual Starbucks venue, in the Clayton Shopping Center, where we have chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, and go from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time! All ages and skill levels are welcome; players can come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

At least 14 or more players came by last Sunday, and we nearly had enough players to start a Quad or two, but it was a bit late in the day to get one going. We can always try again this Wednesday. There to have fun and enjoy the challenges of chess was a player new to the club, Logan, with his Dad Adam, both welcomed by Sam, Ben, David T., Mike T., Lou, Red, Keho, Adam M., Arian and son Arun, along with Nathan and his Dad Gene; and there was, late in the evening, an older gentleman whose name remains unknown as of this writing.

So then, perhaps we'll see you soon, along with a student or two home for the upcoming holidays from faraway colleges to get some games of chess in while certainly making new friends and yes, renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

We meet as usual this Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at our regular Starbucks venue for fun, challenging chess over the boards, and we welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, and there's no purchase required. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Players who wish to form a Quad to play USCF-rated matches will simply need to confer with me for the necessary details or requirements, and the matches may be played at our Starbucks venue. Let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

See you very soon, hopefully ready to enjoy the game of chess over the boards and to make new friends, and perhaps even to renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

It was nice to see at least 10 or more players over the chess boards at our usual Starbucks venue last Sunday. Sam, Matthew, Benoit, Ben, David T., Mike T., Lou, Olaf, and Daniel C. were there, and even Willie came by to say hello...!

... Our next session is this Wednesday, December 4th, same time (3:00 p.m. on, come and go anytime), same place; and, those interested in playing USCF-rated matches can start forming Quads and agree on the entry fee... Or, just play for the simply challenging social fun of the game of chess, as usual! Quad matches (Time Control: G/40;d.10) may start, for example, this Wednesday, and can be completed either next Sunday or the following Wednesday; or start next Sunday and be completed within the next two weeks.

More chess club news later this week, see you soon and expect to make new friends, and perhaps even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone! And a Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Last Sunday we welcomed two more players new to the chess club: Kuhei and Robert! They were gladly! welcomed into the chess mix by Ben C., Benoit, Red, David T., Daniel C., Zach, Chris Th., Mike T., Ranen and Diego...!

We meet again this Wednesday, November 27th, from 3:00 pm through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters, and players can come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, same time, same place. If there are enough players to play in a Quad or two, we can even have USCF-rated matches! So then, see you very soon, and expect to make new friends, even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

Despite last Wednesday's unsettled weather due to the nearby atmospheric bomb cyclone river or whatever else it's called, a very nice group of chess players still dropped by for most of the afternoon and early evening to enjoy the game of chess and, yes, each other's company in a warm, coffeehouse atmosphere! Plus, we welcomed yet another player new to the club, a fellow named Michael. There to welcome him were Ben C., David T., Irakli, Mike T., Anson with So, Red, Tony, and Bert!

Our chess club meets again the afternoon of this coming Sunday, November 24th, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing. All ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues; and, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our next USCF-rated club tournament is slated for Sunday, December 8, 2024. Details may be found in recent posts and by visiting our Upcoming Club Tournaments page. And, by the way, if there's interest in having a USCF-rated Quad before then, even if simply played at Starbucks during our regular sessions, but played off to the side, let me know, and it just might be arranged.

See you very soon, set for chess and the possibility of making new friends and even renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

At least 15 players came by to enjoy an afternoon and early evening session of chess over the boards this past Sunday, a good turnout considering several NFL games of interest on television, along with dropping temperatures! We welcomed new players, Jack who was with his dad; and Daniel R., and we welcomed Cory back! We even had a 4-way chess game on a 4-way chess board! Getting their game on along with Jack, Daniel R., and Cory were Ben, Jackson, Lou, Max, Chris Th., Mike T., Anson (with So), Daniel C., Red, Tony, Alex S., and Adam M. No player was able to solve the chess puzzle of the day on the first try to win the prize, a free tall Starbucks drink!

We meet again this Wednesday, November 20th, at our regular Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). All ages and skill levels are welcome, and whoever solves the day's chess puzzle on the first try gets a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Our next USCF-rated club tournament is set for Sunday, December 8, 2024. The format will be 3-Rd Quads, Time Control G/40;d10. Entry Fee is $30 paid before 12/08/24; $35 if paid on 12/08/24. Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant, across sidelot from Starbucks. Round 1 starts at 11:00 a.m. Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew is easy, just go on www.uschess.org.

See you soon, and don't be surprised if you make new friends over the chessboards, and perhaps even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

We meet again over the chess boards at our regular Starbucks venue this Sunday, November 17th from 3:00 p.m. through closing time, with players of all ages and skill levels welcome to come and go anytime! There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Wednesday afternoon as well, same place, same time, etc. Last Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen players stop by for the fun and challenge of the game. Tom B. was with us for his first time, and there to welcome him to the club were Chris Th., Mike T., Matthew, Will,Tony, Irakli, Alex S., Bert, David T., Adam M., and Vernon! No player was able to solve what turned out to be a fairly difficult mate-in-two puzzle!

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Everyone!

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

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

As usual, all ages and skill levels are welcome at our chess sessions, which usually run from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Players can come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There's always a good chance of making new friends, and even renewing old friendships. See you soon!

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

CHESS Today, Wednesday November 6, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

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

We meet again this Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our regular Starbucks venue. By approximately 5:00 p.m., the player who is voted as having the best Halloween-themed feature or look while playing chess wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! All ages and skill levels are welcome; players can come and go anytime; there are no dues; and, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice).

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

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

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

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

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

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, at the Starbucks in the Clayton Shopping Center. All ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues; and, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

USCF-Rated CLUB TOURNAMENT DETAILS:

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

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

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 16th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our club's upcoming tournament:

Our club's USCF-rated tournament will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Format: Quads and/or groups of 6 players or more, depending on number of players. Time Control = G/40;d10. Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the side parking lot from our regular Starbucks venue); Entry Fee: $35 if paid before 11/10/2024; $40 if paid on 11/10/2024 (90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes); Number of Rounds: 3 for Quad players; 4 for Groups of 6 or more players; Starting Times: for Round 1 = 10:30 a.m.; Round 2 = NLT 12:30 p.m.; Round 3 = NLT 2:00 p.m.; Round 4 = NLT 3:30 p.m. Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew your membership, simply go online at uschess.org.

Last Sunday's club session saw nearly 20 players enjoy an afternoon of chess, as we welcomed yet another player new to the club, a fellow by the name of Justin! Welcoming Justin were Ben C., with Vivian and Michele; Alex S., Mike T., Sam, Kevin, Tom, Anh, Lou, Tristan, Adam M., Matthew, Suhas with his mom Vandana; and, Cowen with his mom Erin and his pal Kayden. It was Suhas who quickly was the first player to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center. We're there from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, as players can come and go anytime. All ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues; and, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink!

So then, perhaps we will see you very soon, and don't be surprised if you make new friends, and even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

It was really nice to see at least a dozen players enjoy an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards this past Sunday, despite the heat of the day, and a 49ers game on the telly. Suhas was there with his dad Prudi, as were Alex S., David T., Tony, Red, Vishwa with Tyas, Mike T., Adam M., Trammy with her brother Anh, and Dan G.

