CHESS this Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

At least 16 players enjoyed an afternoon and evening of fun, challenging chess at our usual Starbucks venue this past Sunday. We welcomed new players Amir, Chris M., Adam, George, George's kids Alex and Charlise along with mom Mikaela; and, there to welcome them were Tony, Will, Red, Daniel with Lisa, Sam, FBen, Eric M., Ben C., Irakli (who solved the day's chess puzzle to win the prize), and Mike T.!

We meet again this Wednesday, January 31st, at our regular Starbucks venue located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Clayton Rd. All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters! We start at 3:00 p.m. and go through to closing, as players can come and go anytime. There are no dues, and there is no purchase required (but it would be nice to buy something). 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!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament Sunday, February 4, 2024 

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

Format:  3 Rds., Quads, or Groups of 5 or more players.

Time Control:  G/30;d.10

Starting Times:  11:15 a,m; then, NLT 1:00 p.m. and, NLT 2:30 p.m.

Entry Fee:  $25 paid before 02/04/24; $30 if paid on 02/04/24.

Cash Prizes:  Quads:  1st Place $50; 2nd Place $40.  For groups of 5 or more, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place cash prizes are determined based on the number of entries.  [Note: 90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes, with the balance to USCF for the ratings, with maybe some left over for a sandwich for the tournament director (TD) and organizer, who may also compete!]

Requirement:  Current membership in the US Chess Federation.  To join or renew membership is easy, just go online at www.uschess.org

Remember:  Bring your chess set and chess clock!

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

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

CHESS this Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

We meet again this Sunday, January 28, 2024 at our regular Starbucks venue, as usual from 3:00 p.m. through to closing, as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon! All ages and skill levels are welcome, from beginners to masters; come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but it would be nice to buy something).

Last Wednesday, despite the damp, chilly weather, at least 13 players enjoyed chess over the boards. Two senior citizen players new to the club, Geoge and Malek, were welcomed by Sam, Mike T., Irakli, Tony, Daniel, Bert, Red, and NMRich K., who eventually solved the day's very tough chess puzzle to win the prize. Each session usually features a chess puzzle to solve, and the first player to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

USCF-Rated Club Tournament Next Sunday, February 4, 2024!!

Time Control:  G/30.d10

Format: 3 Rds.; in Quads; or Groups of 6 or more, depending on number of entries.

Where: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across side parking lot from our Starbucks venue).

Starting Times: 11:15 a.m.; then, NLT 1:00 p.m.; and NLT 2:30 p.m.

Entry Fees:  $25 paid before 02/04/24; $30 if paid on 02/04/24.  Note:  90% or more of entry fees are returned as cash prizes, with the balance to USCF for thr ratings, with maybe something left over for a sandwich for the tournament organizer.

Requirement:  Current membership in the US Chess Federation.  To join or renew is easy, just go online at www.uschess.org

Bring your own chess set, board and chess clock!

So then, for this Sunday, January 28th, despite the NFL playoffs on TV, perhaps we'll have a good turnout for the fun and challenge of chess over the boards. There's no NFL football next Sunday, Feb. 4th, the day of our tournament, as the Super Bowl is set for the following Sunday, the 11th. See you soon!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Despite the chill, the rain, and two NFL playoff games, more than a dozen players came by for fun, challenging chess over the boards at our regular Starbucks venue! We welcomed 3 players new to the Contra Costa Chess Club: Jeremy, Dylan, and Jay! There to welcome them and engage them in the fun were Will, Irakli, Ben C., Yancy (who solved the day's puzzle), Daniel, FBen, Mike T., Matthew, Red, and Tony!

We meet again this Wednesday afternoon, January 24th, same place, same time (3:00 p. m. to closing), as we do every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings! Come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels welcome, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, and there's no requirement to buy anything (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!

USCF Club Tournament Specs:
When: Sunday, February 4, 2024.
Where: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across side parking lot from our Starbucks venue)
Format: 3 rds., Quads or Groups of 5 or more players, depending on entries.
Starting Times: 11:15 a.m.; then, NLT 1:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.
Time Control: G/30;d.10
Entry Fee: $25 paid before 02/04/24; $30 if paid on 02/04/24.
Cash Prizes: Quads: 1st Place $50; 2nd Place $40. For groups of 5 or more, cash prizes are determined based on the number of entries. Note: 90% of entries are returned as cash prizes, with the balance to USCF for the ratings, with maybe something left over for a sandwich for the tournament organizer.;
Requirement: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. To join or renew is easy, just go online at www.uschess.org
Bring your own chess set and chess clock.

See you soon, drop by Wednesday if you can, have fun, 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, January 21, 2024 at Starbucks, Rain or Shine!

Hi Everyone!

Our chess club meets again this Sunday, January 21, 2024, at our regular Starbucks venue, rain or shine. All ages and skill levels, from beginners to masters, are welcome! We start at 3:00 p.m. and go through to closing time. 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 afternoon, same time same place, and last Wednesday's turnout saw about 15 players, from Erin and son Evan, Lisa with son Daniel, and Prudi with son son Suhas (who solved the tough chess puzzle to win the prize!), along with new players Andres and Kellan, plus Mike T., NMRich K., Sam, Bert, Red, Tony, and FBen (did I miss anybody?)!

We'll have our USCF-rated Club Tournament on Sunday, February 4, 2024. For details go to the Upcoming Club Tournaments page. Players who do not play in this tournament are still welcome to play chess at Starbucks that afternoon, or at Carl's Jr., across the side parking lot, where the tournament will be held. Let me know if you have questions or need more info.