We meet again this Wednesday, October 9th, at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., right on the border of Concord and Clayton. All ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues; and, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice to buy something). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Dan G. played a game and invited everyone in our chess club to join a chess session on Saturday, October 19th from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Europa Hofbrau, located at 64 Moraga Way, in Orinda. Dan is starting up the Lamorinda Chess Club. All ages and skill levels are welcome; he will have some chess sets available for those who don't bring their own sets; and, there is an expectation that players are to spend a minimum of $10 for food or beverage at the restaurant.

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

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

CHESS this Sunday, October 6th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a short note on another hot day to say that there's cooling off at our regular Starbucks venue while enjoying the fun and challenge of chess over the boards! We're there from 3:00 p.m through to closing time, so players can come and go anytime, with new players of all skill levels coming by to make new friends as they play chess with or without clocks! There are no dues and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice to buy something). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, with the first one solving it on the first try winning a tall Starbucks drink of choice!

See you there, and we may even have another one of those "Brain&Hand" contests for a prize or two!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Join us this Wednesday, October 2nd for lots of chess over the boards, as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon at our regular Starbucks venue from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, as players of all skill levels can come and go anytime! There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice to buy something). First one to solve a given chess puzzle on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday's session drew at least 20 or more players to the chess scene, as we welcomed a couple new players to the club: Tristan and Tom. There to welcome them were John H., Mike T., Benoit, Ben C., Red, Lou, Tony, Arun and son Arian; Natan and Dad Gene with sister Bella; David T.; Trey and Kassy; Adam M., Amit, Ranen, Jesse, and Eddie... Did I miss anyone?

Jesse and Eddie will be at our Wednesday session to once again greet those who will be extras (playing chess) in the movie they are filming this coming Saturday, and to be available to recruit more extras and to answer any questions. The day's food and drinks for all cast members and any parents for kids in the cast will be provided/catered! Sounds like an interesting fun day with chess as the theme!

So then, perhaps we'll see you this Wednesday, and don't be surprised if you make new friends, and even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Sept. 25th and Sunday, Sept. 29th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday, September 25, 2024 as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time (8:30 p.m.) at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., right on the border of Clayton and Concord!

Players can come and go anytime; all ages and skill levels are welcome; there are no dues; and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice to buy something). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday's session saw at least 30 players enjoy the afternoon at the chess boards and/or simply making new friends, and yes, renewing old friendships! We welcomed Natan and his Dad Gene; and, Arian and his parents Arun and Leni; and another new player to the club, Matt -- all no strangers to chess. We also welcomed back, from a long absence, Vishwa (who solved the day's tricky chess puzzle, on first try!), there with spouse Tias! There to welcome them all were Benoit and son Luca; Dylan with Mom Ann and Dad Jonathan; Max, Mike T., Tony, Lou, Anh (with Dad Hanh), Ben C., Alex S., Daniel C., Jackson, David T., Red, Adam M.; Cowen and his Dad and friend; plus Jesse and Eddie (both scouting for extras to be background chess players in their movie)! Did I miss anyone?

Looking ahead, our club will hold a USCF-rated tournament either late October or no later than early November, stay tuned for details! So then, perhaps we'll see you this Wednesday and next Sunday, game for chess and to make new friends, and yes, perhaps even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday September 22, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hello Everyone!

Our chess session last Wednesday saw at least a dozen or more players having fun with chess over the board, and this Sunday, September 22, 2024 will more than likely draw even more players to the game at our regular Starbucks venue, as we go from 3:00 p.m. on thru closing time as players can come and go anytime!

As I've mentioned, Jesse will be directing a short film involving chess for a film festival in the Bay Area in the near future. If you are interested in being an accredited extra in the film, by all means let me and especially Jesse and Eddie know. Jesse and Eddie will also be at this Sunday's session to be available to answer any questions you may have. Jesse is planning on filming with extras on Saturday, October 5th in Concord. He will also have the event catered with food and drinks that day for all involved.

See you this Sunday, ready to play, make new friends and maybe even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

As we do every Sunday and Wednesday, we meet again this Wednesday, September 18th, at our regular Starbucks venue, in the Clayton Shopping Center, near the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., right on the border of Clayton and Concord CA. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice to buy something). All ages and skill levels are welcome, and there's usually a chess puzzle to solve, with the first one solving it on the first try winning the prize of a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday saw at least 16 or more players enjoy a very nice afternoon of chess over the boards: Daniel C., Reza, Meredith, Kevin, Tony, Jonathan, Dylan, Lou, David T., Jackson, Benoit (with Luca), Red, Mike T., and Takrem, Jesse, and Eddie! Dan G. was also there early on, and passed out nice little reminders of his new Lamorinda Chess Club event scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, from 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Europa Hofbrau restaurant in Orinda.

See you this Wednesday or Sunday both, and just know you'll have fun with chess and more likely also make new friends and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Last Wednesday's session of chess over the boards saw at least a dozen players come by for the fun and challenge of the game. We welcomed yet another player new to the club, and he is Amar. There to welcome Amar and get him into several games were Ben C., Meredith, Benoit, Tony, Irakli, Mike T., Bert, Alex S., Matthew, Mark, and Willie! This time it was Ben C. who was first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try!

We meet again this Sunday, September 15, 2024, as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. Many more players of all skill levels, from beginners to masters, are expected to come by to play all kinds of chess games, on or off the clock, at our regular Starbucks venue at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, very near the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.

Our sessions start at 3:00 p.m. and go through closing time (8:30 p.m.) as players can come and go anytime; there are no dues; there's no purchase required (but it would be nice); and, there usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! You will at least win new friends, and perhaps even renew old friendships --- see you there!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Sept. 11th, at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Wednesday, September 8th, at our regular Starbucks venue located in the Clayton Shopping Center at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., just a couple of driveways up from the nexus of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. We go from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, as players can come and go anytime; there are no dues, nor is there a purchase requirement (but it would be nice to buy something). All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters (and lately on Wednesdays, we've had a chess master drop in)!

We meet every Sunday afternoon as well, same place, same time, etc.!

Last Sunday's session was once again quite active, with at least 20 players at the fun and challenge of chess over the boards, with even a foursome finishing up a "Brain & Hand" match right at closing time! Seen at the chess boards were Kevin, David T., Ben, Daniel C., Suhas with sister Suhasra and mom Vandana and dad Pudri; Ranen with son Noah; Reza, Tony, Jackson, Irakli, Red, Alex S., Meredith, Matthew, Mike T., and Max, who solved the day's puzzle on his first try!

So then, stop by this Wednesday, get your game up, make new friends, even renew old friendships! There's usually a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

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

CHESS this Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Come by anytime from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time to join us for the fun and challenge of chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue this Sunday, September 8, 2024! Players come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice).

Last Sunday's session saw at least 29 players and supporters enjoy the afternoon, with lots of chess, including "laser-beam chess," and even a side-game of Scrabble! In and around all the action were: Alex S., Matthew R., Dan G., Dylan, Jonathan, Anna, Daniel U., Mike T., Red, Trey, Kassy, new player Ryan, Ben C., Jackson, new player Archana, Reza, Tony, Max, Aaron, Fernando, Dan K., Ernie, David T., Cowan and Kaden with Erin and Pat; and, new players Jessie and Eddie... did I miss anyone?

This past Wednesday's afternoon of chess saw at least 8 players (Tony, Ben C., Red, Meredith, Matthew R., Mike T., and Alex S.) plus an extended visit by Nat'l Master (NM) Rich K.! Rich played a few games, and is always glad to analyze any part of your game. Rich works Sundays, but can join us on Wednesdays, so come by sometime on that day, and maybe get a friendly match in with a master and gentleman!

There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one who solves it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! So then, perhaps we'll see you this Sunday or Wednesday or both, and as usual don't be surprised if you make new friends and even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, September 1st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Have a great long Labor Day weekend, and safe travels to all...! However, if you decided, like so many others, to enjoy where you are, by all means enjoy a Sunday afternoon of fun and definitely challenging chess over the boards in a bright, social atmosphere! Just come by our regular Starbucks venue this Sunday, September 1, 2024 anytime from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Last Sunday saw nearly 30 players and family members in, on and around the games of chess, so you just might want to come by early (plus we may have a visitor who will want to chat with players about filming a documentary on Bay Area chess clubs, to possibly feature our Contra Costa Chess Club)!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place. As always, players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). All ages and skill levels are welcome, and there usually is a chess puzzle to solve, with the first one solving it on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! You had to have been there at last Wednesday's session, because you would never have guessed who was first to find the solution to that day's puzzle on the first try! (The answer is in next paragraph below...)

Last Wednesday's session saw at least a dozen players over the chess boards: Tony, Meredith; Dylan and mom Anna; Ranen and son Noah; and, Benoit, Irakli, Alex S., Diego, Mike T., and Dan K. with his "Laser-Beam Chess Set." So then, who's your guess regarding who solved the puzzle on the first try? It was someone who didn't play a game of chess but chose to watch games, make some new friends, and then decided to try the chess puzzle, only to solve it on the first try: that was Anna, Dylan's mom!!

So then, perhaps we'll see you this Sunday, we'll have fun with games of regular chess, check out more of Laser Beam Chess, even throw in a "Brain & Hand" contest, and certainly feature the day's chess puzzle (but you may have to beat Anna to the solution). And, with all that, you'll probably make new friends and maybe even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

There's lots more chess over the boards this Wednesday, August 28th at our regular Starbucks venue, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, as players can come and go anytime; there are no dues; there's no purchase required (but it would be nice); and there's usually a chess puzzle to solve, with a free tall Starbucks drink of choice going to the one who is first to solve it on the first try!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday, same place, same time, and last Sunday saw quite a few players of all ages and skill levels -- at least 25 or more players in all, playing chess inside Starbucks as well as on the tables outside! We welcomed a couple of players new to the club: Rodri and Fernando. It was fun to see Benoit and Irakli bring their families! So then, the chess players in the mix, playing all kinds of chess games, including matches both off and on the clock, were: Benoit and son Theo; Allen and son Samuel; Irakli, Ben C., Reza, Jackson, Matthew R., Cory, Red, Fernando, Meredith, Rodri, Daniel U., David T., Tony, Alwin, Kevin, Daniel C., Alex S., David B., Mike T.; and Jonathan and son Dylan...! Did I miss anyone...?

We even had a kind of "Brain & Hand" fun tournament, to possibly be completed either this Wednesday or at next Sunday's session... what were the teams again...? The fun prize: tall Starbucks drinks and Cake Pops to the winning team!

Join us this Wednesday, August 8th, and next Sunday afternoon, September 1, 2024 for more of the fun and challenge of chess over the boards! Come early if you can for the best tables, and be ready to make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Join the fun and challenge of chess over the boards this Sunday, August 25th, at our usual Starbucks venue! Come and go anytime between 3:00 p.m. and closing time (8:30 p.m.) and, if it's anything like last Sunday, be among at least a couple dozen or more chess players of all ages and skill levels!

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! Tony solved last Wednesday's tricky puzzle. This Sunday will also feature a fun "Brain & Hand" contest (pairings approved by the organizer to ensure no team is overmatched) for the sweet prize of tall drinks and Cake-Pops for the winners!

See you there, and as always, be open to making new friends and don't be surprised if you renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

More than 20 players came by our regular Starbucks venue this past Sunday, August 18th, to enjoy an afternoon of chess over the boards! Young Sophia was there for the first time, with her Dad Bill, and she played some chess games with young Samuel, who was there with his Dad Allen and Mom Rochelle! There to welcome them and play all kinds of chess games (including "Brain & Hand") were: Ben C., Reza, David T., Kassy, Trey, Daniel U., Red, Mike T., Daniel C., Sam, Jackson, Julia, Meredith, Kevin, Lou, Alex, Jordy, and Cory! Did I miss anyone? A group of 5 chess players even went over to the Curry Bowl and enjoyed some rather tasty Indian food after chess!

We continue to meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon for lively chess over the boards, and all ages and skill levels are welcome! We meet from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time at the Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., right on the border of Clayton and Concord. There are no dues; come and go anytime; and, there's no purchase requirement (but it would be nice to buy something). However, If you have food and drink from other shops, please enjoy them, but on the tables outside, where chess can also be played.

Our next session is this Wednesday, August 21, 2024, same time, same place,and the number of players joining the fun on Wednesday afternoons is increasing, so do come by to enjoy the game, and make new friends, and even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Well more than a dozen players came by to enjoy chess over the boards this past Wednesday, and as usual, many more are expected for our Sunday chess session this coming Sunday, August 18th, at our regular Starbucks venue!

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 intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., right on the border of Clayton and Concord! Players come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). Note: if you have food and drink products from other shops or stores, please enjoy them on the tables outside. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Wednesday we welcomed several players new to the club: Cory, David B., Zoey, and Matthew G.! Among the other players in the mix there to welcome them were Ben C., Red, Tony, Mike T., Irakli, Aaron, Meredith, Matthew R., Peter,and the father-and-son team, Jonathan and Dillon!

Speaking of teams, Meredith and Red paired up to challenge Cory and Zoey in a chess contest known as the "Brain & Hand," wherein, in turn, one player -- the "Brain" -- only names a chess piece to be moved (without specifying which if there is more than one available on the board), AND does not say where. The other player -- the "Hand" -- must then decide which named chess piece, if there is more than one available, to move on the board and to where. No other communication between Brain & Hand is allowed.

In the first match, Red was the Brain, Meredith was the Hand on one team; and, on the other team,Cory was the Brain, and Zoey was the Hand. The first match was lots of fun, as both teams got the hang of the game and laughed along with the audience's silly reactions to decisions made by both Brains and Hands. For the rematch, it was Meredith the Brain & Red the Hand versus Zoey the Brain & Cory the Hand. The rematch evolved, or devolved, into something resembling chess as Starbucks was about to close and chess moves somehow got Out-of-Hand, and yes perhaps even Out-of-Brain, too . . . but not without the joy and laughter that made for a fun evening!

Perhaps we will see you this coming Sunday to enjoy an afternoon of chess over the boards (and maybe even some Brain-Hand, along with some live keyboard music played by Robert and Red), and don't be surprised if you make new friends and even renew old friendships!