So then, perhaps see you this Sunday, kids and adults alike, to have fun with chess and to make new friends, and renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Last Sunday's session at our regular Starbucks venue saw at least 23 kids and adults share the fun and challenge of chess over the boards, either to a great degree or a keen interest to start getting deeper into the game! Samuel was first to solve the day's chess puzzle to win a free tall Starbucks drink, and on the boards with him were Vin (with Dad Vincent and Mom Katherine); Gene and Bodie (with Dad Vince); Ajay and Rayden (with Dad John and Mom Rochelle); Daniel (with Mom Lisa); Theo (with Dad FBen); Sophia (with Mom Amparo); along with Red, Yancy, Tony, Sam, Max, Ben C., Mike T., and a new player, a senior citizen named John who's coming back to the game of chess! Did I miss anyone?

We meet again this Wednesday, January 17, 2024, same place, same time (3:00 p.m. to closing), come and go anytime, all ages and skill levels welcome, from beginners to masters! There are no dues, nor is there requirement to buy anything (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!

We will have a USCF-rated club tournament on Sunday, February 4, 2024. For the info regarding the tournament, please see our previous email or website posting. The specs will also be repeated in the next email to you.

So then, see you soon, rain or shine! Come by, play, make new friends, renew old friendships!

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

CHESS this Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Despite the damp, chilly, sometimes rainy afternoon and evening this past Wednesday, about 15 players enjoyed themselves at our usual Starbucks venue to socialize and have fun competing over the chess boards! Young Daniel was there with his mom Lisa, and even younger Suhas was there with his Dad Prudi, to mix in with Sam, Matthew, Ben C., Red, Mike T., Alwin, Bert, Moses, NMRich K., Moses, and John S.! A highlight was Suhas battling chess master Rich K. to a draw!

We meet again this Sunday afternoon, January 14, 2024, same time (3:00 p.m. to closing, come and go anytime); same place (Starbucks at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., in the Clayton Shopping Center, just up from the intersection of Clayton Rd. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.). We get together every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, all ages and skill levels are welcome, there are no dues, and there usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first player solving it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Club Tournament: We'll have a USCF-Rated Club Tournament on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Time Control:G/30;d.10). 3 rds; Quads format, or slightly larger groups depending on number of entries and ratings; Location: Carl's Jr. Restaurant (across side parking lot from Starbucks); Starting Times: 11:30 a.m., NLT 1:15 p.m.; and NLT 2:30 p.m.; Entry Fee: $25 paid before 02/04/24; $30 if paid on 02/04/24. 90% or more of Entry Fees are returned as cash prizes, amounts for 1st & 2nd or more places to be determined based on number of entries. Required: Current membership in the US Chess Federation (If you need to join or renew membership, go online at www.uschess.org.).

Let me know if you have questions or need more info. See you soon, drop in especially if you haven't in a long while, 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 Wednesday, January 9th at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Our next session of fun, challenging chess over the boards this new year is this Wednesday, January 9, 2024 at the same time, 3:00 p.m. to closing, at our usual Starbucks located at 1536 Kirker Pass Rd. in the Clayton Shopping Center. We meet every Sunday and Wednesday, same time, same place, come and go anytime, there are no dues, and there's no purchase necessary (but it would be nice).

This past Sunday's gathering saw at least 22 players, including chess master Rich K., and a few parents with their kids who were really engaging with adults and other kids alike in the game of chess! There to greet, welcome and play with Gene, Bodie, Rayden and AJ (Ajay?) were Kevin, Yancy, Red, Daniel, Vin, Tony, Ben C., Tyler, Rich K., Will, Mike T., FBen and son Theo. Rochelle and John were with sons Rayden and AJ and their friends Gene and Bodie; and, Lisa was with son Daniel, as were Vincent and Katherine with son Vin !!

Daniel found the key move (castling kingside!) that led to the day's tough chess puzzle being solved! There usually is a chess puzzle at every club session, and the first player to solve it on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Looking ahead, plan on playing in our first club tournament of the year on the first Sunday of February, February 4, 2024 at the Carl's Jr. Restaurant across the side parking lot from our Starbucks. Expect 3 rounds (or games); Quads or slightly larger groups depending on number of unrated players and those with established ratings; the Time Control to be 30 minutes with a 10-second delay (G/40; d10); Start Times: 11:30 a.m.; NLT 1:15 p.m.; and, NLT 2:30 p.m.. Entry Fees: $25 paid before Feb. 4th; $30 if paid on Feb.4th. Bring your own chess sets and chess clock. Required: Current membership in the US Chess Federation. Joining or renewing membership can be done easily online at www.uschess.org. If you have questions or need more info, let me know.

So then, see you soon at Starbucks, do drop in to 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, January 7, 2024 at Starbucks!

Hi Everyone!

Here's to a very happy new 2024!! This past Wednesday's session at our regular Starbucks venue saw at least 16 or more players enjoy a very spirited, fun, yet competitive afternoon and evening (to closing time!) playing chess over the boards! There were even a couple chess masters, IMRonald and NMRich, who had some fun with the players! Along with Rich and Ronald were Sam (once again generous with those Girl Scout Cookies!), Red, George, Moses, Meredith, Will, Mark, Ben C., FBen, Tony, Lou, Daniel, John S., and Mike T. Did I miss anybody? The chess puzzle was a tough one, but it was NM Rich who figured it out.

We're back to meeting 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. Come and go anytime - there are no dues, and there's no purchase required (but hey, it would be nice to buy something as part of enjoying the chess and coffee shop atmosphere). There usually is a chess puzzle to solve, and the first one to do so on the first try wins a free tall Starbucks drink of choice!

Thanks for your support and well wishes as our club, the Contra Costa Chess Club, gets its 16th year underway!!! So then, drop by and get your game up (some may want to practice for the upcoming Golden State Open), make new friends, renew old friendships! See you soon...

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