And, by the way, if you're game to play in an all day 4-rd USCF-rated tournament on Saturday, September 7, 2024 in Dublin, Calif.: (G/40;d.5); $2000 in overall cash prizes; All ages, Open Section 1500+; U1500; U1000, Starts at 9:00 a.m.Fallon Middle School at 3601 Kohnen Way, Dublin, Calif. Entry Fee $50 by 09/07/24; $60 if later. For more details check or google Emerald Hills Chess Club. They are adopting (coopting?) the name East Bay Open, the name originated by our own Contra Costa Chess Club back in the early 2010s. I do support most chess activities, and this is also a good opportunity for all our club players, especially those wanting more rated tournament experience, such as players who still have provisional ratings. I may even be one of the floor TD's there.

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

CHESS this Wednesday, Aug. 14th & Sunday, Aug. 18th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our sessions of chess over the boards every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon are becoming quite active once again, as indicated by more players on Wednesdays, and even more players coming in for the fun and challenge of the game on Sundays! We meet every Wednesday and Sunday 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, near the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd. on the border of Concord and Clayton.

We always welcome players new to the club, so it bears repeating that we welcome players of all ages and skill levels; come and go anytime; there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice; however, try not to bring in food and drink purchased from other places, if at all possible, and have them instead on the tables outside).

Our session Wednesday of last week saw at least a dozen players enjoy the game: Ben C., a new player also named Ben, Trey, Cassie, Meredith, Bert, Aaron, Mike T., Matthew R., Angel, Tony and Red! There's usually a chess puzzle to solve, with the first one solving it on the first try winning a free Starbucks drink of choice. No player got the prize last Wednesday.

This past Sunday's session saw even more players come by, including one we haven't seen for many months (Jordy), another a few months (Daniel C.), and another for many years (Peter)! Along with Peter, Jordy and Daniel were a father-son team new to the club, Allen and young Samuel, with mom Rochelle! Also new to the club were Matthew H. and a very shy Willie, there with regulars Red, Kevin, Lou, Johnny, Ben C., Sam, Reza, Mike T., Angel, David T., Suhas with his Dad Prudri, and Robert with his new electronic keyboard with live music played by both him and Red! Yes, it was pretty active that day!

So then, perhaps we will see you this Wednesday, August 14th and/or on Sunday the 18th of August, same time, same place, to enjoy the games, and make new friends, perhaps renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Weds. Aug. 7th & Sun. Aug. 11th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again, as we do every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, this coming Wednesday, August 7 and Sunday, August 11, 2024 at our regular Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, which is just a couple of driveways from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd., right on the border of Concord and Clayton, California! We go from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, as players can come and go anytime; there's no purchase required (but it would be nice), and there are no dues. All ages and skill levels are most welcome, from beginners to masters...

... and, in fact, we had a NM (National Master) drop in almost incognito this past Sunday!

Last Wednesday's session saw at least 10 players have a lot of fun with chess. We welcomed two players new to the club: Ezra and Aaron, and there to welcome them were Mike T., Tony, Ben C., Bert, returning player Angel, Red, Mark, and Irakli . . .

... and Sunday's chess crowd numbered at least 20 players, among whom were several kids game to play: Cowan, Tim, Anh, Serge, Suhas, and Trammy! They were definitely in the mix with Sam, Ben C., Reza, Max, Mike T., Brian, Kevin, Irakli, Tony, Mark, Red, Meredith, Anastasia, Prudi, David, and Rich K... did I miss anyone?

So then, perhaps we will see you this Wednesday and next Sunday, and don't be shy or surprised to make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, July 31st and Sunday, August 4th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

This past Sunday afternoon's session of chess over the boards was quite lively, with at least 17 players in the action, five of whom are players new to the Contra Costa Chess Club, and who came game to play and make new friends!

We welcomed Dan, Tony U., Jacob, Dillon, and Raj (a very experienced player who is from Illinois and visiting family here in California, and who said he will join us once more, this Wednesday). There to welcome them were Red, Mark, Tony, Reza, Jackson, Max, Benoit, John R., Mike T., and Matthew...!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center. We go from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time as players can come and go anytime. There are no dues and there's no purchase required (but hey, it would be nice to buy something, sometime). All ages and skill levels are welcome, and there's usually a chess puzzle to solve. The first player to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! (This past Sunday's puzzle was messed up, my fault --- it will be reset for this Wednesday).

So then, perhaps we'll see you this Wednesday and next Sunday, as more new players are coming by, and the established club players are also very much game to enjoy our brand of fun, challenging chess over the boards, with the by-product of making new friends and even renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

More players new to the club dropped by this past Wednesday afternoon to play chess over the boards and, as expected, they made several new friends! There to welcome Darren, Eric, Kyle and John R. were Ben C., Tony, Mike T., Irakli, Bert, Red, Matthew, and Maria (long time, no see Maria and her son Sebastian)!

We meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, at our regular Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. We meet again this Sunday, July 28, 2024. Players come and go anytime, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice), and there are no dues! All ages and skill levels are welcome, and don't be surprised to see a few kids play chess! There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the player who solves it on the first try wins a tall Starbucks drink of choice! Last Wednesday's puzzle was indeed a tough one, as no one won the prize. This Sunday's puzzle promises to be much easier... maybe.

Stay tuned for our rated club tournament details, coming soon! See you Sunday?

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

CHESS this Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at our regular Starbucks venue, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, no purchase required, all ages and skill levels welcome, etc... What's there not to like as we enjoy the game of chess over the boards?

Last Sunday's session was hopefully at or towards the very end of a rather scorching heat wave! There to enjoy chess were Tony, Reza, David, Mike T., Ben C., and young Suhas, who was there with his mom and grandmom! Suhas lost only one of his matches, and that one was to Ben C. in a very close battle. The best end game of the day went to Suhas, with several onlookers seeing that both he and his opponent (Tony) were down to their last 2 seconds of a tight G/15 match when Suhas pulled out a surprisingly quick sweeping move with his queen, backed up by a distant bishop, to the H1 square for a checkmate at the very last second!!

We believe Suhas and the other players may be back, along with many more players, at next Sunday's fun, challenging, chess session, same place, same time, and stay tuned for information/details regarding our next club tournament...! See you soon, and I need to get my game up, you can help!

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Hot summer days are certainly upon us, and there's more chess over the boards to be played at our usual Starbucks venue this coming Sunday, July 14, 2024, when we expect to see more players of all ages and skill levels have fun with the challenge of the game!

Chances are very good this Sunday that we will see young Suhas, our club's 10-year old international tournament-playing chess wizard, play chess with the club's best players, and even take part in an impromptu set of unrated Blitz and Rapid Quads! Suhas dropped by with his mom Vandana this past Wednesday, and played against Bert and Matthew, two who came to play despite the searing heat of the day, and who can attest to the skill of Suhas.

We continue to meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 p.m. to closing time, at our regular 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. There are no dues: come and go anytime, there's no purchase required (but it would be nice), and don't be surprised if you make new friends and even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, July 7, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

A half-dozen players braved the scorching heat to enjoy the air conditioning and the fun of chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue this past Wednesday. There to play were Ben C., Tony, Sam, Aaron, Mike T., and... Matthew, who solved the day's chess puzzle on his first try to win the prize!

As we do every Sunday and Wednesday, we meet again this Sunday, July 7, 2024, same place, same time (3:00 p.m. to closing, come and go anytime), with all ages and skill levels welcome, no purchase required (but it would be nice), and whoever solves the day's chess puzzle on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! This Sunday's chess puzzle could be quite different, depending on the number of players who come by to give it a try!

So then, see you soon, get your game up (mine needs a lot of work, lately), but win, lose or draw, you're bound to make new friends, even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Despite the heat of the day last Sunday, at least a dozen players dropped in at our regular Starbucks venue for chess over the boards! We even welcomed two more players new to the club: David, and Brian. There to welcome them were Kevin, Jackson, Ben C., Yancy, Red, Tony, Mike T., and Reza...!

It is once again going to be hot, hot, hot this Wednesday, July 3rd, and perhaps there will be more chess players than expected, to enjoy Starbucks air-conditioning along with the fun and challenge of the game of chess. So then, perhaps we'll see you there, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time as players can come and go anytime... and do enjoy the 4th of July long holiday weekend! (We will meet again next Sunday, July 7th, same time, same place, where we may even have impromptu unrated blitz quads!)

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

CHESS this Sunday, June 30th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Join the fun and challenge of chess over the boards again this Sunday, June 30, 2024 at our usual Starbucks venue! We meet every Sunday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time, as players come and go anytime! There are no dues, all ages and skill levels are welcome, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Our Sunday sessions are quite busy with chess players, and may feature an impromptu, unrated Blitz tournament (G/5;inc.2) as others play simply for the fun of it, with or without a clock.

Last Wednesday at least a dozen players came by, and three were brand new to the club: Trey and Cassie, and Pete, all welcomed by Mark, Bert, Mike T., Ben C., Roman (who solved the sneaky-tough chess puzzle to win the prize), Aaron, Irakli, Tony, and Matthew! Several players stayed until closing time (8:30 p.m.).

So then, see you soon, and don't be surprised if you make new friends, and perhaps even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our next session of fun, challenging chess over the boards is this Wednesday, June 26th, at our Starbucks venue located at the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd., on the border of Clayton and Concord...! It promises to be an interesting session. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and may include a friendly, unrated seeded Blitz contest (G/5;inc.2), with 4 players or more, and an entry fee of $5. All entry fees to be returned as prizes, paid to 1st and 2nd Places in groups of 5 or less; and to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places for groups of 6 or more.

We continue to meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. to closing time. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice); and, all ages are quite welcome. Last Sunday's session saw at least 17 players having fun with the game of chess. We welcomed two youngsters, both 7 years old: Cowen, with his chess-playing mom Erin; and, Michael, also an avid chess player, there with his parents! And, after a few years away from chess, we welcomed back Setsal to the club! There to welcome them all were David T., Mike T., Kevin, Lou, Jackson, Daniel U., Irakli, Ben C., Benoit, Tony, and Olaf... did I miss anyone?

So then, chess is quite active these hot summer Sunday and Wednesday afternoons at our cool Starbucks venue. We usually have a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Join us for the fun and social aspects of our sessions, and certainly be open to making new friends, and renewing old friendships!!

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

CHESS this Sunday June 23, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. through closing at our usual Starbucks venue for fun, challenging chess over the boards! Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, all ages and skill levels are welcome, and there's no purchase required. Additionally, there usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! This past Wednesday's puzzle must have been a tough one, as no one solved it on the first try...!

Last Wednesday's session saw a smaller crowd of players at the game, with Ben and Sam there along with other players including Mike T and Tony, with the latter two adjourning a very tight game for the next time they meet.

Sunday's session promises to be a lively one, with several more players, including a couple new to the club, and with at least four or more players possibly playing in impromptu unrated Blitz Quads (G/5.inc.2) with an entry fee and prize fund agreed to by each player.

So then, perhaps we will see you there to have fun with chess and to make new friends as well as possibly renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at our regular Starbucks venue from 3:00 p.m. on to closing time for an afternoon and early evening of fun and challenging chess over the boards! This past Sunday's session saw about 10 players or more enjoy the game, with a dad or two able to come by despite it being Father's Day. There to play were Benoit, Alex, Reza, Lou, Red, Mike T, Daniel U., Matthew, and -- long time no see -- a noted chess master who has played in our club since its start back in 2007 or so... Rich K!

We should be seeing more of Rich and many more players this Wednesday, and next Sunday. We'll have a chess puzzle to solve this Wednesday, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free Starbucks drink of choice! All ages and skill levels welcome, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just another short note this time to remind all that there's chess over the boards as usual at our regular Starbucks venue this Sunday, June 16, 2024. And... it'll be Father's Day, so don't be surprised if several Dads come by for their chess fixes as part of their fun today, as has happened in the past...!

There may also be impromptu unrated blitz or rapid contests, as described in previous posts.

So then, perhaps see you very soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

As we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue, we meet again for fun, challenging chess over the boards this Wednesday, June 12, 2024. All ages and skill levels are always welcome, and players can come and go anytime. Players can opt to play on a clock, or no clock at all. There are no dues, and there's no purchase requirement (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one who solves it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Last Sunday's chess session saw at least 17 players enjoy an afternoon and early evening at the game of chess, with Daniel C. being the first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try! There with him were at least three players new to the club, and one we haven't seen in quite a while. New to the club were Alex, and two players named Zach! We also welcomed back Joe, and Claudia too! Welcoming them all were Kevin, Ben, Jackson, Yancy, Mike T., Daniel U., Daniel C., Tony, Evan, Irakli, and Lou... did I miss anyone? Additionally, Bruce, one of our area's premier Scrabble players, came by and was able to play a game or two of Scrabble with a couple of the chess players...!

This coming Wednesday and Sunday sessions may also feature impromptu unrated Blitz or Rapid tournament sessions, with a time control of either G/5;inc.2 or G/10;inc.2 and an entry fee to be agreed upon by the players (it was $5 last time we did this). Format to be in Quads or groups of six players or more, seeded accordingly. 100% of entry fees to be returned as cash prizes for 1st and 2nd placers in Blitz Quads, with each player playing each opponent twice, once on the white pieces, the other on the black pieces. In groups of six players or more, seeded accordingly, a Round Robin format will be applied, with the cash prizes going to the 1st, 2ns and 3rd placers. Let me know if you are interested in this fun approach to club play!

So then, perhaps see you very soon, and with new players always joining us, thanks for being open to making new friends as well as renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a short note this time to say we meet again as usual this Sunday, June 9, 2024 at our usual Starbucks venue, from 3pm to closing, as players come and go anytime. All ages and skill levels welcome, no dues, no purchase required but, hey, it would be nice. We can expect to see at least a couple players new to the club, based on recent phone contacts with me. There may also be an impromptu Blitz contest (time control G/10;inc.2), and other features, including a chess puzzle to solve, with the first player solving it on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink!

Last Wednesday's session was a success, with about a dozen players, and with Ben providing the day's chess puzzle, not an easy one for sure given several attempts, but one that Matthew solved on his first try!

Perhaps see you at Starbucks, with you on your game and ready to make new friends, and in some instances, to renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

At least a dozen or more players came by to enjoy an afternoon of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this past Sunday: Seen there were Hossam, Lou, Mark, Mike T., Jeremy, Tony, Red, Ben C., Daniel U., Jackson, Daniel C., and Kevin --- with the last six players named playing in an impromptu unrated Blitz tournament with a time control of 5 minutes and an increment of 2 seconds per game, in a round-robin format!

Red won 1st Place ($15), with Ben C. coming in 2nd ($10), and Daniel U. finishing 3rd ($3). The entry fee agreed upon by all players at the start of the friendly contest was five bucks each, for a total prize fund of thirty dollars, with a hundred percent paid out! Expect to see or even play in more of these impromptu Blitz or Rapid contests . . . in the club!

Additionally last Sunday, it was Daniel U. who was first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try, for the prize of a free tall Starbucks drink! There usually is a chess puzzle in our sessions as we meet every Sunday and Wednesday from 3pm on through closing, same place, with all ages and skill levels welcome. We meet again this Wednesday, June 5, 2024. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but, c'mon, it would be nice). So then, do drop in, get your game up, make new friends, renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Lots of chess and more is in store for players of all ages and skill levels this Sunday, June 2, 2024 at our usual Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, which is just a couple driveways up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. The action starts at 3:00 p.m. as it does every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon at our Starbucks, and goes through to closing time as players come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice), plus there's usually a chess puzzle to solve --- and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

This Sunday, there might even be an unrated, impromptu Blitz Quad or two. Time Control = G/5;inc.2 !! Yes, an increment of 2 seconds! Any four players who agree to the challenge must also agree on an entry fee (e.g.,$1 or $2, or $5, etc.) and prize distribution. Each player must play each opponent twice, once playing white and once playing black, for a total quad set of six (6) games. If such matches are successful, this could become a going activity, with some matches perhaps USCF-rated!

Also this Sunday, there may even be a top-rated Scrabble player, ready to play Scrabble with anyone who so chooses to challenge him, (with my oversight, in the event of any challenge to any word played, using the Tournament Word List, or TWL, having run Scrabble clubs, too)!

Additionally, there may very well be more live keyboard music. We do have at least a couple keyboard players, and anyone else is welcome to play their lilting tunes!

Last Wednesday's session drew several players, and it was Matthew who somehow I understood solved the day's chess puzzle rather easily after other players had trouble finding the key moves! There with Matthew for an afternoon of fun, challenging chess were Red, Mike T., Ben C., Sam, Tony, Evan, Daniel C., and --- long time no see, Carl !

More players are joining us on Sundays (at least 20 last week), and that makes for more fun as there are new friends to make, and old friendships to renew! See you there!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 29th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

At least 20 players of all ages and skill levels came by to enjoy a great afternoon of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue. They were: High school grads Connor and Carter; Anh and his sister Trammy; Steve P., who we haven't seen in ages, with his little daughter; chess-playing mom Erin with her young son Cowen playing several games; Robert with his mini-keyboard; Red, chess player and keyboard artist also; Ju, new to the clut; and Mike T., Ben C., Kevin, Reza, Matthew, Mark, Daniel C., and Max H. who won a free tall Mango Dragon Fruit Starbucks beverage by being the first to solve the day's chess puzzle!

Our next session is this Wednesday afternoon, May 29, 2024, from 3 p.m on through closing time as usual, same place, all are welcome, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks beverage of choice!

(We may even have an experimental, impromptu unrated either blitz or rapid tournament depending on who is game to play in a Quad with a time control of either G/5;d.2 or G/10;d.2 with other details to be agreed on by the four participants.)

So then, see you soon, and don't be surprised as you enjoy the game, you're making new friends and even renewing old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 26, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Several players enjoyed quite a bit of chess over the boards last Wednesday afternoon and evening at our usual Starbucks venue, with Ben C. earning bragging rights, being the first to solve the day's chess puzzle, albeit on a subsequent try at it!

More players are expected this Sunday, May 26, same place, same time (3pm to closing -- players can come and go anytime), as all ages and skill levels are welcome! There are no dues, there's no purchase requirement (but it would be nice), and usually there's a chess puzzle to solve, with the first to do so on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

So then, perhaps see you there, have fun with the game of chess, make new friends, even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 22nd at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

This past Sunday's session saw at least 16 players enjoy the afternoon playing chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue, where we welcomed a few new players and an old friend of the chess club! We welcomed Richard, Julian, and MacKenzie, and there to welcome them were Chris S., Chris N, Evan, Ben C., Mike T., Kevin, Lou, Reza, Olaf, Irakli, Daniel C., and Jackson! We also welcomed back David T., a stalwart friend and avid club player who was with the Contra Costa Chess Club when it started more than 15 years ago!

We meet again this Wednesday afternoon, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at the same Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, there's no purchase required, all ages and skill levels are welcome, and the atmosphere is quite coffee-house friendly!

There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Last Sunday's puzzle was certainly not easy, and after several players had their go at it, it was Irakli who was first to solve it on his first try to win his latte!

We do have club tournaments, usually USCF-rated. Our next one, however, will be an unrated rapid tournament, which has yet to be scheduled for sometime in June. Please stay tuned for the details, which include the time control of G/10;d2.

In the meantime, do join the fun and challenge of chess with this club, and don't be surprised if you make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 19th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Just a short email this time to say we meet again as usual this Sunday from 3pm to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue. Last Wednesday's session saw Ben C. take bragging rights for solving the day's chess puzzle, albeit on a subsequent run at it! There with Ben were Bert, Evan, Alwin, Irakli, Mike T., Ranen and son Noah.

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, same place, same time. Come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels welcome,there are no dues, and there's usually a chess puzzle to solve, with the first player to solve it on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

The next club tournament has been pushed out to late June - more details soon! See you at Starbucks, and Sunday's weather looks really nice for chess even outdoors there!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Eight players decided to spend part of Mother's Day last Sunday over the chess boards, and more players of all ages and skill levels are of course expected at this Wednesday afternoon's session (May 15) as well as next Sunday's (May 19). We continue to 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, very near the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd.

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! Last Sunday's winner was Sam, and there with Sam were Max H., Daniel C., Tony, Mike T., Lou, Kevin, and Larry with his very young chess-playing grandson, Jackson!

While our next club tournament will be an unrated rapid contest, it actually may not take place until sometime mid-June if not enough players are available for it next Sunday, May 19, 2024 since it was just put out there last week. Stay tuned for confirmation of the details, as well as confirmation of the dateline. In the meantime, perhaps we'll see you soon as you get your game on, and make new friends, even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

There's lots more chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue this Sunday afternoon, May 12, 2024 as we meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time! Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required. Be the first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try to win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

It was Irakli who was first to solve the chess puzzle on the first try this past Wednesday, and along with him over the boards were Evan, Bert, Mike T., Red, Will, Daniel C., and Ranen with son Noah.

We're close to scheduling an unrated Rapid Tournament. Details so far are: Quads or Groups of Six; Time Control = G/10;d2 with two games per pairing; Entry Fee = $20. All entry fees returned as prizes for 1st & 2nd Places in Quads or !st, 2nd & 3rd in Groups of Six. Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the side parking lot from Starbucks). When: Looks like the afternoon of Sunday, May 19th --- stay tuned!

Perhaps we'll see you very soon, and this Sunday promises to be fun, with -- as usual, all ages and skill levels welcome to play, make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, and it bears repeating (we get new players all the time) from 3:00 p.m. to closing time at our usual Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd, Concord/Clayton, California!

Last Sunday's session saw about 20 players, including Yancy, Sam, Mike T., Ben C., Red, Evan, Chris S., Max V., Daniel C., Ranen with son Noah, Cowen with mom Erin, Chris T., Lou, Juan, Irakli, Colby and... did I miss anyone? Part of the fun and challenge of each session is trying to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try, with the first player solving it on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! No player solved it on the first go last Sunday, but Yancy got bragging rights for figuring it out on a subsequent try!

All ages and skill levels are welcome to the club, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, and there's no purchase requirement. We have club tournaments from time to time, and the next one may be an unrated blitz and rapid chess contest, stay tuned! Our next USCF-rated regular tournament will also be on the schedule, for sometime after the Las Vegas Chess Festival set for early June.

So then, perhaps we will see you soon at our Starbucks venue to get your over-the-board chess fixes, as you make new friends and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, May 1st at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We had live, jazzy electronic keyboard music courtesy of Robert, Red, and young Alex this past Sunday along with lots of chess over the boards at our usual Starbucks venue! On the keyboard were Robert and Red, and even young Alex! All three even played some chess along with Alex's family Jorge; Mihaela, Andre and Charlise; and newcomer young Cowen with his mom --- all welcomed by Kevin, Ben C., Samuel, Tony, Juan, Daniel C., Will, Yancy, Jackson, Lou, and Mike T. --- about 20 players, at least --- did I miss anyone?

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, 3:00 p.m. to closing time, players come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Interestingly, no player has solved the day's chess puzzle on the first try for the last 5 sessions! However, bragging rights this past Wednesday goes to Ben C. for solving it on his second go at it!

Looking ahead, we'll soon be scheduling an unrated rapid chess tournament, stay tuned for details. In the meantime, perhaps we'll see you soon, get your game up, enjoy the company as you make new friends, even renew old friendships!

--- Mike T.
Contra Costa Chess Club
US Chess Federation
Affiliate Club ID #A6034746

CHESS this Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Sunday, April 28, 2024 at our regular Starbucks venue from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time for fun, challenging chess over the boards for players of all ages and skill levels! There are no dues, players come and go anytime and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). Be the first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try and win a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We also meet every Wednesday afternoon, same time, same place, and last Wednesday's session, unlike last Sunday's (which drew about 20 players), saw a good handful of players enjoy the afternoon and evening of chess. For at least 4 straight sessions now, no player has been able to solve the chess puzzle on the first try. Perhaps the next one will be much easier...?

Perhaps we'll see you Sunday, and there will likely be live music to chess by as you also make new friends, and even renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Wednesday afternoon, April 24, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon. Players come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters; there are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

This past Sunday's session saw quite a few players, including several youngsters and adults brand new to the club: There was Claudia with Zafar; Laura with Felipe, Daniel, Catalina and Alejandro; and, Anh and his sister Trammy! Welcoming them were Mike T., Kevin, Reza, Daniel C., Sam, Tony, Red, Evan, Lou, and Olaf Once again, however, no player was able to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try...!

We may have, by popular demand, an unrated blitz & rapid tournament! Stay tuned for details, which would include players' not needing to be members of the USCF. In the meantime, perhaps we'll see you soon to help iron out the details as you get your game up, make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 17th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Last Sunday's session saw well over a dozen chess players enjoy an afternoon and early evening of fun challenging chess over the boards accompanied by live keyboard music courtesy of the talents of Robert Z. and . . . Red (!) -- who really wowed the Starbucks patrons, chess players and all, yes everyone, even the busy baristas!! They will probably be back next week for encores!

Our chess club also welcomed young Bruce and his Dad Greg, and there to welcome them and get them in a game or two were Mike T., Matthew, Red, Tony, Daniel C., Jackson, Kevin, Evan, Olaf, Ben, Benoit, Sam, Robert, and Mark. No player was able to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try, but bragging rights probably go to Evan for figuring out the key first move toward solving it!

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon 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. on the border of Concord and Clayton, CA. Our next session is this Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Players can come and go anytime. All ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required. There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! We do have USCF-rated club tournaments from time to time, and the next one will be scheduled soon, so stay tuned for details.

So then, come see us, get your game up, make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, April 14th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Sunday, April 14, 2014 at our usual Starbucks venue to enjoy an afternoon and evening of chess over the boards... we start at 3:00 p.m. and, though players can come and go anytime, we have the place along with regular customers through to closing time and...

... and for the second Sunday in a row, Robert Z. will be on hand from about 4:30p.m. or 5pm to entertain everyone with live music as he plays his electronic keyboard! Additionally, anyone with keyboard music skills may shine his or her talents on the instrument, as well. (Last Sunday, a barista displayed her ability which also drew quite a few smiles!)

We meet every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, same time, same place, and as ever, all ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! Last Wednesday's puzzle was indeed a tricky one, and no one solved it on the first try. (This Wednesday's puzzle will be a lot easier, more of a speed-test to find out who can solve it the quickest on the first try for the prize!)

So then, perhaps see you this Sunday - make new friends, renew old friendships, plus there's going to be live music, (there's even space for dancing), and definitely lots of fun challenging chess over the boards, so enjoy!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

More than a dozen players came by our regular Starbucks venue last Sunday and enjoyed not only an afternoon of chess over the boards, but also live music, courtesy of Robert Z. and his electric keyboard! Additionally, while Robert was on a break, one of the baristas even tried her hand at the keyboard, resulting in some very cool riffs!

We also had a couple new players, Mike M. and John M. (not related) come by to say hello, and Mike M. even got a game in. There to welcome them or play with or alongside players new to the club this time were Mike T., Max H., Mark, Irakli, Matthew, Tony, Ben C., Yancy, Evan, Daniel C., and Lou. Did I miss anyone?

We meet again this Wednesday afternoon, April 10, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday at the Starbucks located at the Clayton Shopping Center, on Kirker Pass Rd., just a couple driveways up from the corner of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd, on the border of Concord and Clayton, CA.! Players can come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Robert Z. (a keyboard artist and music teacher) and his electric keyboard will be back to entertain us and other Starbucks customers once again for a late afternoon into evening, next Sunday, April 15, 2024. Robert's talent is welcomed by the management of our regular Starbucks venue. And oh by the way, Robert is an old friend and no stranger to the chess club, as he used to play chess with us many years ago. He's back!

We'll soon be scheduling our next club tournament, which may very well be on a Saturday or Sunday late this month or early next month. Time Control this time will be G/30;d10. Stay tuned for more details! In the meantime, perhaps we'll see you soon for some fun, challenging chess over the boards as you make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS & Live Music this Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

This Sunday, April 7, 2024, there will be lots of fun, challenging chess over the boards, with live keyboard music! Yes, we will have our regular chess session from 3:00 p.m. through to closing time at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center Center. In addition, Ron Z., a noted keyboard player/artist/music teacher, will play for us and other customers during the later part (around 4 or 5pm on) of our session. It's being cleared with Starbucks and by the way, it won't be the first time there -- Ron used to perform there for us some 10 or more years ago and ... he's back!!

So then, perhaps make it a point to join us this Sunday! All ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, there's no purchase required, come and go anytime, and there's usually a chess puzzle to solve, with the first to do so on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Wednesday as well for chess, same time, same place,and last Wednesday's session saw several interesting matches. There for most of the afternoon and into the evening were Ben C., Tony, Chris N., Sam, Mark, Evan, Bert, Mike T., and Irakli. No player solved the mate-in-two chess puzzle on the first try, though the first move was found fairly early!

See you soon, perhaps get your game up, or at least come by, say hello, make some new friends, renew old friendships, and ... oh yeah, this Sunday, enjoy the live music!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We continue to meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to closing time at our regular 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. Players come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required. Be the first to solve a chess puzzle on the first try to win a free Starbucks drink of choice! Perhaps we'll see you there this Wednesday, April 3, 2024 for fun, challenging chess over the boards!

Despite the rather light customer traffic at Starbucks this past Sunday, being Easter Sunday, at least a dozen players came by to enjoy an afternoon of good company and the game of chess! Ben C. garnered bragging rights for being the first to solve the day's chess puzzle, albeit on his second run at it! There with Ben were Michelle and daughter Vivian, and several chessters such as Sam, Tony, Kevin, Reza, Mike T., Damon, Red, Lou, and another whose name I did not get, playing Lou outside on a nice, clear blue sky day!

Next Sunday, April 7, 2024: We'll have our regular session, same time, same place, but there will be an event that should bring a smile or two to all chess players and Starbucks customers at large. Ron Z., a noted keyboard player/artist/music teacher, will play for us during the later part (around 4 or 5pm on) of our session. It's been cleared with Starbucks, by the way, and it won't be his first time to do so there --- Ron used to perform for us some 10 years there, and . . . he's back! So, perhaps make it a point to be with us next Sunday afternoon, maybe get your game up, or at least make new friends, renew old friendships! See you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

After Easter morning activities this Sunday, March 31, 2024, chess players can still relax and have more fun with chess over the boards in the afternoon at our usual Starbucks venue located in the Clayton Shopping Center, just a couple driveways up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.! All ages and skill levels are most welcome from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time. There are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). There will be a chess puzzle to solve, and the first to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

We meet every Wednesday afternoon as well, same time, same place. Last Wednesday's session saw Tony and Matthew combine to somehow solve a fairly tough puzzle (mate in two), with one figuring out the first move, and the other the second . . . ! There with Tony and Matthew that day were Meredith (on her collegiate spring break!), Ben C., Chris N., Daniel C., Benoit, Evan H., Damon, Alwin, Bert, Samuel, and Mike T.!

We will have our next USCF-rated club tournament sometime either late April or early May. The Time Control may be back to 30 minutes with a 10-second delay ("G/30;d.10"). Stay tuned for more details in the next email message or two, or soon after the tournament date and start times are established. In the meantime, keep coming by to enjoy the game of chess, along with making new friends and renewing old friendships! See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Last Sunday's USCF-rated club tournament at Carl's Jr. Restaurant was quite a success (despite several players being quite brain-fried at the end of the day)! 10 players competed, with 4 in a Quad and 6 in the one other group. The time control was game in 40 minutes with a ten-second delay ("G/40;d.10").

The 3-round Quad contest resulted in Irakli and Tony with 2 wins each, sharing top honors and the cash prize of $100, with runner-ups Ben C. and Chris S. each winning one match. Every match was well contested, and there was only one blunder of major consequence (of course I won't name who made that boo-boo). Tony managed to win his last two matches to tie for first, as Irakli had come very close to winning all three of his matches.

The 4-round group of 6 players resulted in another tie for the top two places: Matthew and Daniel C. each won 3 matches, with Daniel needing a win against Matthew in his last match to tie and split the $120 total cash prize for 1st and 2nd Places. 3rd Place was also up for grabs, and Benoit garnered it with 2 wins, for which Will with one win was also competing against Benoit in his last match. Kevin and Jackson had exciting contests, with each getting a draw, and a win for 1 1/2 pts. each, as Jackson extricated himself out of a 1-more-move checkmate loss by finding key forcing moves that led or would lead to a checkmate to win the last match!

It was also very nice to see several observers there, including Chris's friend Mckenzie, along with Sam, Mark, Evan, and Max H. Later, at Starbucks, Max won bragging rights by solving the day's rather difficult chess puzzle!

We will have our club's regular Wednesday afternoon session at our usual Starbucks venue this Wednesday, March 27, 2024. All ages and skill levels are most welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice). We'll also meet next Sunday (Easter!), same time (from 3:00 p.m. on, as usual come and go anytime), same place. So then, see you soon!

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

CHESS this Sunday, March 24th at Carl's Jr. & Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

There's lots of chess to be played over the boards this Sunday, March 24, 2024, at both Carl's Jr. Restaurant (for the club's USCF-rated tournament that starts at 10:45 a.m.) and after 3:00 p.m.at our regular Starbucks venue, located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., which is just across the side parking lot from Carl's Jr., within the Clayton Shopping Center!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament, Sunday March 24, 2024:

(As of this writing, more than 12 players have expressed serious interest in competing, with at least 10 players confirming their participation.)

Requirement:  Current membership in the US Chess Federation.  To join or renew, simply go online at www.uschess.org.  The Tournament Director (TD) needs to validate a player's current membership and current rating, or whether a player is unrated or has a provisional rating before the tournament starts.  This validation is mostly done well before the start.

Location:  Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across the side lot from our regular Starbucks venue).

Format:  3Rd.-Quads, or 4-Rd.-Groups of 6 or more players, depending on number of entries and spread of current ratings.

Start Times: 10:45a.m.; NLT 12:30p.m.; NLT 1:45p.m; and, for larger groups, NLT 3pm.

Time Control:  G/40;d.10.  Please have your chess clock set and available as needed.

Entry Fee:  $25 paid/confirmed before 03/24/2024; $30 otherwise, on 03/24/2024.

Cash Prizes: As in all our club tournaments, at least 90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes (1st and 2nd Place for Quads; and, for groups of 6 or more players, paid to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places.  Amounts to be determined based on number of entries and prize fund).

Visitors/Observers:  Visitors or observers are welcome and of course are expected to not comment or react to any of the chess moves or matches in progress.  Visitors are also welcome to play chess among other non-participants of the tournament, but on tables that are clearly separate from the tournament participants.

After the tournament, it is common for players to either stay at the restaurant or go over to Starbucks across the way to go over their games and even play more chess! Therefore, this Sunday our usual club session goes on as usual at Starbucks from 3:00 p.m. on through closing time! As always, players of all ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required. There may even be a chess puzzle to solve, with the player solving it on the first try winning a free tall Starbucks drink of choice! (Our session last Wednesday saw more than a dozen players, with another new player, named Max V., joining us, as Matthew impressed all by being the first to solve the day's chess puzzle on the first try! His prize that day was one that Kevin donated for the occasion: a 2024 desk calendar featuring one chess puzzle to solve for each remaining day of the year!

Any questions or need for more info regarding any of the above, just let me know, and I hope to see as many of you as can make it this Sunday, be it at Carl's Jr. or Starbucks!

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